Montessori education is a
scientific method of teaching, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in
1907, to educate children through direct control of their environment.
It uses materials to stimulate a child's senses, which makes the
learning experience more memorable. The Montessori education method is a
progression of learning beginning with activities in practical life and
the sensorial, activities that internalize independence, coordination,
concentration and order (ICCO), which in turn help a child to transition
to more abstract learning in Culture, Math and Language.
The Montessori curriculum includes materials in Practical Life to
enhance motor skills through daily functions; Sensorial to allow a
child to explore his senses, and gain pre-math skills; Cultural,
which includes learning about plants, animals, human anatomy, the
Earth, outer space, and other cultures; Math, which helps a child
understand mathematical functions in concrete form; and Language
which teaches vocabulary, writing, and reading.
The Montessori education method supports and encourages multi-age
grouping. Older children work with younger children; giving the
older children leadership skills, and encouraging the younger
children to accomplish more challenging activities. Multi-age
grouping also promotes respect between older children and younger
children, and reinforces knowledge of the Montessori materials. |