| Montessori Curriculum |
Like others I had believed that it was necessary to encourage a child by means of some exterior reward that would flatter his baser sentiments… in order to foster in him a spirit of work and peace. And I was astonished when I learned that a child who is permitted to educate himself really gives up these lower instincts. I then urged the teachers to cease handing out the ordinary prizes and punishments, which were no longer suited to our children, and to confine themselves to directing them gently in their work. - Dr. Maria Montessori Overview: Based on the observations and work of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori classroom is a child-centered laboratory where students learn by doing and derive joy from learning. The classroom, curriculum and learning process are both dynamic and unique in the best sense of each word. Children are grouped into multi-age classes that support physical, emotional and intellectual growth. The prepared environment provides students easy access to lessons and even the youngest toddler is self-directed. This process allows the child choice and cultivates independence at an early age. The teachers are trained to follow the child and children progress at their own pace. The curriculum is tailored to the developmental needs and stages of all children and is organized into five areas: Practical Life; Sensorial; Mathematics; Language; Sciences, Geography, Cultures and Arts. The Montessori process of learning is made up of three stages: introduction to a concept; processing and development of understanding through experimentation; and, knowing. Children demonstrate knowing not just though testing, but by showing or teaching another child. It through this mastery and leadership that children grow and learn to their maximum potential. Developmental Stages and Groupings:Infant, 8 Weeks to walkingLearning Stage: AbsorptionCurriculum: Movement; Language Development; Sensory Development Toddler, 18 Months to 3 YearsLearning Stage: Absorption and SensoryIntegrated Curriculum: Language Development; Practical Living and Social Development Skills; Creative Movement; Music; Art Primary, 3 to 6 YearsLearning Stage: Sensory/ Concrete/ ExperientialIntegrated Curriculum: Language Arts; Geography; Nature Studies; Science; Mathematics; Practical Living Skills; Social Skills; Music; Art; Creative Movement; Spanish; Physical Education Lower Elementary, 6 through 8 YearsLearning Stage: Concrete/ExperientialIntegrated Curriculum: Reading, Creative Writing, Grammar, and Spelling; Mathematics, including Geometry; General Science, Botany, and Zoology; History; Geography; Social Studies; Music; Art; Spanish; Physical Education Upper Elementary, 8 through 11 YearsLearning Stage: Abstract/ExperientialIntegrated Curriculum: Reading, Creative Writing, Grammar, and Spelling; Mathematics, including Geometry and Algebra; General Science, Botany, and Zoology; History; Geography; Social Studies; Music and Performance; Art; Spanish; Physical Education; Technology Middle School, 11 through 14 YearsLearning Stage: Analysis/ Logical Thinking/ ExperientialIntegrated Curriculum: History and Literature, Composition, Vocabulary Development; Mathematics, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry; Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science; World Cultures and Languages; Communication; Health; Time Management; Study and Research Skills; Music; Art; Physical Education; Computer/ Internet Instruction |