Montessori Method
Both Montessori and
Traditional programs share the same goal of providing an excellent
learning experience for children; the biggest difference lies in
the kind of learning experiences and the methods used. The
Montessori method is divided into 4 different categories:
Practical
Life
The
practical life method allows students to develop a meaningful
degree of independence and self-discipline, setting a pattern for
a lifetime of good work habits and a sense of responsibility.
Children learn how to tie their own shoes and pour their own milk.
With practice they master these practical life skills and build
their self-image which leads them to approach their next task with
confidence.
Sensorial
From
birth children look, listen, touch, taste, pick up, manipulate,
and smell almost everything they come in contact with. At first,
everything goes into the mouth, but gradually children begin to
explore objects' weight, texture, and temperature. The sensorial
method allows students to focus their attention more carefully
on the physical world, exploring each of their senses and the
subtle variations in the properties of different objects. Children
learn how to taste, smell and hear what they are experiencing with
a much deeper awareness and appreciation.
Language
Because
Montessori classrooms are multi-age, the youngest children are
immediately exposed to older children who are already reading.
Montessori teaches reading using phonetics. The process starts
with sandpaper letters until children know the entire alphabet.
Next, children learn to recognize short words, which expand into
phrases, then sentences and then stories. In terms of writing,
Montessori children work with metal insets which help the children
learn how to develop penmanship.
Mathematics
The
Montessori math method, uses hands-on learning materials that
make abstract concepts clear and concrete. In the classroom,
children use red and blue number rods which help them to learn to
count, add and subtract. Spindle boxes help children understand
the concept of numbers and quantity. Number cards and bead
materials help children learn place value and the concepts of
squared and cubed.
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