Practical Life

Practical life Exercises are just that, they are Exercises so the child can learn how to do living activities in a purposeful way. 

The purpose and aim of Practical Life is to help the child gain control in the coordination of his or her movement and help the child to gain independence. 

Practical Life Exercises also aid the growth and development of the child’s intellect and concentration and will in turn also help the child develop an orderly way of thinking.

Sensorial

A young child meets the world through the constant use of all their senses. Dr Montessori felt that this was the ideal time to give the child exercises which would enhance his/her senses and learning.

The Sensorial materials in the Montessori classroom help the child to become aware of detail by offering them, at first, strongly contrasting sensations gradually becoming more subtle. Each of the Sensorial Materials isolates one defining quality such as dimension, colour, weight, shape, texture, size or sound.

Language

When the child arrives in the Montessori classroom, he has fully absorbed his culture's language. He has already constructed the spoken language and with his entry into the classroom, he will begin to consolidate the spoken language and begin to explore the written forms of language.

Language is taught phonetically; children learn the sounds for each individual letter and then progress through a series of exercises designed to develop reading skills and a life-long love of reading.

Maths

Maths is all around the young child from day one. How old are you? In one hour you will go to school. You were born on the 2nd. 

Dr Montessori demonstrated that if a child has access to mathematical equipment in their early years they can easily and joyfully assimilate many facts and skills. She designed materials to represent all types of quantities that the child can touch, handle and put in order. This always begins with concrete knowledge, leading to the abstract.

Cultural

Dr Montessori believed that through culture we become thoroughly educated. She described the cultural curriculum as a seed, planted at an early age. The child can classify and clarify the world around them and can adapt his or herself to their place in society. History, Science, Geography, Botany, Music, Movement and Art are all covered in this area.

Prepared Environment

The "prepared environment" is Maria Montessori's concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the child.

... In the calm, ordered space of the Montessori prepared environment, children work on activities of their own choice at their own pace.

Contact us to arrange a viewing and see our inquisitive minds at play.