Areas of the Montessori Classroom
Language
In the first stage of development the Montessori language materials provide experiences to cultivate the use of a writing instrument and the basic skills of reading the English language. The Montessori reading program begins at age three with sandpaper letters to teach consonant and short vowel sounds, and continues through long vowel patterns and phonetic rules.
Mathematics
Mathematics begins with the sandpaper numerals and the number rods exercise at age three and then progresses through addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, the decimal system and basic arithmetic facts.
Practical Life
These exercises assist the child in developing neuromuscular coordination and independence. Buttoning, tying, lacing, pouring, sweeping, cutting and so many more activities are all part of the education of the preschool student.
Sensorial
The sensorial exercises assist in refinement of the senses, preparation of the mathematical mind and development of eye-hand coordination. The preschool student will work with shapes and colors and be introduced to concepts of size and shape discrimination.