Montessori Teaching Method
Each day begins with “circle time,” when both children and teachers can share a story about something special in their lives, such as a pet or something about their culture. Circle time allows for singing songs with hand motions, using puppets to tell a story, reviewing the calendar and weather, and acknowledging special accomplishments. It is also an optimum time to introduce new curriculum or reinforce what the children are learning, both academically and socially.
A Montessori classroom is in many ways different from a standard classroom. The prepared environment is suited to the child’s need for order. Every material in the classroom has its own place and is kept in good working condition. The materials are self-correcting, allowing the child to find their own mistakes. The emphasis of the room is on the children; they learn concentration, self-confidence, and self-reliance. Children choose their own work from low, open, easily accessible shelves, enabling them to gain independence.
With the children grouped in classrooms by age clusters, the range of capabilities is considerably larger than when children are grouped by one grade only. The younger children learn academic and social skills through specific individual and group lessons, as well as from observing their older classmates. The older children learn patience, tolerance and leadership skills from interactions with their younger classmates.