Materials are introduced to the children one-on-one or in small groups by the teacher; after that, the child is welcome to work with the materials further on their own, or with the teacher. The materials come with built-in error controls; for example, when a knobbed cylinder does not fit in a hole, the child easily perceives the error. Children are able to solve problems on their own, building independence, analytical thinking, and the satisfaction that comes from true accomplishment. As the child’s exploration continues, the materials interrelate and build upon each other.
Learning Materials
- Practical Life - Practical Life is the cornerstone of the environment. These lessons are presented first to the child to form a foundation for the other areas of the environment. Practical life exercises are the child’s introduction to the prepared environment of the Montessori classroom.
- Sensorial - The sensorial materials help to order the child's mind by isolating and emphasizing one quality at a time (i.e. size, gradation). Through the physical manipulation of materials in this area, the child begins to categorize and order the objects in their world, leading to increased understanding of their role in the universe.
- Language - Language exercises are offered to the child initially as an aid to the child’s own developmental process for language. By age 3, the child has already mastered basic spoken language. When the child enters the Primary Montessori classroom, the materials of language offered to the child will simply add to the foundation the child has already made through self construction. During the primary cycle, she will go through three stages of language: expansion of vocabulary, writing, and reading.
- Mathematics - By nature, everyone is mathematical. We are all born with a mathematical mind, which isn’t something that we create, but something we need to awaken it into consciousness. Through exercises offered to the child, the child prepares for the emergence of the mathematical mind that exists within him.
- Cultural Activities - Cultural areas include art, biology, geography, history, music, science and foreign language. In the primary program, children will be exposed to these cultural activities within the realm of their prepared environment.