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Characteristics of the Montessori Early Childhood Program

Social, Emotional, Spiritual Development

In a Montessori prepared environment, children are mixed in ages, within a three year developmental span.  Mixing ages enables the older, more socially advanced and capable children to become role models for the younger ones.  A feeling of community develops as younger children are aided by older ones, and as older children learn patience, nurturance, and an appreciation for other perspectives through their experiences with younger children.  In a mixed age classroom, children can choose friendships based on common interests, not just same age.

Respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment, form the basis for all classroom rules.  As children are treated with respect by the adults, they learn to treat themselves and others in kind.

Physical, Motor Development

To become independent, a child must develop motor coordination and control.  The freedom of movement found in the Montessori early childhood environment allows children the opportunity to learn to control their bodies in a defined space.

The activities of Practical Life instill care: for oneself, for others and for the environment.  These exercises include pouring liquids, preparing food, washing dishes, setting a table, polishing silver or shoes and dealing gracefully and courteously with social encounters.  Through these tasks and experiences, children learn to concentrate, coordinate their movements, and develop fine motor skills.  Practical Life activities are the foundation of all future academic work because they promote concentration, order, and a complete work cycle.

The Sensorial materials are designed to enable the 3-6 year-old child to identify and refine information obtained through their senses, and to order and classify sensorial impressions.  By seeing, smelling, tasting, listening to, touching and further exploring the sensorial properties of these materials, children begin to classify and eventually name impressions in their environment.

Cognitive Development

Because the 3-6 year-old child's mind is absorbent, this is the ideal age to assist in the development of brain pathways.  Montessori observed that the child of this age was in a "sensitive" period for absorbing language, both spoken and written.  The Montessori early childhood classroom is rich in oral language opportunities -- listening to stories or reciting poems, singing and conversing with others.  The Montessori sandpaper letters connect each spoken sound with its symbol, supporting the development of writing, and eventually reading.

Young children are intrigued by numbers -- knowing how much or how many provides another dimension in understanding the world.  The Montessori math materials and lessons help children develop an understanding of math concepts through the manipulation of concrete materials, building a secure foundation of math principles, skills and problem solving abilities.

Science, geography, history, art and music are all incorporated into the early childhood environment.  They are presented in sensorial ways with specially designed materials and real-life experiences.  In geography, children learn not only about the names of countries, but the life of people and their respective cultures.  They develop a sense of respect for different cultures, recognizing that we all belong to the family of people.  Young children are natural scientists.  Watching and caring for classroom animals and plants creates an interest in science lessons and a reverence for life.  Art and music give the children an opportunity for creative and joyful self-expression, as well as experiences with great music and works of art.

The materials in the Montessori environment are designed to isolate one concept at a time in a very concrete manner.  Children work with materials that are self-correcting, thus allowing for auto-education.  "Errors" are viewed as a necessary and helpful part of the learning process.  The Montessori materials provide a bridge from the known to the unknown, allowing children to gradually evolve from concrete, experience-based learning toward increasingly abstract thought.

Impact of Montessori Education on the Child

Children who have been educated using the Montessori method grow into competent learners who know how to learn and love learning.  The solid foundation begun early in life creates a self-confident, contributing adult.  In "Education for a New World", Dr. Montessori states:

"they will be witnessed of the unfolding of the human soul and to the raising of a New Man who will not be the victim of events, but will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human society."