The Montessori classroom consists of five areas that contribute to the child’s total development.

Practical Life

The Practical Life exercises are the beginning point in a Montessori environment. This area incorporates Preliminary Exercises, Care of the Environment, Care of the Person and Grace and Courtesy. The exercises are an aid to total development and enable the child to:

• Grow in self knowledge
• Develop independence
• Develop a sense of responsibility
• Develop concentration
• Develop motor control and co-ordination
• Develop respect for his environment and those in it

Sensorial

The Sensorial materials are used to educate and refine the child’s senses. He has absorbed impressions from his environment from birth and through the use of the Sensorial materials is now able to sort, classify and discriminate the many impressions he has received. The Sensorial area contains exercises that assist the child’s visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and tactile senses.

Language

Language includes oral language development, written expression, reading, the study of grammar and children’s literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed using a phonetic approach. A variety of presentations allow children to link sounds and letter symbols effortlessly and to express their thoughts through writing.

Arithmetic

The arithmetic area makes use of concrete, manipulative materials that enable the child to internalize concepts of number, symbol, sequence, operations, and memorization of basic facts. The use of concrete materials leads the child to an understanding of abstract concepts.

Culture

Cultural activities expose the child to basics in geography, history, botany and zoology and science. Music, art, and movement education are part of the integrated cultural curriculum. The child develops an understanding, appreciation and respect of his world.