The Montessori Method was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian child psychologist and educator. The first Montessori school was set up by Maria Montessori in 1907. Montessori initiated a child centred programme which integrates all aspects of the child’s development. During their time at Happy Start Montessori each child will be introduced to specifically designed Montessori materials which aid and compliment their natural innate tendencies to develop, learn and create.Montessori established a learning environment in which children were free to choose their own activity and direct their own learning. Maria Montessori said that “play is the work of the child” so our Montessori classrooms are fully stocked and allow the children to work, develop and learn at their own individual pace with individual attention as all work is presented on a one to one basis.The Montessori prepared environment provides a range of specialised materials that are organised and made available to children for independent use which stimulates the natural instincts and interest of children, allowing freedom within limits and respecting the individuality of each child. By using these materials the child gradually builds up a strong sense of independence and self-confidence.
The Montessori classroom is divided into five working areas:
Practical Life
The Practical Life area teaches the child to care for themselves and their environment. The activities encourage good work habits, increase concentration, independence and develop fine motor skills and coordination. It also helps to develop a sense of responsibility and a sense of order. This area prepares the child for all other subject areas of the classroom. Sensorial
The sensorial materials help the child refine each of their five senses. The materials were designed to cover every quality that can be perceived by the senses such as size, shape, dimension, texture, weight, colour, smell etc. Materials include Pink Tower, Brown Stairs, Knobbed Cylinders, Colour Boxes and Sound Boxes.Culture
This area is divided into geography, history, biology and science. The children will learn about the world around them. It introduces children to the physical world of plants, animals and the exploration of differences and similarities among people. History allows the child to learn the concept of time. Science allows the child to carry out simple experiments and helps develop the child’s knowledge, respect and appreciation of our world.Mathematics
The mathematic materials are designed to give the child a sound understanding of numbers and their relationships. They also help the child to develop the ability to discriminate and to recognise patterns. Mathematics is developed with the use of concrete learning materials where each exercise builds upon another and the child progresses at their own pace. Materials include Number Rods, Sandpaper Numbers, Spindle Box, Cards and Counters, Number Games and Golden Beads.Language
Developing the child’s language is part of every aspect of the Montessori curriculum. Children learn how to recognize and differentiate sounds as well as to write through specific hands-on and tactile language materials. Metal insets for design are an exercise used to refine pencil control and help to improve pre-writing skills and when the child is ready alphabet sounds are introduced phonetically through the sandpaper letters.