The Montessori Method
Lessons may be given to a large group, a small group, or an individual. Teachers explain the lessons in great detail to break down the process so that students may follow the process on their own. Students work individually with materials until they have mastered those materials. Groups may cover a major topic together, but individuals may work at their own pace. For example, the class may be studying one continent, but a student may work ahead during that time to learn the next continent if he or she shows interest and aptitude.
The Montessori classroom is a child-sized world where materials are set out so that the students can get out and put away their own work. Our classrooms and routines are designed to offer students a variety of work created to help them with their development and independence in practical living. Each classroom has multi-age groupings according to the developmental needs of the children. Mixed grouping encourages the development of self-esteem and allows peer tutoring and relationship building.
More about the Montessori preschool curriculum: The Montessori Preschool Program (NAMTA)