Practical Life
The Practical Life activities are designed to teach children life skills. They develop independence and confidence as well as strengthen their fine motor development as they care for the environment. Children complete tasks such as pouring liquids, sweeping, washing and transferring objects from one bowl to another. It is important to realize that children perform these tasks for a different purpose than an adult. The children enjoy the process of doing and acquiring a skill rather than the outcome of the activity, while an adult works to accomplish a goal. Therefore, the children are allowed to repeat an activity as often as they wish.
Sensorial
The Sensorial materials allow children to explore the five senses. They begin to learn concepts such as rough and smooth, loud and quiet, big and small, sweet and sour. The development of the senses helps children to learn about the environment around them and to categorize new information.
Language
The Language area helps children to distinguish letters by phonetic sound and visual recognition. Through the use of such materials as the metal insets, sandpaper letters, and the moveable alphabet, children can develop good control of their writing tool, learn phonetic sounds and letter recognition, and develop word building skills. There are many opportunities for the children to hear stories, poems, and songs, which help to develop their language skills. They learn to verbally express themselves through interactions with the teacher and other children. All of these experiences help children develop reading skills.
Mathmatics
The Mathematics area uses concrete materials to represent abstract concepts. Children will learn to count objects and then label them with number symbols. They learn by the unit system of tens, hundreds, and thousands with specially designed Montessori materials. The structure of the room also allows children to develop their mathematical skills through every day routine activities such as snack and circle time.
In addition to these areas, the children have access to art activities throughout the day as well as music, geography, history and science. Different units are discussed each month such as families, occupations, community helpers, animals, the continents, different countries as well as their cultures, etc. They will learn about the world around them through interactive activities, materials and discussions.