Sensorial Life
This area of the Montessori method focuses on the exploration of dimension, color, shape, texture, smell, and taste. The exposure to sensory information helps children classify and categorize things in their environment. Children become “sensory explorers” and “sensory detectives” as they use information that they have gained in class to go about and explore the outside world.
Practical Life
The in practical life exercises, children learn the basic movements of all societies as well as the care and maintenance that helps everyday life. This prepares the child for encounters later in life, as well as reinforcing the Montessori principles of order, coordination, and independence. Practical life exercises include food preparation, sorting, and caring for their environment. Practical Life Exercises are meant to resemble everyday activities as materials used must be both breakable and functional.
Mathematics
According to the Montessori method, the progression of learning mathematics begins concretely and progresses towards the abstract. Children are first introduced to sequential work including understanding of numbers through ten. They then progress to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division concepts. They eventually reach the stage of skip counting and fractions. Activities dealing with mathematics are not implemented at a set pace, allowing the child to grow at their own natural pace.
Language
Studies show that early exposure to foreign languages leads to easier fluency later on in life. Young children are still in the developmental phase where mimicking new sounds and adopting pronunciation come easily. The goal is to increase listening skills, comprehension, and vocabulary. Montessori classroom is designed to help children experience different modes of language and to natural understand the importance of communication.
Culture
The cultural aspect of the Montessori method includes the subjects of Geography, Science, Botany, Zoology, and History. Art and Music are also included in and are a large part of the curriculum here at Ravenswood. Within the realm of culture, we tackle a large variety of topics including maps, biomes, invertebrates, mammals and much more. Children learn about the earth around them in an engaging and fun way.