Villa di Maria Montessori School

Children who are exposed to education in the Montessori method grow
up with a certain self assurance, a keen sense of observation, and an
ability to discern that often amazes the adult.
The various exercises utilized in the Montessori classroom are part of
this development.There are 4 overarching areas addressed in a
Montessori Children's House.

Practical Life and Social Behavior- This area of the Montessori
environment includes lessons in daily etiquette and courtesy along with
exercises in carrying, pouring, balancing, washing, polishing, and
preparing food. These tasks, which are attractively designed, interest
the child and provide a motive for purposeful activity. The exercises
help the young child to acquire practical skills, build attention span,
create an inner sense of order, and build muscular coordination and
perseverance. Having gained a measure of concentration, control and
coordination the young mind is free to explore academic interests.

Sensorial Development- Dr. Montessori devised this group of activities
to help the child develop powers of observation and discernment. In
these exercises, many of the abstractions of the adult world are made
concrete for the classroom. The child is offered materials representing
various forms, colors, dimensions, textures, sounds, tastes, and
smells. Working with these specially prepared materials, the child
gains perception and the ability to classify. This leads to higher
reasoning skills while extending the scope of imagination.

Language- Language exercises begin casually with the child's oral
vocabulary development. Objects and activities in the classroom and
outdoor environment are given names and discussed in small groups.
Vocabulary development which was introduced with the sensorial
materials with concepts such as "heavier," "longer," etc. is enhanced
with more abstract concepts. Precise words relating to various
concepts in mathematics, geometry, biology, geography, history, and
science are presented.
Sounds of various letters become the focus of impromptu language
games as children show an interest in their mother tongue. Symbols
for the sounds are introduced and the child begins analyzing words
which are already part of his oral vocabulary.
As word building activity grows, advanced letter sound combinations
are introduced. Before long, children explode into reading and writing.
Functions of parts of speech and sentences are presented to children
who have begun reading. The child delights in these exercises and
without realizing it, he is gaining knowledge which will pay dividends
throughout his later school years.

Mathematics- Foundations of mathematical thought are established
through work with practical life and sensorial areas. The young child is
given exercises which aid him in understanding quantity, symbol and
counting. As the child masters the introductory lessons, the decimal
system and the four basic operations are introduced. While the child is
happily absorbed in his tasks, certain mathematical functions including
the numerical value of squares and cubes are being imprinted on his
subconscious.

Association Montessori International- As an A.M.I. school, Villa
di Maria is committed to upholding the highest standards of
Montessori education. For more information about A.M.I.,
please visit their website at www.amiusa.org.