Montessori Learning Tools
The Montessori methodology aims to develop the “whole child” so that he may reach his full potential in all areas of life, according to the “American Montessori Society.” Dr. Maria Montessori established an educational framework based on her clinical observations of the child and his natural learning tendencies. In a multi-age group setting, the Montessori environment is designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration with the use of specially designed learning tools or materials. These learning tools interrelate throughout the child’s Montessori education. As he makes progress, new aspects of the familiar materials emerge.
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Practical Life
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In the early stages of Montessori, practical life tools play an essential role for preschool children in order to learn basic and purposeful tasks in life. Maria Montessori stated that exercises to improve coordinated movements such as dressing and undressing prepare the child for practical life. In the course of a lesson, a child uses dressing frames. This practical life tool facilitates hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and the basic functions of dressing through an applied approach. Dressing frames include zipping, buttoning, buckling and lacing. Learning tools such as polishing wood, metal or glass establish the groundwork for sequencing in a logical order.
Sensorial
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Sensorial learning materials give the child an opportunity to explore with her senses via concrete objects. The Pink Tower hones visual senses. It consists of ten wooden cubes sized in three dimensions so the child cannot only see the decreasing segments but touch them for greater understanding. The tower is the foundation for mathematical concepts such as volume, geometry and decimals. Focusing on tactile senses, touch boards allow the child to trace with her finger over different textures shaped with designs, letters and numbers. This learning tool achieves muscular control through lightness of touch, which prepares them for writing.
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Mathematics
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In Montessori, mathematics is instructed with the assistance of manipulative materials. The child is introduced to golden bead work; a preface to the decimal system. Beads represent the hierarchy of numbers with the process of quantity and place value. The stamp game follows with a focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division implemented with a more abstract method. The child employs emblematic colored stamps for quantity and symbols. Other mathematic learning tools include the colored bead stairs and the wooden hierarchical tool, which also functions as a learning method for the decimal system progressing to higher abstract mathematical thinking.
Language
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In written language, children start with sandpaper letters and later move on to metal insets; 10 geometric shapes painted blue that fit into square pink metal frames. Metal inset materials prepare children for handwriting by strengthening the three-finger grip and coordinating it the proper wrist movements. Dr. Montessori stated that, “He begins the work which directly prepares for the formation of the muscular mechanisms relative to the holding and manipulation of the instrument of writing.” The child eventually progresses to grammar box symbols. These symbols introduce the parts of speech to the child, who then uses these tools to analyze sentence parts. Color coded grammar symbol materials represent different parts of speech. This tool visually helps the child learn the structure of language.
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References
- American Montessori Society: History of the Montessori Movement
- “The Montessori Method: Scientific Pedagogy as Applied to Child Education in "The children's houses" with additions and revisions; Maria Montessori, Anne Everett George, Henry Wyman Holmes; 1912
- "Montessori Method"; Maria Montessori, Anne E. George; 2003
Resources
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