Welcome to our classroom!
Unique Things about Montessori
We use a lot of blocks and other large manipulatives that need to be used on the floor. So we have the children use a small rug on the floor as their work space. They are then taught to roll or fold them up nicely and put them away.
We also try to make our classroom as beautiful and aesthetically pleasing as possible. We don’t put up too many posters or pictures so the children don’t get overstimulated. We try to put things at the children’s eye level since this is their classroom.
Practical Life
We teach the children how to take care of themselves and their environment. We help them learn how to tie their shoes, wash their hands, wash the dishes, sweep the floor, pour from a pitcher, wash the table, and push in their chairs. Those who can do things for themselves feel more confidence and self-esteem.
Sensorial Works
Sensorial works are manipulatives that help children notice the small differences in size, shape and color. This helps them notice the small differences in letter shapes and numbers. It also helps them develop their small motor skills and strengthen their muscles for when it is time to grasp a pencil and write.
Math
Our math shelf is full of manipulatives that help the children see and understand the concept of number. They practice counting, comparing, and adding with sandpaper numerals, bead bars, number bars, puzzles and much more. Math is made fun and understandable when you have quality works to use.
Language Arts
We use a lot of hands-on materials to help the children learn to read. We have sandpaper letters that help the children “see” the letters with their fingers as well as their eyes. We have a moveable alphabet that allows the children to put words together with out the complication of having to write it with a pencil. We try to isolate the difficulties so they can focus on one challenge at a time. We try to make reading fun by pairing it with objects, pictures, puzzles and stories.
Science and Culture
Our science and cultural areas are geography, zoology, botany, cultural geography, history, and Spanish. We teach about animals, plants, people and our earth with songs, pictures, books, games, crafts and hands-on materials to make learning about our world fun and engaging. We also teach the children how to speak conversational Spanish.
