The Montessori Curriculum is based upon the internal locus of control within each child. The environment is prepared
in a manner to ensure each child is able to identify an activity that best expresses his/her self-directed interest.
The following components are major areas of the Montessori curricula:
Practical Life- Children use materials to develop coordination and the ability to conduct daily living activates such as buttoning, lacing, scooping, pouring, and categorizing.
Sensorial- Children use materials to develop multiple senses. In conjunction with specialized tools, they begin to understand and master concepts related to sequence, volume, and dimension.
Mathematics- Children learn addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, numeration, and place value. The materials used vary in construction and matter.
Language- Children develop phonetic skills such as vowel, consonant, and cluster sounds. In addition, they master the alphabet and the sounds associated with each letter. Children also learn to master their fine motor skills and coordination, culminating in the use of a pencil to create written language.
Culture- This curriculum component has numerous areas. Science, History, Geography, and Foreign Language are all incorporated in cultural lessons.
The Watson Hall curriculum also offers music, movement, and art as apart of the overall curriculum.
References:
Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, E.M. Standing , Publ. Plume, 1998.
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