A Montessori teacher serves less as an instructor and more as a guide and facilitator. Because the method is based upon developmentally appropriate activities, the child often learns through the process of 'education by doing' unlike other teaching methods that instruct the child how to learn.
Montessori materials are enticing pieces of equipment designed to incorporate a teaching purpose. Understanding, dexterity and skill are developed each time the child uses them.
Each activity is attractively presented, in perfect repair, and of the right size for small hands to use. The equipment is set out on low shelves.
The children can choose the activity on which they want to work and complete it in their own time.
Dr Montessori found that once children are accustomed to making choices, they are naturally attracted to what will best serve their educational needs and if they are free to work without interruption they can develop great powers of concentration.
Many visitors to Montessori classes comment on the calm way children go about their business. This inner harmony springs from self-respect and confidence gained from learning to take care of their own needs.
A Montessori classroom is split into several working areas. One is the practical life area where the children learn simple, practical tasks such as how to tie a bow and more conventional nursery activities like painting and water play.
When the children are ready, they move on to the next stage in their education -the laying of the foundations for academic learning by developing and refining their senses with special materials that enhance their perceptions and concentration.
These pieces are set out on the Sensorial shelves and include items such as sets of graded cylinders. This equipment prepares the children for reading and writing, for example, sorting tablets according to subtle differences in shade sharpens a child's perception for slight difference which is a prerequisite for letter recognition.
In the maths area, children gain an understanding of size and quantity long before they begin to manipulate numbers.
In the cultural area, the children learn about the lives of children of other cultures and in other countries. They also explore the natural world around them by studying plant life and making small experiments.
