Montessori Curriculum

“Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core.”
Maria Montessori

Children between the ages of six and twelve years old are moving from a stage of Construction of the Individual Self to a stage of Construction of the Social Self. This period of growth is characterized by sensitivity towards socialization; consciousness extended outward, absorption of culture through the imagination, and a beginning sense of morality. Dr. Montessori recognized this tendency and generated an educational curriculum that would prove to be conducive to the needs of children at this point in life.

Montessori provides a rich academic opportunity. Math, English, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, geography, history, world languages, and technology are all combined to create an interdisciplinary educational experience. Lessons and presentations are always prepared with the developmental needs of the children in mind.

Socialization

The classroom environment serves as an open landscape where everything has a specific use or purpose. Students are encouraged to explore the environment both independently and in cooperation with one another. This creates a busy, productive atmosphere where social and intellectual development flourishes!

Consciousness Extended Outward

“If the idea of the universe is presented to the child in the right way, it will do more for him than just arouse his interest, for it will create in him admiration and wonder, a feeling loftier than any interest and more satisfying.”
Maria Montessori

The confines of the classroom cannot sustain elementary children; therefore it is important that students venture out to explore the natural environment and the community in which they live.

Absorption of Culture through the Imagination

“But if for the physical life it is necessary to have the child exposed to the vivifying forces of nature, it is also necessary for his psychical life to place the soul of the child in contact with creation.” source unknown

At this juncture in life, imagination is at an all time high. The Montessori elementary curriculum introduces children to the mysteries of the universe through great stories and impressionistic presentations. These initials lessons ignite curiosity and wonder and children feel compelled to work, investigate, and learn more.

A Beginning Sense of Morality

"Discipline must come through liberty... We do not consider an individual disciplined when he has been rendered as artificially silent as a mute and as immovable as a paralytic. He is an individual annihilated, not disciplined."
Maria Montessori

Children are free to move about the environment, and to make independent choices. The classroom is theirs, thus they learn to care for it and to live as citizens in a community.

Montessori described her method as much more than an isolated academic experience. She referred to it as Help to Life.