In a Montessori environment, children are in mixed age groups, sine qua non condition to ensure good homogeneity of the group. Thus, it creates among them a “natural mental osmosis“, in the words of Maria Montessori.
No spirit of competition or jealousy, but instead, a spirit of mutual help and respect, love, admiration and enthusiasm. It creates a mutual stimulation.
It is a micro society formed, with its rules, rights and duties. The child of 3-6 years is a “social embryo”. Maria Montessori said that this society created before age 6 is a society of cohesion.
“Society toddlers guided by the magical powers of Nature“ L’esprit absorvant, p. 191
So each child has its place in a Montessori environment. Find everything he needs to develop and grow in harmony. He moves at its own pace, through individualized instruction, fearing adult eyes or their comrades. The child with a high intellectual potential or not, is welcome at a Montessori environment.
Conforming to the principles of Montessori pedagogy, preschool class regroups children between 3 to 6 years. Children are accompanied by graduate Montessori educators. The child in the preschool years is characterized by absorbing spirit. The development of the young child goes through periods during which he is naturally more receptive to learning certain issues. The Montessori method takes advantage of those periods to help the child discover knowledge and experience for yourself, using all their senses.
Objectives
- Help the child to become aware of himself, of others and of Nature.
- Holding, artistic, cognitive, and physical development of the child
- Presenting learning as a personal and happy experience
- Develop in the child a positive attitude towards others, community, school and life.
Offer a personal atmosphere, capable of meeting the child’s needs and help develop capabilities.
the activities
The proposed activities are divided into five domains of equal value. The time allocated to them is not fixed by a strict weekly schedule or as a cut time.
- Practical life activities
- Sensory exercises
- Math activities
- Linguistic activities
- Awareness activities