Montessori Children's Garden

Dr. Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori graduated from the medical school of the University of Rome in 1896 and was among the first women to practice medicine in Italy. As a physician, Dr. Maria Montessori was very involved with the care of young children. Through scientific observation, she came to see how children interacted with one another, learned through the use of
materials she provided, and went through specific phases of development.

The Primary Class 3-6 years old        
Children of this age possess what Dr. Montessori called the Absorbent Mind. This type of mind has the unique and transitory ability to absorb all aspects physical, mental, spiritual of the environment, without effort or fatigue. As an aid to the child's self-construction, individual work is
encouraged. The following areas of activity cultivate the children's ability to express themselves and think with clarity.

Practical Life
Practical Life exercises instill care for themselves, for others, and for the
environment. The activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily life in their home washing and ironing, doing the dishes, arranging flowers, etc. Elements of human conviviality are introduced with the exercises of grace and courtesy. Through these and other activities, children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement
and the exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and develop their will (defined by Dr. Montessori as the intelligent direction of movement), their self-discipline and their
capacity for total concentration.

Sensorial
Sensorial Materials are tools for development. Children build cognitive
efficacy, and learn to order and classify impressions. They do this by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment through the mediation of
specially-designed materials.

Language
Language is vital to human existence. The Montessori environment provides rich and precise language.

Cultural Extensions
Geography, History, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art and Music are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities. Children learn about other cultures past and present, and this allows their innate respect and love for their environment to flourish, creating a sense of solidarity with the global human family and its habitat.
Experiences with nature in conjunction with the materials in theenvironment inspire a reverence for all life. .