"I have studied the child.  I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called Montessori method." - Dr. Maria Montessori.

The Montessori method of teaching is based on the child's development.  There are periods between the ages of 3-6 where a child is more "sensitive" to stimuli.  A Montessori teacher is trained to recognize these "periods" and to introduce activities and materials that will encourage spontaneous learning.  A child is given the freedom to choose their activities (within some limits) and they learn to understand concepts independently.

The following areas are studied in the Montessori Preschool Curriculum:

• Practical Life:  Everyday tasks, ordinary to adults, can be exciting and special to children.  Pouring their own juice into a cup, washing dishes, sorting clothes, preparing snacks, all allow a child to imitate adult work.  These skills are important not only for everyday life, but also help to develop small motor skills and concentration, important skills for more advanced learning.
  
  
• Sensorial:  These materials allow children to develop and train their senses.  They sharpen their awareness and percept ion of concepts such as smallest to largest, balance, sorting, etc.
  
  
• Mathematics:  Dr. Montessori established that children can much more easily assimilate mathematical information when performing "hands-on" operations.  Children in a Montessori program learn skills through the physical manipulation of materials, rather than the memorization of facts.
  
  
• Language:  Language activities span all of the other activities as well.  The teaching of the phonetic alphabet comes first, as this is a key for children to learn how letters and then words sound.  Various activities challenge children in their language instruction, with writing skills usually developing between 3 1/2 years and 4 1/2 years, and reading skills between ages 5-6.  The Montessori classroom introduces adjectives, verbs, nouns, using fun and informative techniques.
  
  
• Cultural Activities:  These activities include art, yoga, study of customs of other countries, geography, history, cooking, nutrition and music.
  

Please see some of the links for more information on the Montessori Methodology and on quality childcare and education.