MONTESSORI 101

Who is Maria Montessori? She was born on August 31, 1870 in Italy. She was the first Italian female to study medicine at the University of Rome.. She graduated from Rome University with Doctorate of Medicine She studied young children with learning difficulties and found that deficiencies can be solved using pedagogical approaches rather than medical approaches.

Children of the Montessori Method Children are motivated toward self-development and self-teaching. Children should have freedom to work on self-chosen tasks in an attractive environment especially designed and equipped to meet their needs.

Teachers of the Montessori Method Teachers (directress, guide) should provide an attractive and responsive environment should protect the learning process. should be an observer of the child to assist and direct their needs. The teacher should be the resource person, the role model, the demonstrator, and the record keeper.

Main Points of the Montessori Method Programmed preparation, practice, and precision. Self processes and individuality Movement, activity, and work Freedom and spontaneity Prepared environment Sensitive periods Rhythm-balance-order Discovery and development To know, love, and serve

The Montessori Grouping Multi-age grouping: Children are grouped in mixed ages and abilities in three to six year spans: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12 (sometimes 6-9 and 9-12), 12-15, There is constant interaction, problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization. Children are challenged according to their ability and are never bored. SSMCS: Kinder Lower El 1 st -3 rd Grades Upper El 4 th -5 th Grades Middle School 6 th -8 th Grades

Environment in Montessori Method 1. Freedom: children can show himself in an atmosphere of choice 2. Structure and order of universe must be reflected in the classroom to build children’s own intelligence. 3. Children can internalize the limits of nature and reality if he is to be freed from fantasies and illusions. 4. Beauty and atmosphere encourages a positive and spontaneous response to learning. 5. Equipment supports child’s self-construction and development.

Teaching the Montessori Method It based on “say-show-check” principle. Say Describing and Telling & Instructing: teacher tells the child the proper way to use the materials and the work. Show Modeling, demonstrating teacher is a kind of “didactic object” Children imitate/mimic teacher’s language, gestures and behaviors. Teacher shows a specific way to use the material. Check Feedback: if the child applies the task incorrectly, teacher starts say-show-check process again.

Upper El at SSMCS Each “Upper El” 9-l2 classroom encompasses grades 4-5 and is staffed with two teachers. The curiosity of the child continues at this age level with a heightened awareness of the environment. Focus on educating the whole child according to their own unique talents, gifts, and interests. Move toward abstraction so less “materials” are used with many students.

Our SSMCS Public Charter School: We must follow the Nevada State Standards (Common Core State Standards for ELA and Math.) We participate in the Nevada CRT tests and 5 th grade writing proficiency assessments. We implement many resources to teach the standards in the most “hands-on” and individualized way possible.

Montessori Materials: Didactic: purpose of the materials is to stimulate the child's natural desire to learn through action Control of error: self-correcting. One concept at a time.

Our Upper El Materials: Math The Study of Math and Geometry at the upper elementary level is an investigative and active process. Specifically crafted materials are used to demonstrate and develop abstract concepts in a concrete-operational way. GEOMETRY Geometry Sticks Geometry Cabinet Geometric solids

Upper El Materials: Math OPERATIONS Stamp Game (x, /, -, +) Racks and Tubes (Division) Multiplication Checkerboard Multiplication Chart Snake Game Math Drawers Math U See (Individualized) OnCore Math (Grade level)

Upper El Materials: Science Biology/zoology, botany, the human body, and earth sciences. Science Weekly Newspapers Upper El Materials: Cultural Social Studies: NV History, US History, Geography, Explorers, Native Americans.

Upper El Materials: ELA Our language curriculum includes grammar, reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary, word study and oral presentations. Grammar Boxes Grammar Symbols Independent reading, reading aloud, and small group reading allow for the development of reading skills, literary discussion, and investigations into literary styles and genres. Literature Circles

Typical Schedule 8:25-8:30 Circle 8:30-11:30 3 hour Work Cycle (Small group and individual lessons) 11:30-12:15 Recess/Lunch 12:15-2:00 Specials and Cultural (Science/Social Studies) 2:00-2:50 Science, Cursive, Writing Small Groups 2:50-3:00 Closing Circle

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Want to visit? You are always welcome to volunteer in the classroom, just your child’s teacher to schedule a time! If you want to observe the classroom, we request you give us and the office a days notice.