The process of flower arranging is predictably sequenced with precision and care, as are all of the practical life activities, to best support the development of coordination, concentration, order, and independence.
Pin punching is a fine motor activity and is easy to do at home. Starting with a piece of construction paper, students trace around a shape or draw a simple picture. Then, using a push pin, students carefully create perforation around the shape by making small holes along the line.
The exercises in the Practical Life area reflect Montessori’s concept of “an education for life” as the child develops practical skills necessary to gain mastery over his actions and she learns to use the common objects of daily life.
For young children, open ended art provides unlimited possibilities for creativity and concentration. Rather than provide detailed instructions or coloring books, offer different mediums like watercolors, crayons, colored paper, scissors and glue.
The sensorial curriculum area is unique to Montessori education, encouraging children to engage all five senses in their learning, forming concrete ideas from the abstract in their environments. The Geometric Solids are a key part of the sensorial curriculum area, allowing children to understand 3D shapes by making them tangible objects.
Like other sensorial materials, the binomial and trinomial cubes are self correcting: when properly assembled, the blocks form a cube that fits perfectly inside of its wooden box!
The Geometry Cabinet is part of the Sensorial area of a Montessori classroom. It is used to further develop the child’s visual and tactile senses in the discrimination of shape and form.
The exercises in the Practical Life area reflect Montessori’s concept of “an education for life” as the child develops practical skills necessary to gain mastery over his actions and he learns to use the common objects of daily life.
Building the words with the moveable alphabet pieces allows children to focus on the word rather than the formation of the letter shape with a pencil.
Concentration is a skill that needs practice to improve and develop. Montessori classrooms provide an environment that offers the time and opportunity to practice deep concentration.
