1. Montessori learning environment
Distinguished from a traditional classroom, a Montessori classroom is specially built to ensure the following 04 characteristics: (1) children’s learning through sensory experiences, (2) respecting the characteristics of children’s individuality (3) promotes children’s independence and age mix in the classroom and (4) each classroom – each well-prepared environment.
(1) Through the impressions obtained from different senses, children easily grasp human knowledge and abstract concepts. From that, they can develop the language, improve cognitive thinking and creativity.
(2) The method accepts the uniqueness and difference of each child; hence, it allows the child to grow according to his or her own abilities and timeline. Children are free to choose the work they are interested in within limits and carry out the work at their own pace and progress. Therefore, teachers only act as guides and observers on a one-to-one basis.
(3) The Montessori classroom is a small-scale “natural” society with age gaps between children. Children will share their experiences and learn from each other. When young children see the olders doing the work that they cannot accomplish, they will develop a desire to learn like the older ones. As for the older students, when instructing the little ones, they will have the opportunity to consolidate their old knowledge and feel more confident.
(4) Dr. Maria Montessori developed a “prepared environment” with teaching materials designed for the development of the child. Materials are arranged sequentially and in a certain order in accordance with the interests and age of the child. It is this prepared environment that meets the needs of children at each stage and provides the means by which children can practice behaviors that promote independence, responsibility, and ownership. This model is called Casa de Bambini or “The House of the Children”. Here, children exercise their own freedom, within the limits of philosophy.
2. 05 key areas of study:
With 05 standardized study areas in the Montessori curriculum at IMA, children can absorb knowledge in a natural and interesting way which head towards comprehensive development and promote the maximum growth of intelligence, understanding perception, knowledge – emotions and other competencies.
- Practical life
Children will practice independent skills and creativity through practical activities in the classroom. These can be basic activities in 04 categories: taking care of yourself, taking care of the environment, and lessons on behavior and life skills.
Children are encouraged to flexibly coordinate the 5 senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell) to recognize, compare or classify objects. A standard Montessori classroom is equipped with materials to help children distinguish between high and low, large and small, long and short. Besides, the lessons are built so that children can smoothly integrate multi-sensory.
The field of mathematics in Montessori helps children understand mathematical symbols, the concept of quantity through activities with teaching materials. With specific materials such as number sticks, sandpaper, etc., children when mastering counting numbers from 1 to 10 will gradually approach the decimal system, table 100 and basic calculations.
What signifies Language in Montessori is that children will get acquainted with spoken language first to build a foundation for writing and then reading. Explaining this approach in the Language area, Dr. Maria Montessori said that this age of children is the best period for them to learn to write and develop language because she believes that whatever the hands do, the mind will engrave that.
In this area, children directly interact with specific objects, and vivid models in the fields of history, geography, and science. Activities with Montessori materials in the Cultural Studies Area will arouse them the love of learning, the inspiration for science, and especially the understanding of the environment and culture around them.