In the Montessori classroom, this objective is approached by two ways: first, by allowing each child to experience the excitement of learning by his own choice; and second by helping to perfect all his natural tools for learning.

Parents should understand that a Montessori school is neither a baby-sitting service, nor a play school. The child is not being prepared for traditional kindergarten. Rather, Montessori is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child’s sensible years between the ages of three and six. A child, who acquires the basic skill of reading and arithmetic in a natural way, has the advantage of beginning his education without drudgery, boredom or discouragement. By pursuing the individual interests in a Montessori classroom, he gains an early enthusiasm for learning.

How the Children Learn

The use of the Montessori materials is based on the young child's unique aptitude for learning, which Dr. Montessori identified as the "absorbent mind." IN her writings, she frequently compared the young mind to a sponge, because it absorbs information from the environment. Acquiring information without conscious, tedious effort, makes learning a natural and delightful activity for the young child who employs all his senses to investigate his surroundings.

Since the child retains this ability to learn by absorption until he is almost seven years old, Dr. Montessori reasoned that childhood experience would be enhanced by a classroom in which he could handle materials that demonstrate basic educational information. Over sixty years of experience have proven her theory. A young child can learn to read, write and calculate in the same natural way that he learns to walk and talk.

The Sensitive Periods

Another observation of Dr. Montessori's which has been reinforced by modern research is the importance of the sensitive periods for early learning. These are periods of intense fascination for learning in particular characteristic or skill, such as going up and down steps, putting things in order, counting or reading. It is easier for the child to learn a particular skill during the corresponding sensitive period than at any other time in his life. The Montessori classroom takes advantage of these periods by allowing the child freedom to select individual activities which correspond to natural periods of interest and readiness.

At What Ages?

A child can usually enter a Montessori classroom between the ages of two and one half and four years, depending on when his is ready and is comfortable in a classroom situation. He will begin with the simplest exercises, based on activities which all children enjoy. The equipment the child uses at three and four will help to develop the concentration, coordination and working habits necessary for the more advanced optimum results cannot be expected either from a child who misses the early years of the cycle or for one show is withdrawn before finishing the basic materials.

Why Early Learning?

Parents wonder why Montessori introduces grammar, geography and math to children of preschool age. At a young age, youngsters can joyfully absorb many difficult concepts if they meet them in a concrete form. The common stumbling blocks of the middle elementary grades can be avoided, if these difficult concepts are presented at an early age in tangible form.

For example, in a Montessori classroom, a unit of fraction is not simply a number on paper. It is something which the child can hold in her hand. A verb is not just a word on a paper; it is something which she can act out. In similar fashion, she can pour water around an island or forma square with five rows of five beads each. The materials which make these concepts tangible for her will serve as touchstones in her memory for many years; clarifying abstract terms when she meets them again nod again in future situations.

What Happens After Montessori?

American Montessori Academy is very proud to make available studies for children through first grade. Academic enrichment is provided at the child's level of interest., with the use of the advanced Montessori materials, students receive instruction in reading, spelling, geography, social studies, grammar, science, botany, math and a variety of elective subjects.

The habits and skill which a child develops in a Montessori class are good for a lifetime. They will help him to work more efficiently, to observe more carefully and to concentrate more effectively. No matter where he goes, if the child is in a stimulating environment, whether at home or at school, self-education...which is the only read education...will continue.