Montessori Pedagogy in Preschool
(2-6 years)
Montessori Pedagogy in Elementary School (6-11 years)

What is Montessori Pedagogy?

Montessori pedagogy is an educational approach developed by Maria Montessori at the beginning of the 20th century. Maria Montessori, born in 1870 and died in 1952, was an Italian physician and educator, a pioneer of an educational approach based on respect for the natural development of the child. As the first female physician in Italy, she initially focused on children with difficulties before developing an innovative learning method for all children.

In 1907, she founded the first “Children’s House,” where she implemented educational materials that promoted autonomy and sensory manipulation. Her pedagogy is based on the idea that the child learns better through experience and at their own pace, in a prepared and supportive environment.

Throughout her life, she traveled the world to spread her method, which is today applied in many Montessori schools around the globe.

The Montessori pedagogy is based on the idea that every child is naturally curious and has an innate desire to learn. This pedagogy is based on several fundamental principles.

1

The Child at the Center of Learning

In a Montessori school, the child is the actor of their own learning. They progress at their own pace, according to their interests and abilities, which allows them to develop their autonomy and self-confidence.

2

An Adapted and Structured Environment

Montessori classrooms are designed to encourage exploration and autonomous learning. Montessori materials, scientifically designed, are available to children to help them understand abstract concepts in a concrete and sensory way.

3

Respect for Each Child’s Pac

There is no competition or comparison between students. Each child progresses at their own pace, which reduces stress related to performance and encourages intrinsic motivation.

4

Learning Through Experience and Manipulation

Rather than learning by heart, children experiment and manipulate materials to integrate notions durably. For example, they will learn mathematics by manipulating beads and number rods, making the concepts more concrete.

5

A Supportive and Encouraging Framework

Montessori teachers (called “educators” or “guides”) are not there to impose knowledge but to guide the child in their discoveries. They encourage curiosity and help the child develop self-confidence.

6

A Multi-Age Classroom

In a Montessori classroom, children of different ages learn together. The younger ones observe and learn from the older ones, while the older ones reinforce their skills by helping the younger ones. This promotes cooperation rather than competition.

7

The Overall Development of the Child

Montessori pedagogy is not limited to academic learning (reading, mathematics, sciences, etc.); it also aims at personal development, emotional management, concentration, and autonomy.

In preschool (2-6 years) and elementary classes (6-11 years), Montessori pedagogy adapts to the different stages of the child’s development.

Montessori Pedagogy in Preschool
(2-6 years)

The Prepared Environment:
The “2-6 years Ambiance”

Montessori space in preschool is a multi-age classroom, grouping children from 2 to 6 years old. Everything is organized to allow the child to evolve freely and learn by themselves.

  • Furniture and materials are adapted to their size to promote independence.
  • Order and structure: each material has a defined place and must be put away after use.
  • Calm and respectful atmosphere, where the child learns to concentrate and respect their environment.

Main Learning Areas in 2-6 years

1. Practical Life:
Developing Autonomy and Concentration

Practical life activities are inspired by daily life and help the child refine their motor skills, develop autonomy, and concentrate.

• Pouring water without spilling

• Buttoning, lacing, closing a zipper

• Sweeping, cleaning a table

• Taking care of plants and animals

2. Sensory: Refining Perceptions

Sensory materials help the child refine their senses and organize their thoughts.

• Pink tower (to learn the concepts of size)

• Red rods (to understand lengths)

• Nested cylinders (to work on the perception of dimensions)

• Rough tablets (to differentiate textures)

3. Language: Preparation for Reading and Writing

The Montessori approach introduces reading and writing in a sensory and progressive way.

• Sandpaper letters: the child traces the letters with their finger to memorize their shape and sound.

• Sound game: the child associates sounds with letters.

• Movable alphabets: the child forms words even before knowing how to write with a pencil.

4. Mathematics:
Concrete Introduction to Numbers

Le matériel permet de comprendre les mathématiques en manipulant des objets concrets.

• Number rods (to learn counting)

• Sandpaper numbers (to associate a symbol with a sound)

• Golden beads (to understand units, tens, hundreds, and thousands)

• Spindles and number cards (to introduce the concept of zero)

5. Culture and Discovery of the World

The child explores the world through various activities.

• Geography puzzles (world maps, continents, countries)

• Nature observation (plants, insects, seasons)

• Artistic and musical activities (painting, singing, modeling)

The Role of the Educator
in Preschool

  • Observes the child and adapts their proposals to the child’s pace and interests.
  • Presents the material individually or in small groups.
  • Encourages the child to learn by themselves without interrupting them.

Montessori Pedagogy in Elementary School
(6-11 years)

A Different Approach for the 6-11 years Cycle

In elementary school, children develop new skills, and their learning mode evolves:

  • Transition from concrete to abstract: The child no longer needs to systematically manipulate materials to understand a concept.
  • Development of logical and critical thinking: They seek to understand “why” and “how.”
  • Strong socialization: The child wants to work in groups and exchange with their peers.
  • Need to explore the outside world: Outings, projects, and research take a significant place.

The Montessori environment in elementary school is therefore more focused on research, experimentation, and collaborative work.

Main Learning Areas in 6-11 years

1. The “Great Lessons”:
A Trigger for Learning

Learning is introduced through five Great Lessons, which arouse curiosity and stimulate the imagination.

1. The Story of the Universe and the Earth
2. The Story of Life on Earth
3. The Story of Humans
4. The Story of Writing
5. The Story of Numbers

These stories give meaning to learning and allow children to explore different domains in interconnection.

2. Mathematics

• Manipulation of materials (abacus, golden beads, fractions) before moving on to abstract concepts.

• Problem-solving and teamwork.

3. Language and Oral Expression

• Study of grammar with Montessori symbols.

• Writing texts, poems, stories.

• Presentations and debates to develop argumentation.

4. Sciences and Geography

• Experiments in physics and chemistry (electricity, erosion, magnetism).

• Observation of the living world (biology, botany, zoology).

• Study of climates, continents, oceans.

5. History and Civilization

• Study of great civilizations and human inventions.

• Use of timelines.

6. Arts and Creativity

• Music, painting, theater, modeling.

• Free expression and work on artistic projects.

The Role of the Educator
in Elementary School

  • Guides children in their research and projects.
  • Encourages group work and cooperation.
  • Provides resources to deepen the subjects explored.

The Montessori pedagogy in preschool and elementary classes is a global and individualized approach, respecting the natural development of the child. It promotes autonomy, experimentation, self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, and cooperation, allowing children to learn with pleasure and in-depth.