The Montessori Classroom

The montessori classroom at Della Casa

The Montessori Method

The Montessori method provides robust intellectual engagement and inspires an intrinsic motivation to learn. The Montessori classroom is commonly referred to as the prepared environment. The classroom materials are well organized, scaffolded, purposeful, and aesthetically appealing. Children move freely in the prepared environment during the work cycle, selecting the materials they are drawn to or are striving to master. They quickly internalize the classroom expectations and learn to care for the environment, themselves, and others, The prepared environment promotes the development of self confidence, self discipline, and self sufficiency.

Della Casa Montessori Preschool is committed to developing the whole child. Our small class size reinforces this high value and allows for personal attention and keen observation to be given to each child. Children with a Montessori education are well prepared for lifelong learning because every aspect of their development is fostered by this approach.
These developmental areas include:

cognitive/intellectual
social/emotional
physical (fine and gross motor)

montessori guides

Educators certified in Montessori pedagogy are traditionally referred to as guides. A skilled Montessori guide provides the children with uninterrupted work time, removes external reinforcements, and acts as a guardian, not a grand orchestrator. The Montessori guides at Della Casa are certified and experienced early childhood experts who are passionate about working with young children. Our guides are committed to providing a high-quality early childhood education and building strong relationships with children and their families.

areas of the montessori classroom

Practical Life

Practical Life allows children to practice daily life skills and develop fine and gross motor coordination. Activities include pouring, buttoning, lacing, scooping, spooning, threading and sewing. Children are also taught to care for themselves, others, and their environment. Additional Practical Life activities include preparing and serving snack, caring for classroom pets, tending to plants, and tidying up.

Sensorial

Practical Life

The Sensorial Area teaches spatial reasoning, gradation of size and color, refinement of the senses, visual and tactile discrimination, and introduces the foundations of geometry. Materials in this area include Dr. Montessori's iconic pink tower, red rods, and geometric solids. Sensorial materials are fundamental to the math materials in the Montessori classroom.

Language

Practical Life

Language

The Montessori classroom effectively introduces writing, phonics, word building, and reading in the Language Area. Letter sounds are taught using a tactile experience with sandpaper letters. Children then learn to build words using the moveable alphabet. This scaffolding prepares children for reading. Advanced language materials teach parts of speech and basic grammar rules.

Math

Outdoor Classroom

Language

The Math Area of the Montessori classroom is extraordinary! Children are presented with math materials that make quantities tangible and concrete. These materials include the number rods, the sandpaper numerals, and the bead chains. Children learn to manipulate values concretely before they are presented with mathematical abstraction. Advanced Montessori math materials teach place value, addition, subtraction, early multiplication and division.

Cultural

Outdoor Classroom

The Cultural Area introduces children to the scientific exploration of geography, geology, biology, botany, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Topics for scientific inquiry are limitless. A governing principal of the Montessori method is that we "follow the lead of the child." When the children show an interest in a particular topic, the Montessori guide creates engaging opportunities to elevate their curiosity.

Outdoor Classroom

The Outdoor Classroom is a natural extension of the indoor Montessori environment, where opportunities for learning and development abound. Children spend extended periods of time outdoors every day. The Montessori method encourages children to have meaningful experiences in nature and to become stewards of the environment. Our commitment to developing the whole child extends to health and wellness through nutrition, physical activity, and interactions with the natural world.

The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, The children are now working as if I did not exist.