The Montessori Method
The Montessori Materials
Dr Maria Montessori developed and designed mathematically precise materials that are now known as the Montessori Materials. All of them are built on the same principles: meaningfulness to the child, the isolation of a single difficulty in each material, a progression from simple to complex, indirect preparation for future learning, and a movement from concrete expression towards the abstract.
These developmental materials are organised into five categories.
Practical Life
The ordinary tasks of home culture — buttoning, pouring, sweeping, greeting — which build concentration, precision and independence.
Sensorial
Scientifically developed materials that let the child classify colour, size, shape, sound, touch and taste, and order the impressions of the world.
Mathematics
Counting, numeration, place value and the four operations, carried from concrete material towards abstract understanding.
Language
Sight, sound and touch together, associating each letter with the sound it makes and preparing the hand for writing.
Culture
Art, music and movement — from Odissi and Kathak to yoga and Pilates — alongside the festivals the whole school celebrates together.
Come and see the school
Visits are by prior appointment, on days set aside so the children’s work is never interrupted. Send an enquiry and we will arrange a time.