The Montessori Environment
A system of Math learning materials for very young children is used which allowes four and five year olds to perform four-digit addition and subtraction operations, and in many cases push on even further.
The child has the responsibility of scheduling his or her time to complete a given amount of work in a given amount of time, yet the child has the freedom of sequence.
Montessori Method is really an “education by means of liberty in a prepared environment.” The “prepared environment” consists of an open and airy classroom with many materials in each area of learning displayed in an ordered fashion. It is the objective that this ordered environment will create an ordered life. The child learns to return each job to its place before choosing a new project.
The pre-school child has the free choice of jobs within the prepared environment which creates independence and self-direction. The free choice is limited to each material not already in use by another child, unless the child using a specific material “invites” another child to aid or share in the project. This develops the respect of individuals and their rights as well as cooperative skills.
The elementary child works on a “contract” basis. The child has the responsibility of scheduling his or her time to complete a given amount of work in a given amount of time, yet the child has the freedom of sequence.