In the classroom
- An AMI-trained Montessori guide
- A long, uninterrupted work period
- Mixed-age groups
- A prepared environment
The Montessori materials are set out on shelves within the children’s reach, and the furniture is suited to their size and strength. Each child is free to choose an activity out of a deep, inner motivation, and may work with a material for as long as they wish, fully satisfying their interest. Montessori materials are self-correcting: through regular practice and observation, the child learns to focus their attention and gradually develops their ability to concentrate.
The four areas of the classroom
The practical life area
Practical life materials
These are everyday objects from the child’s world. By handling them, children practise the movements and gestures of their own culture (pouring liquids, washing hands, getting dressed, caring for plants…). Because these exercises are presented outside their usual context, children can gain the dexterity and assurance they need without fear of failure. They grow in self-confidence and independence.
The sensorial area
Sensorial materials
Children use their senses, and concepts are linked to what they perceive (big/small, long/short, smooth/rough, shapes, colours, quantities…). They learn to discriminate, compare and grade. This is an indirect preparation for the decimal system (for example, the ten cubes of the pink tower, the ten prisms of the brown stair…). Through the sensorial materials, children develop their “mathematical mind”.
The language area
Language materials
The first aim is to enrich vocabulary and broaden the ways children express themselves. Learning to write, and then to read, begins before children can form letters with a pencil: they practise with exercises that refine movement, train shape recognition and develop hand-eye coordination.
The mathematics area
Mathematics materials
Using specially designed materials, children are introduced to more complex abstract ideas (numeration, what the operations do…).
Find us at 21, rue André Bonin
The preschool class is in Lyon 4e. Visits are by appointment.