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The Montessori Method

Hands-on learning, at each child's own pace.

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, who opened her first school in 1907, the Montessori Method has been practiced in thousands of schools around the world for over 100 years — and it's the heart of everything we do.

Student working with Montessori materials

How It Works

Children learn best by doing.

Dr. Montessori observed that all children are born intelligent but learn in different ways and progress at their own pace — and that young children absorb knowledge more easily than older ones, with learning taking off rapidly around age 2½.

Instead of textbooks, children work with innovative hands-on materials — many of them self-correcting, so mistakes become opportunities to learn. They work on their own or in small groups, aiming to truly understand concepts rather than memorize them. Teachers observe and guide as facilitators, mentors and coaches, helping children discover answers for themselves.

Mixed-age classrooms

Each Primary classroom spans three age levels. Older children help teach younger ones — reinforcing their own learning — while younger children are inspired to “do what the big kids do.” Children stay with the same teacher, who comes to know each child's learning style deeply.

Ready for what's next

Recent research on early brain development supports many of Montessori's theories. Our graduates transition smoothly into public and private schools — and carry the values they gained into high school, college and beyond.

Five Goals of a Montessori Teacher

What we're working toward, every day.

Awaken the child's spirit and imagination
Encourage the desire for independence and a high sense of self-esteem
Develop the kindness, courtesy and self-discipline to be a full member of society
Learn to observe, question and explore ideas independently
In a spirit of joyful learning, master the skills and knowledge of their society

Our Curriculum

A comprehensive, well-balanced curriculum.

Each classroom is divided into dedicated areas for every subject. Materials sit on low, open shelves sized for small hands — inviting children to choose their work.

Practical Life Sensory Perception Language Mathematics Science & Nature Geography Art Music

Practical Life

The purpose of this area is to help the child gain concentration, coordination of movement (fine motor skills), self-esteem, courtesy, grace and independence. Practical Life exercises also help students develop care for themselves, the environment and each other. Typical activities include pouring, sorting, scooping, using kitchen utensils, dusting and general clean-up. Students also learn to dress themselves, tie their shoes, wash their hands and other self-care activities. These exercises lay the foundation for all other subject areas in the Montessori classroom.

Fine motor skillsSelf-careGrace & courtesy

Sensory Perception at Sunshine Montessori

Sensory Perception

In this area, all the faculties of intelligence are developed through exploration of materials of varying dimension, color, shape, texture, smell and taste. The child develops critical thinking, the ability to focus and the ability to classify items encountered in their environment. Sensory Perception also includes geometry, introduced to the child through their senses, and lays the foundation for other curriculum areas — especially Mathematics.

Critical thinkingClassificationEarly geometry

Language

A child's mind is especially adept at learning language skills from ages 3 to 6. This area takes advantage of that unique window to introduce oral language activities, pre-reading work, writing and reading comprehension. Initial sounds are introduced through Sandpaper Letters and Matching Objects; children then move on to blending with the Moveable Alphabet. Metal Insets refine pencil control and improve writing skills, while oral language activities develop listening, comprehension and vocabulary. Students also learn the beginnings of grammar and sentence structure.

PhonicsPre-readingHandwriting

Mathematics

This area focuses on the fundamental mathematics skills needed to calculate. Students learn linear counting and numeral recognition, which then lead into addition, subtraction, multiplication and division concepts. The unique hands-on Montessori materials make abstract concepts clear and concrete — students can literally see and explore what's going on in math and geometry.

Counting & numeralsOperationsGeometry

Science & Nature

This area cultivates students' curiosity and determination to discover the truth for themselves. Children learn about living vs. non-living things, plants, animals, dinosaurs, the water cycle, the solar system and much more. In the spring and summer months the classroom extends outdoors, where children cultivate a vegetable and flower garden — a hands-on approach that develops a lifelong interest in observing nature.

Garden programLife scienceSpace & Earth

Geography

Students learn about states, countries and continents through hands-on exercises with colored maps, globes and flags. As they explore places near and far, they learn about different customs and cultures — and come to embrace the diversity found within their classroom and throughout the world.

Puzzle mapsCulturesFlags & continents

Art

Children explore many forms of creative expression — painting, watercolors, clay modeling, pencil drawing and coloring. They're introduced to colors, shapes, sizes and textures, and are free to experiment with different media as they explore the bounds of their imagination. We often introduce themed projects tied to the current season, holiday or events.

Painting & claySeasonal projectsCreative expression

Music

Musikgarten, an internationally acclaimed early childhood music program, is offered at Sunshine Montessori. The curriculum focuses on music and movement that supports musical, physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth. Children enjoy international and American children's music, timeless stories, imaginative poetry, creative dance, listening activities from nature, rhythm instruments, and props like scarves, hoops, masks and hats. Classes are led by Mrs. Colette Fallon, a classically trained musician, composer and Childhood Music Specialist. Children share what they've learned at our Thanksgiving program, Winter program and Graduation.

MusikgartenMovement & rhythmPerformances

See it for yourself.

The best way to understand Montessori is to watch it happen. Visit our classrooms and see the method in action.

Schedule a Visit (503) 644-1466