Welcome to Chase Ranch Montessori School

Learning Areas There are four basic learning areas in the Montessori Classroom • Practical Life • Sensorial • Language • Mathematics Practical Life Practical Life encourages independence of the person, respect for the environment, and grace and courtesy. The demonstrations convey sequence and separation of component parts. Practical life develops "OCCI": • Order • Concentration • Coordination • Independence Sensorial Sensorial exercises are designed to develop an awareness of visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory senses. Sensory education helps the child acquire details and accurate knowledge. It is a basis for future cognitive learning. Montessori work in the sensorial area includes grading and sorting of sizes, shapes, smells, sounds, taste, and manipulating these materials with the hands. Language Language and its development is an integral part of each learning area, as well as a special area in and of itself. The classroom exposes the child to many materials and activities that will enable him to develop and refine his vision, hearing and speech as a preparation for more formal learning of language. In general readiness, the child prepares his hand for writing with equipment such as the metal insets. A sensorial and cognitive impression of the phonic sound is important before writing begins. Mathematics Mathematics introduces quantity, symbol, and the decimal system, preparing a solid foundation for work in basic equations and abstracts. The material isolates the idea to be taught . . . the child cannot get ahead of himself. The red and blue rods teach cardinal, rather than original function.

LEARNING AREAS