Montessori and Montessori-Inspired Environments

Montessori Curriculum with Intentional Lessons

(Generally, Aligns with State Standards)

Curriculum Aligned to State Standards

Trained Montessori Teachers

Teachers Trained in Various Areas with

Varied Pedagogy

Multi-Aged Grouping

Mixed Aged Grouping/ Single Age Groups

Prepared Environment

(The Way of Preparing Classroom Using

Logical Groupings Sequenced from Left to Right and Top to Bottom)

Teacher Prepares Environment with Materials, Lessons and Schedule

Child-led Pacing

Developmentally Appropriate Pacing

Montessori Materials – One of Each Type

(Scientifically Designed with Intention; Generally Made of Wood)

Developmentally Appropriate Materials

Made from Natural Woods and Other Sustainable Materials

Uninterrupted Work Cycles

(2-3 Hour Period of Uninterrupted Work Time)

Schedule that Includes Work Periods, Educational Centers

and Group Time

Process Focused

Encourages Process and Yields Product

Goal Setting by Children Based on Teacher

Observation and Individual Child’s Development

Teacher-Led Goal Setting Based on

Developmental Milestones and Individual Development

Morality, Peace, Grace and Courtesy Explicitly Taught

Community Norms and Expectations

Developed During Daily Circle Times and Classroom Meetings

Intentional Lessons on Environment and

Global Concern

Lessons about Environment, Science and Social Studies Embedded

in Curriculum

Freedom of Choice

(Seating, Work, Work Partners and Pace)

Freedom to Choose Work Centers,

Materials and Work Partners at

Designated Times of The School Day

Sensorial Work

(Work Designed to Refine Senses That

Support a Concrete Foundation for Future Abstract Learning)

Sensory Work to Increase Comprehension of Various Sensory Inputs

Practical Life

(A Curriculum Area That Covers Personal

Independence, Care of Self and Care of The Environment)

Self-Care Taught Through Handwashing, Pouring, and Toileting