A Montessori preschool has sparse décor, is well-organized and tasks are laid out for children in advance. The tasks, also called "work" are chosen by the student according to his interests. Work options include books, games, puzzles, art projects and wooden toys. When a child finishes his work, he must put it back before he can choose another. The children's ages in the preschool class may span from two and half to five, with older children assisting younger ones in mastering work activities.
Montessori preschools typically run in the morning for approximately three hours with students having time for one-on-one play, group play and one-on-one interactions with their teachers. There is often a two- or three-hour period of time in which children conduct their own play and work independently on activities of their own choosing.
Child learn practical activities of daily living, like tying shoes, putting on coats, cleaning up messes, preparing snacks and drinks and going to the bathroom. Teaches are there to guide students in attempting these activities on their own.
Children should use all five senses when learning about a new subject. For example, if a student is learning about temperature he should feel an ice cube and a heating pad so he can experience the difference. For another lesson involving nature, he may smell pine trees, flowers or freshly cut grass.
Verbal expression is an important component of Montessori education. Children are encouraged to express their feelings and emotions, whether positive or negative, about activities in which they are participating. Not only is a child taught to use words to express himself, he is given the opportunity to trace and learn letters. Letter recognition is the first step in reading, spelling and writing.
Learning numbers through hands-on methods is a component of a Montessori preschool. Children are presented with beads, abaci and other tools to teach numbers, decimals and fractions. Other mathematical instruments include rods, cubes and stairs to teach counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.
Children who like hands-on learning and making their own choices are well-suited for a Montessori preschool. Montessori preschools are also great choices for kids with special needs, delayed development or attention problems, due to the individual attention that a teacher can provide.