Curriculum
The goal of the Montessori elementary curriculum is to educate the child for life. This is accomplished by:
- Providing the child with the tools to become a learner independent of the adult
- Developing within the child an understanding of how to learn
- Building self-esteem in a safe, success-oriented environment
- Providing the child with a social setting in which to develop appropriate social skills such as peaceful resolutions to conflict
- Acquainting the child with the democratic process
- Instilling in the child a respect for all living things
- Encouraging the child to honor individuality and the differences in others
- Giving the child a sense of belonging in the universe
In Montessori education, the cultural areas of anthropology, astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, economics, geography, geology, government, history, philosophy, physics, political science, and sociology are not broken down into separate subjects, but are treated as an integrated curriculum. The skills in mathematics, language, arts and crafts, physical education, and music are integrated with the cultural subjects. The biological studies are structured in such a way as to give a means of classification so the child can structure and relate the facts of biology. The study reveals to the child that classification approximates evolution. The ultimate goal is an ecological view of life and a feeling of responsibility for the environment.
