The Montessori Method of Education

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A child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. It emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development through a prepared environment.

The Montessori Method of Education

A child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. It emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development through a prepared environment.

Governing Body: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) & American Montessori Society (AMS)

Year Adopted: 1907 (Original); Standards continuously maintained by the AMI Scientific Pedagogy Group

Grade Levels Covered

Toddler (Ages 0-3), Primary / Kindergarten (Ages 3-6), Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3), Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6), Secondary (Grades 7-12)

Language Arts

Primary / Kindergarten

MON.LA.36.01 Oral Language

Development of spoken language through enrichment of vocabulary and self-expression.

Key skills: Listening and following directions, Oral storytelling, Classification of objects/images, Grace and Courtesy dialogue
MON.LA.36.02 Writing

Preparation for writing through the use of Sandpaper Letters and the Moveable Alphabet.

Key skills: Phonetic awareness, Letter-sound association, Pincer grip development, Encoding phonetic words
MON.LA.36.03 Reading

Transition from phonetic decoding to total reading (comprehension).

Key skills: Phonetic word reading, Sight word recognition, Reading for meaning, Interpretive reading of command cards

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)

MON.LA.69.01 Grammar and Mechanics

Introduction to parts of speech using Montessori Grammar Symbols.

Key skills: Identifying Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Sentence parsing, Logical analysis of sentences, Punctuation usage
MON.LA.69.02 Composition

Developing creative and expository writing skills.

Key skills: Journaling, Drafting and editing, Narrative structure, Researching and summarizing topics

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)

MON.LA.912.01 Advanced Literacy

Critical analysis of literature and complex research writing.

Key skills: Literary analysis, Bibliographic citations, Formal debate, Etymology and word origins

Mathematics

Primary / Kindergarten

MON.MA.36.01 Numbers to 10

Establishing the relationship between quantity and symbol (1-10).

Key skills: One-to-one correspondence, Number Rods, Sandpaper Numbers, Spindle Box (concept of zero)
MON.MA.36.02 Decimal System

Introduction to the base-ten system and place value using Golden Beads.

Key skills: Naming units, tens, hundreds, thousands, Formation of large numbers, Introduction to four operations (addition, subtraction, etc.)

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)

MON.MA.69.01 Operations and Memorization

Moving from concrete manipulation to abstract calculation of the four operations.

Key skills: Stamp Game operations, Bead Frame addition/subtraction, Multiplication and division tables memorization, Long division with Racks and Tubes
MON.MA.69.02 Geometry

Classification of geometric shapes and introduction to nomenclature.

Key skills: Types of angles, Polygons and quadrilaterals, Congruence, similarity, and equivalence

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)

MON.MA.912.01 Fractions and Decimals

Comprehensive study of rational numbers and their operations.

Key skills: Fraction operations with common denominators, Decimal place value and conversion, Percentage calculations
MON.MA.912.02 Pre-Algebra and Measurement

Introduction to algebraic thinking and advanced measurement.

Key skills: Squaring and cubing of numbers, Pythagorean theorem introduction, Calculating area and volume of complex solids

Science

Primary / Kindergarten

MON.SCI.36.01 Botany and Zoology

Sensorial exploration of the natural world and classification of living things.

Key skills: Parts of a leaf/flower/root, Vertebrate vs. Invertebrate, Care of plants and animals, Living vs. Non-living

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)

MON.SCI.69.01 Cosmic Education

Integration of the 'Five Great Lessons' to understand the origins of the universe and life.

Key skills: Timeline of Life, States of matter experiments, Geological formations, Classification of the Animal Kingdom

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)

MON.SCI.912.01 Physical and Life Sciences

In-depth research into biology, chemistry, and physics.

Key skills: Human anatomy systems, Periodic table basics, Ecology and sustainability, Scientific method application

Social Studies

Primary / Kindergarten

MON.SS.36.01 Geography

Introduction to physical geography and global cultures.

Key skills: Land and Water forms, Continent identification (Puzzle Maps), Cultural celebrations, Cardinal directions

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)

MON.SS.69.01 History

Understanding the concept of time and the history of human civilization.

Key skills: Fundamental Needs of Humans, Timeline of Civilizations, The Clock and Calendar, Personal and family history

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)

MON.SS.912.01 Civics and Global Studies

Exploration of social structures, migration, and economic systems.

Key skills: Migration of Peoples, Economic geography (production/consumption), Governance and social justice, Interdependence of nations

Implementation Notes

Montessori standards are implemented through a 'Prepared Environment' featuring specialized didactic materials. Key features include: 1) Three-year age cycles (multi-age grouping); 2) Three-hour uninterrupted work periods; 3) Individualized lesson plans where the teacher acts as a guide (Director/Directress); 4) Freedom of choice within a structured curriculum; 5) Movement integrated with learning.

Assessment

Assessment is primarily qualitative and continuous. Teachers use detailed observation logs and record-keeping systems (like Transparent Classroom or Montessori Compass) to track mastery. Student progress is documented through portfolios, narrative reports, and self-assessment. Standardized testing is generally avoided unless required by local regulations, as the focus is on mastery rather than grade-level benchmarks.

About This Standard
Added:
January 13, 2026

This standard was generated using AI with grounded search to find official, accurate information. While we strive for accuracy, please verify important details with official sources.

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