Geography
The Montessori geography curriculum uses the same kind of methodical, science-based research observations and findings as the other areas of the Montessori classroom to draw the children to the materials. Colorful maps, interactive and self-correcting materials, tiny objects, and sensory-specific objects are keys to lead the child into his or her own understanding of place, both in space and in society. One major intention of the Geography area is that each child gains a global awareness, and through this awareness, gains a sense of self within their particular culture. The child between the ages of four to six is in the sensitive period for creating their own identity and external order as well. Montessori created the Puzzle Maps (one for each continent, and one global puzzle) in response to her observations of the children enjoying the act of putting things back into place. It is not uncommon for the children to come to know every country in a particular continent.
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"They (children of the first plane) have already absorbed the immediate environment and the restricted society they and their families have dealings with. You must try to give the child what he now longs for: the understanding of the world, how it functions and how it affects the life and behaviour of humanity" |
