Dr. Montessori recognized very early on that the mixed-age environment had a number of benefits and applied this information to her method moving forward. She observed that children learn in different ways and that a mixed-age grouping was a critical component in this learning.
She noted that children learn through:
- Observation: Younger children learn by watching older children as well as adults. In a mixed-age environment, older children who are completing challenging lessons are an example to the younger children; they show what is possible.
- Practice: In a mixed-age environment, children stay with the same adults for three years, giving them plenty of time to repeat lessons, practice skills and advance at their own pace; they are not rushed.
- Teaching: Older children are viewed as role models in the Montessori environment. They teach by example and it is not uncommon to see a five or six-year-old sitting with a three-year-old and giving them a lesson! In teaching something to a younger child, older students deepen their own understanding of the lesson. In teaching, we learn.
At Prayag, we have Montessori Environments in our Centres at:
1. Padmanabhanagar – 3 Environments
2. JP Nagar – 4 Environments
3. Jayanagar – 3 Environments
In the Montessori Environment, we strive for a 3-year mixed age group (ages 3, 4, and 5) and a robust Adult to Child ratio, which are key components of the Montessori philosophy. The mixed ages of the children is crucial; the children learn from each other and care for each other, besides getting an opportunity to build secure relationships as well as support their social and emotional development.
Our Montessori Curriculum offers children key areas of study, that include
Exercise of Practical Life
Sensorial
Mathematics
Language
Cultural – explores a variety of topics, such as:
Geography
Zoology
Science
Botany
History
Art
Music
We also offer co-curricular activities like:
Yoga
Music & Movement
Jumpbunch (physical activities and games)
Theatre
Each area of study is made up of a set of educational materials that increase in complexity. Children progress through the Montessori curriculum at their own pace, based on their stage of development and interests. After the Adults offer the Parent Presentation, the children work with the Montessori materials independently to practice, explore and make connections to the key learning outcomes. The Adult will only intervene if needed, to encourage children’s independence, as there is a direct link between children’s sense of empowerment and their ability to learn and retain new skills and information.
New lessons are provided when a child is ready to progress to the next stage. Through repetition and practice, children master the progression of the
Montessori materials and develop a fundamental understanding of each curriculum area.
1. Padmanabhanagar – 3 Environments
2. JP Nagar – 4 Environments
3. Jayanagar – 3 Environments
In the Montessori Environment, we strive for a 3-year mixed age group (ages 3, 4, and 5) and a robust Adult to Child ratio, which are key components of the Montessori philosophy. The mixed ages of the children is crucial; the children learn from each other and care for each other, besides getting an opportunity to build secure relationships as well as support their social and emotional development.
Our Montessori Curriculum offers children key areas of study, that include
Exercise of Practical Life
Sensorial
Mathematics
Language
Cultural – explores a variety of topics, such as:
Geography
Zoology
Science
Botany
History
Art
Music
We also offer co-curricular activities like:
Yoga
Music & Movement
Jumpbunch (physical activities and games)
Theatre
Each area of study is made up of a set of educational materials that increase in complexity. Children progress through the Montessori curriculum at their own pace, based on their stage of development and interests. After the Adults offer the Parent Presentation, the children work with the Montessori materials independently to practice, explore and make connections to the key learning outcomes. The Adult will only intervene if needed, to encourage children’s independence, as there is a direct link between children’s sense of empowerment and their ability to learn and retain new skills and information.
New lessons are provided when a child is ready to progress to the next stage. Through repetition and practice, children master the progression of the
Montessori materials and develop a fundamental understanding of each curriculum area.
