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 The Montessori
globes and maps are used as a framework for the study of
geography and social studies. Maria Montessori believed that children
should be introduced initially to the whole world and then move to more
regional understanding. An early exercise in geography may involve the
sandpaper globe. The children feel the globe and experience the shapes
of the continents. They gain an understanding that the Earth is made up
of water (smooth and blue) and land (rough and brown). Books, pictures
on the walls, and other materials are used to help children gain
knowledge of the world. Moving away from the global concept, later
map work introduces the continents, countries, animals and people of
the world.
Children also enjoy, learn and develop self-esteem through talking about
things close to them such as their families, friends, and pets.
Classroom teachers provide opportunities throughout the year for
children to share their personal experiences and to connect their
home lives with life at school. This may happen in many different
ways, such as asking children to bring in family photographs or
birthday pictures (one for each year of the child's life). Literature
and picture books are also available depicting many different types
of families and lifestyles.
The classroom also provides a community to which the children
automatically belong. With the help of Practical Life materials they
learn to care for their environment and begin to understand their role
in their community. Job time at the end of every day gives them
responsibility in caring for and pride in ownership of their classroom.
As the children get older their concept of community is expanded to
include other parts of the school. For example, meeting the cook, the
administrator, the older children and other teachers. Community is also
extended into the surrounding neighborhood via short walking tours and
field trips.
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