Literacy
Montessori students use the movable alphabet to write and eventually, learn to read. The movable letters allow children to hold letters in their hands and move them around to see how they look and how they can be combined to create words. After children can write words they will move on and write poems, letters, songs wherever their imagination leads them.
Mathematics
Children are introduced to mathematical concepts by spending time counting wooden blocks. Then, as they become more comfortable counting I lead them toward basic concepts of adding and subtracting blocks to the mix — rather than moving right to a traditional method of handing out worksheets or memorizing the idea that 2+2=4. Montessorians do not believe learning comes from memorizing facts — instead, we use a wide array of specialized materials that allow the child to learn with increasing levels of abstraction. These materials impart complex concepts, while the child enjoys their use and manipulation.
