Glossary & Terms

Montessori Method:
An educational approach developed by Maria Montessori emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development.

Prepared Environment:
A carefully designed physical space that promotes independence, freedom of movement, and self-directed learning.

Sensorial Education:
An aspect of Montessori education that emphasizes the development of the senses and perception, with materials designed to refine visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory senses.

Practical Life Education:
An aspect of Montessori education that focuses on everyday activities such as cleaning, cooking, and caring for oneself and the environment, with the goal of developing coordination, independence, and concentration.

Normalization:
A state of concentration, independence, and self-discipline that children achieve when they work with the Montessori materials and in a prepared environment.

Sensitive Periods:
Periods of heightened sensitivity and receptivity to particular stimuli or learning experiences, during which children are most receptive to acquiring specific skills or knowledge.

Absorbent Mind:
A term used to describe the young child’s ability to effortlessly absorb information from the environment through their senses and experiences.

Three-Period Lesson:
A teaching method used in Montessori education that involves introducing a concept or skill in three stages: naming, recognition, and recall.

Control of Error:
A feature of Montessori materials that enables children to identify and correct their own mistakes independently.

Auto education:
The process of self-education or self-directed learning that occurs when a child is provided with a prepared environment and appropriate materials.

Grace and Courtesy:
An aspect of Montessori education that emphasizes social skills, manners, and respectful communication.

Cosmic Education:
An aspect of Montessori education that aims to develop a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility for the natural world and humanity.

Role of the Teacher:
In Montessori education, the teacher serves as a guide, observer, and facilitator of learning rather than a traditional authority figure.

Work Cycle:
A period of uninterrupted work time during which children are free to choose and engage with materials in the prepared environment.

Mixed-Age Grouping:
A feature of Montessori education that allows children of different ages to work and learn together, promoting collaboration, leadership, and social development.

Freedom Within Limits:
A principle of Montessori education that allows children to make choices and pursue their interests within a framework of clear boundaries and guidelines.

Decentralized Curriculum:
In Montessori education, the curriculum is not dictated by a centralized authority or textbook but rather emerges from the child’s interests, experiences, and developmental needs.

Individualized Education:
Montessori education recognizes that each child has unique learning needs and styles and seeks to provide a personalized, student-centered approach.

Peace Education:
An aspect of Montessori education that promotes nonviolence, conflict resolution, and respect for diversity.

Montessori Materials:
Specially designed hands-on learning tools and manipulatives that are used in the prepared environment to facilitate the child’s exploration and understanding of concepts and skills.