Question 3: Name and briefly explain all the exercises
that can be carried out using the jigsaw Puzzle Maps of the Continents? In a Montessori Classroom, experiences in Life Sciences (Botany and Zoology), Physical Sciences, History, Geography, Dance and Music are given to the child under the header of ‘Cultural Exercises’. The Montessori Cultural Studies Curriculum provides children with an opportunity to explore the whole world including continents, countries, people, cultures, terrain, natural phenomena, science and arts. The Montessori Cultural Studies are aimed at helping the children develop their personality, adapt to their culture, as well as become an independent, useful member of his society. During the early years, a child is quick to grasp culture and absorb most of the culture around him during 0 to 6 years. A child’s natural ability to absorb the cultural understanding and norms of life prevalent around him are universal regardless of the fact that the child is born in America or a primitive tribe of Africa. The sensitive period for culture, according to most psychologists, also sustains through 2 to 5 years of age. It is crucial to expose children to direct cultural experiences, including ways of living, history, Layiba aslam d 16374 module 8
sciences, geography and arts, during the absorbent period
to maximize development in this area. Cultural subjects are character forming and they cultivate the spirit of the child. Children develop cultural values naturally and undoubtedly, but still something lacks in today’s complex world, most of which has been designed by the adults for the adults, which hinders the child’s fullest cultural development. There are strong reasons to support the point that it should be the local culture of the land which should be incorporated in the Montessori Curriculum and not some foreign culture. In Montessori classrooms the cultural activities are very intelligently incorporated in the environment. Along with familiarizing children with the culture, these meaningful and interesting activities fulfill the developmental needs of the children. ● Exercises of practical life (EPL): These exercises enable a child to learn how to perform everyday living activities in a purposeful way. ● Sensorial Exercises: The Sensorial Materials help the child become aware of the details. At first children are exposed to materials with strong contrasts such as tall/short, rough/smooth, loud/soft. Next, the child is exposed to more materials where the contrasts are more subtle. They work Layiba aslam d 16374 module 8
on organizing 10 objects from tallest to shortest, or lightest
to darkest. Each of the Sensorial Materials define one quality such as length, height, width, color, weight, shape, texture, sound, or smell. The Montessori Sensorial Materials help the child to distinguish, categorize, and relate the information to objects they already know. ● Language Exercises: These exercises include a variety of gross and fine motor skill activities that help the child develop hand and eye coordination. Montessori modules may be taken in any order, emphasizing the fundamentals of the phonics approach to reading, developing a child’s vocabulary, writing, and reading skills. ● Mathematical Exercises: - Montessori Math – Memorization - Number Rod Addition – Short Bead Stair Addition - Addition Snake Game - Addition Strip Board - Subtraction Snake Game Layiba aslam d 16374 module 8
- Subtraction Strip Board
- Short Bead Stair Multiplication - Multiplication Board Cultural studies help teach children how to respect people from other races, countries and religions. At this stage, the teacher involves the class in a study of life and culture on earth. The curriculum then branches into different directions, such as, geography, culture (mannerism of life), and history. Children are taught history parallel to the concept of time.