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Layiba aslam d 16374 module 8

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.

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