2. Toddlers Explore the Reading Corner
    Toddlers Explore the Reading Corner

    Toddlers Explore the Reading Corner

    A toddler selects a book for sharing with a companion in this cozy Reading Corner. In a Montessori classroom, even the youngest children are given freedom of choice.

    Download the image
  3. Toddler Works with the Montessori Lock Board
    Toddler Works with the Montessori Lock Board

    Toddler Works with the Montessori Lock Board

    A toddler manipulates a variety of locks, knobs, and switches on a wooden board. Learning “practical life” activities such as this is a vital part of the Montessori curriculum that satisfies a natural curiosity, refines motor skills, and builds self-confidence.

    Download the image
  4. Toddler Rolls a Work Rug
    Toddler Rolls a Work Rug

    Toddler Rolls a Work Rug

    A 2-year-old Montessori student rolls a work rug as teacher and classmates observe. Work rugs are used to define work spaces, and they teach organization, clean-up routines, and tidiness.

    Download the image
  5. Toddler Rides a Tricycle
    Toddler Rides a Tricycle

    Toddler Rides a Tricycle

    A 2-year-old Montessori student rides a tricycle in the schoolyard, building not only gross-motor skills, but also a sense of independence and accomplishment.

    Download the image
  6. Toddler Pours a Glass of Water
    Toddler Pours a Glass of Water

    Toddler Pours a Glass of Water

    A Montessori toddler pours himself a drink, building not only fine-motor skills and concentration, but a sense of independence. “I can do it myself!”

    Download the image
  7. Toddler Climbs a Child-Sized Set of Stairs
    Toddler Climbs a Child-Sized Set of Stairs

    Toddler Climbs a Child-Sized Set of Stairs

    A toddler climbs a small set of stairs, building muscles and independence. From the sidelines, a teacher observes her progress and ensures her safety.

    Download the image
  9. Student Works with the Movable Alphabet
    Student Works with the Movable Alphabet

    Student Works with the Movable Alphabet

    A Montessori Early Childhood student learns to recognize letters of the alphabet by placing wooden letters in the same order as they appear in a diagram. The Montessori Language curriculum exposes children to the symbols and sounds of language early, setting a strong foundation for reading and writing.

    Download the image
  10. Student and Teacher Work Together
    Student and Teacher Work Together

    Student and Teacher Work Together

    A student investigates Montessori math materials as her teacher observes. Individual attention enables students to progress at their own speed.

    Download the image
  11. Lower Elementary Students Play the Bells
    Lower Elementary Students Play the Bells

    Lower Elementary Students Play the Bells

    These classmates are training their musical ear using a Montessori learning material called the “Bells Set.” They tap a bell with a mallet, and concentrate to find another bell with the matching tone.

    Download the image
  12. Learning to Learn on One’s Own
    Learning to Learn on One’s Own

    Learning to Learn on One’s Own

    Elementary-aged classmates collaborate to understand the science behind electricity. A hallmark of Montessori is providing a learning environment that enables students to make discoveries on their own.

    Download the image
  13. Learning Math with the Bead Stair
    Learning Math with the Bead Stair

    Learning Math with the Bead Stair

    The “Montessori Bead Stair” helps students discover the symbol-quantity relationship of numbers. Hands-on learning materials that bring concrete representation to abstract concepts is a hallmark of Montessori.

    Download the image
  14. Elementary Student Studies Geometry
    Elementary Student Studies Geometry

    Elementary Student Studies Geometry

    A student constructs an understanding of principles of plane geometry through the use of Montessori “Geometric Stick Materials.” Inherent in the use of Montessori materials is the power of self-discovery.

    Download the image
  15. Elementary Student Learns Multiplication with Small Bead Frame
    Elementary Student Learns Multiplication with Small Bead Frame

    Elementary Student Learns Multiplication with Small Bead Frame

    Using the Montessori “Small Bead Frame,” this student is discovering principles of multiplication. She can also use it to explore addition, subtraction, and place value. Teachers introduce materials to students according to their level of development and readiness.

    Download the image
  16. Early Childhood Student Prepares a Snack
    Early Childhood Student Prepares a Snack

    Early Childhood Student Prepares a Snack

    A 3-year-old prepares a snack for herself and classmates using a “real” melon scoop (not a toy). She has already watched her teacher demonstrate the task, and is fully capable of taking it on herself.

    Download the image
  17. Adolescents Water Their School Garden
    Adolescents Water Their School Garden

    Adolescents Water Their School Garden

    By connecting with nature, Montessori students become curious about the world and their place within it. They learn to respect, protect, and enjoy the many pleasures it has to offer.

    Download the image
  18. Adolescent Students Work Collaboratively
    Adolescent Students Work Collaboratively

    Adolescent Students Work Collaboratively

    In the Montessori Secondary classroom, adolescents frequently collaborate on inquiry-based problem-solving that encourages diverse perspectives.

    Download the image