Great Lessons and Key Lessons derive from the psychological characteristics and needs of the child in the second plane of development. (ages 6 to 12). Lessons are not a pivotal aspect of Montessori. The role of the adult is to inspire a sense of wonder, not to teach. Lessons in a conventional sense relate to syllabus and timetable and rote learning. The Great Lessons and Key Lessons of Montessori have a fundamentally different function.
The Great Lessons – these are meta-narratives, stories, rather than lessons, which paint a broad picture or backdrop to inspire the child to investigate the universe.
Key Lessons introduce detail, but again, not as point by point lessons. These are essential presentations which give just as much information as is necessary for a child to proceed alone. Often they are introductions to new concepts, or structural foundations for exploration. Keys are normally concepts that a child cannot arrive at unaided through simple experience.
“Any unnecessary help is a hindrance.” – Maria Montessori
Some Key Themes:
Biology – Needs of living things
Geography – Rotation and Revolution
Geometry – Congruence, Similarity, Equivalence
History – Needs of Humans through time
Language – Word studies
This approach is nested in the concept of Cosmic Education, facilitating and guiding the child’s exploration and orientation in society, appealing to the intellect and imagination.
