Music-enriched Montessori Curriculum
In the Montessori classroom the child learns to feel safe and secure, and only then is he free to explore all the wonders of his self and surrounding world. When the child learns to trust he can then cultivate his own natural desire to learn, which will provide him with the skills for the future. The Montessori philosophy and Montessori Mozarts are based on respect for the child, respect for the environment and freedom of choice within the prepared environment. They also teach the necessary skills for the future, creative thinking, problem-solving, risk-taking, teamwork, communication, creativity and individual thought. The mission is to develop the “whole child” through leadership in music education. Montessori Mozarts enhances a child’s ability to learn concepts required in many disciplines and this style of learning is directly compatible with the Montessori philosophy of education.
Montessori Mozarts is introduced to the Montessori educator through a hands-on-teacher workshop, or through interaction with the audio/visual teacher manual. This manual provides all the tools for everyday Montessori music lesson plans with clear instructions for teacher follow-up. The curriculum design includes the following:
• How to develop a repertoire of songs.
• Introduce basic music concepts through music and movement
• World music and cultural appreciation
• Timeline of composers and musical forms
• Percussions instruments
• Instruments of the orchestra
• Montessori musical bells
• Improvisation and composing
• Music symbols and notation
This developmentally appropriate music curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate the diverse interests and multicultural learning styles of the Montessori child. This method of independent learning places the educator as facilitator and co-learner with the freedom to expand and include learning for all children. It builds upon the widely accepted standards set forth for each age level (NAEYC, 2001), maintains respect and recognition of the individual, and is taught in a globally friendly flexible manner with opportunities for multicultural creativity and exploration.
“The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality”
M. Montessori
For more highlights next week
Step-by-step lesson plans to use today in your classroom
Visit: www.montessorimozarts.com
