Montessori | Terminology

Language You May Hear in a Montessori Community

• We use “work” instead of “play” for activities off the shelves, rather than toys or playthings.
• Work Cycle or Work Period- the time in the environment when students are independently engaged in work off the shelves and throughout the classroom environment
• Work or Floor mat- used when doing work on the floor instead of a table
• Art mat- used for all art works and activities
• “You may not touch my work.” Students to other students
• “You may not touch my body.” Used when talking with other students about hitting, touching, or grabbing each other.
• “I need space.” We encourage students to use this phrase when they need time to breathe or do their work peacefully without interruption.

Terminology for Areas of the Montessori Environment

Practical Life and Food Prep

This area of the toddler environment includes work such as sweeping, dishwashing, cloth washing, mopping, table scrubbing, pouring, wood polishing, and glass cleaning.

Sensorial

This area of the toddler environment includes work such as posting, sorting, stacking, matching, twisting, and fine motor skills.

Language

This area of the toddler environment includes work such as language baskets, nomenclature cards, exact matching cards, similar matching cards, and lots of books!

Self-Expression, Art, & Music

This area of the toddler environment includes work such as painting, scribbling, chalk, stickers, instruments, songs, and movement.