What are the Great Lessons in Montessori?
The Great Lessons are an essential and unique aspect of the Montessori curriculum. These lessons are bold and exciting, designed to awaken a child’s imagination and curiosity. They aim to captivate children with the wonders of creation and thrill them with new ideas, inspiring awe for human inventiveness and innovation.
The Five Great Lessons are typically presented in Lower Primary (P2-P4). In Children's House (3 years old - P1) children are first introduced to smaller ideas that gradually expand into larger concepts. In Lower Primary, children are introduced right away to grand concepts, such as the beginning of the universe, allowing them to see how smaller ideas fit into this larger framework.
The Five Great Lessons paint a broad picture before students move to more specific studies. They consist of:
First Great Lesson – Coming of the Universe and the Earth: This lesson introduces children to the origins of the universe and our planet, sparking their curiosity about the natural world.
Second Great Lesson – Coming of Life: Here, children learn about the emergence of life on Earth, fostering an appreciation for the diversity of living organisms.
Third Great Lesson – Coming of Human Beings: This lesson covers the advent of human beings, highlighting the evolution and development of our species.
Fourth Great Lesson – Communication in Signs: This lesson explores the history of communication, emphasising the importance of language and symbols in human interaction.
Fifth Great Lesson – The Story of Numbers: Children discover the origins and significance of numbers, enhancing their understanding of mathematics.
These Great Lessons are not just about imparting knowledge; they are about igniting a passion for learning and a sense of wonder about the world. By starting with these grand narratives, we provide children with a context that makes their subsequent learning more meaningful and interconnected.