How is geography taught in Montessori?
Montessori teaches geography from whole to parts: first the sandpaper globe (land and water), then the coloured globe of continents, the world puzzle map, continent maps, and finally the child's own country. Children also learn land and water forms, flags and cultural folders with pictures of people, homes and foods.
What this means in practice
Starting with the whole world gives children the big picture before details.
Sequence
- Sandpaper globe
- Continents globe
- World puzzle map
- Continent maps
- Own country map
- Land and water forms
- Flags and culture folders
Montessori colours for continents
Many classrooms use a standard colour code for continents on globes and maps to support recognition.
Practical next steps
- Introduce the globe.
- Name continents.
- Explore continent folders.
- Make a map of your country.
ExampleChildren in Accra trace Africa, then Ghana, then colour their own region.
What to keep in mind
Use accurate, current maps.
Common follow-up questions
What age?
About 3–6.
Is it memorisation?
No; hands-on exploration.
Sources
Examples are educational illustrations with made-up names. How these answers are prepared.