How is a Montessori Classroom different from a Traditional classroom?
Montessori Environment
- Prepared kinesthetic materials with incorporated control of error, specially developed reference materials
- Working and learning matched to the social development of the child
- Unified, internationally developed curriculum
- Integrated subjects and learning based on developmental psychology
- Uninterrupted work cycles
- Multi-age classrooms
- Students active, talking, with periods of spontaneous quiet, freedom to move
- School meets needs of students
- Special help comes to students
- Process-focused assessment, skills checklists, mastery benchmarks
Traditional Classroom
- Textbooks, pencil and paper, worksheets and dittos
- Working and learning without emphasis on social development
- Narrow, unit-driven curriculum
- Individual subjects
- Block time, period lessons
- Single-graded classrooms
- Students passive, quiet, in desks
- Students fit mold of school
- Students leave for special help
- Product-focused report cards
FAQs
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO START A CHILD?
Dr. Maria Montessori outlined various periods of "sensitivity". During these times a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. At age 2 1/2 to 3 a special sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence begins to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child's experience with Montessori, as the child is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning.
WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION?
Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom you will notice children interacting continuously, choosing to work on projects together and older children helping younger ones. Montessori classrooms bring children together in multi-age groups, normally the span of 3 years, and since the Montessori classrooms embrace the idea that the children can manage their own community, the best "teacher" of a three year old is often another child who is just a bit older and has mastered a skill.
WHY A FIVE DAY PROGRAM?
As we encourage independence, we find the need for consistency. Five day programs are ideal because they allow for the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. Preschool children have not yet developed an understanding of "time." A child taken in and out of school every other day misses the security and continuity the five day program offers.