How
is Montessori different from traditional pre-schools / kindergartens?
In most pre-schools and kindergartens, the emphasis is on play.
In the Montessori classroom, the children learn concepts spontaneously
as they work independently with specially designed materials.
The materials used for
reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, science, music, and social
studies are unique to the
Montessori classroom. Classroom materials developed for our youngest
students, for example, take abstract ideas
and put them in a concrete form that makes sense to their developing
minds.
| Montessori
is… |
|
| 3 year vertical
age groups (i.e. 3 to 6 year olds in the one classroom) |
|
| Motivated by self-development
|
|
| Children learn by
handling objects and self-learning |
|
| Teacher is observer
and directress |
|
| Child completes
“cycle of activities” |
|
| Few interruptions
|
|
| Freedom to move
and work |
|
| Emphasis on cognitive
learning |
|
| Quiet by choice |
|
| Materials used for
specific purpose with sequence of steps |
|
| Environment provides
discipline |
|
| Encouraged to help
one another |
|
| Child chooses materials |
|
| Child sets own pace |
|
| Child free to discover
|
|
| Reality oriented
|
|
| Self-education through
self-correcting materials |
|
| Multi-sensory materials
to promote specific skills |
|
Does Montessori
suit all children?
Montessori education is founded on a belief in the development potential
of each individual, however this system of education may
not suit all parents. A positive learning experience requires that the
parents share a common view on the purpose of education.
This common view creates the supportive
triangle when parents, directress and child are all working together
for the benefit of the child.
With all this freedom,
isn’t there confusion?
The Montessori concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within
limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does
not disturb others. Children having freedom to follow their interest
are generally happy and busily involved in their work. Also the child
“chooses” activities within the range of activities suited
to his or her stage of development under the guidance of the directress,
so
here again there is freedom but within limits.
Would Montessori
give my child the structure that I think he/she needs?
The directress is constantly aware of your child’s stage of development
and gently encourages them towards particular areas by
demonstrating suitable activities to them. The “structure”
exists but in a subtle way. There is some structure to the day’s
events but
also considerable autonomy for the child to choose his activities. This
all helps to develop the child’s self-esteem, initiative and love
of
learning.
What about socialization
and group work?
Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori way. In the classroom
children interact continuously, choosing to work on projects
together, older children helping younger ones. Every day there is some
group activity and play outside as a group. |
