Frequently
Asked Questions
What
are the main differences between Montessori and traditional schools?
Montessori
schools stem from a philosophy of education for peace and education for life. Montessori
consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful. It is also based on meeting the developmental needs of children in order
to give them advantages that will last a lifetime. Montessori early childhood programs provide an optimal foundation for later
learning. While Montessori offers outstanding opportunities for academic achievement, it includes an expanded vision in which
there is a deep concern for children's social and and emotional development, leading to the development of character and
self-esteem. Traditional early childhood programs prepare children for kindergarten and first grade. Montessori primary programs
prepare children for first grade as well as for life.
Whereas traditional
schools teach groups of children all at once, Montessori schools greatly respect children for their uniqueness as individuals.
Recognizing that children each learn differently and are each on a natural timetable for their own development, Montessori
environments are warm, supportive communities where children can develop at their own pace. The Montessori method of education
acknowledges that learning academic skills in school should be joyful and natural a process as learning to walk or talk.
In traditional schools work that has been assigned by the teacher rarely leads to such enthusiasm
and interest as work that children freely choose for themselves. Learning in a Montessori classroom is self-directed.
The goal is for children to enjoy the work they select, actively engaging in learning rather than passively waiting to
be taught. Through hands-on exploration, Montessori students can understand their work. They work they explore is meaningful,
capturing their interest and demonstrating their talents.
Traditional
schools are typically highly competitive, challenging children to compete with each other for grades and special rewards.
Montessori schools are typically non-competitive. In the early years this is especially important because children need to
develop a positive self-image. Competition creates the potential for failure before children have experienced repeated success.
Montessori is not opposed to to competition; however, Montessori schools allow competition to evolve naturally. Using competition
as an artificial motivator for learning and high achievement is simply ineffective. It teaches children to do only what id
required by the teacher rather than striving to reach their personal best. In Montessori schools children demonstrate collaborative
effort and learn out of interest and enthusiasm rather than superficially imposed grades and prizes.
Montessori schools are different from traditional schools in many ways, from the activities
in the classroom, to the way they are demonstrated, practiced and learned, to the philosophy of teaching and learning.
People who who can see beyond traditional school practices recognize that learning should happen happily and naturally.
Parents who have had children at Montessori schools have discovered that their children enjoy school.
What outcomes can be expected of a Montessori education?
Adults
who had a Montessori education as children are typically lifelong learners, intrinsically motivated to seek academic challenges
for the enjoyment and satisfaction of attaining skills. They tend to be unafraid of failure and are self-reflecting, easily
learning from their own mistakes. They are often creative, confident, competent, successful people who will share their knowledge
and ideas, taking great satisfaction in self-expression. Montessori children tend to be empathetic and compassionate, often
growing up with a moral sense of social responsibility. They tend to be exceptionally respectful and appreciate the work of
others. With the self-discipline, skills and attitudes that are valued in the real world, these are the men and women we hope
our children will grow up to be.
Is It For All Children?
The Montessori system has been used successfully with children from birth to eighteen
from all socioeconomic levels, representing those in regular classes as well as gifted, developmentally disabled, emotionally
disturbed, physically handicapped.
Is The Child Free To Do Whatever He Chooses?
The child is free to move about the classroom at will, talk to other children, and to work with
any materials whose purpose he understands. The teacher presents lessons to an individual or small group in a consistent
and highly structured manner. The child is then free to repeat the lessons as often as he chooses. He is not free to interrupt
another child's work or abuse the classroom environment in any way.
How is the transition for a child moving from a Montessori classroom
to a traditional classroom?
Although
there are many Montessori schools offering programs for children ages 3-12, some regions of the world do not offer a complete
Pre-K-12 Montessori program. Transitioning is something Montessori children will have to accomplish at some point their school
careers. The good news is, studies show that this change is very successful.
A recent research project tracked 400 students in Milwaukee. Half
the students received only public school education from kindergarten to graduation. The other half attended Montessori schools
through 5th grade before transitioning into the public school system. The two groups were matched in terms of gender, race
and family financial status. At the end of the study, conducted between 1997 - 2007, test scores and GPAs were compared.
Children who had received
Preschool-Grade5 Montessori education not only out performed the other student group in math and science test scores, but
also graduated with higher GPAs. The conclusion of the study was that early Montessori education had a long-term impact on
later public school performance.
Montessori children tend to be very flexible and usually adapt well
to more traditional systems.
Are all Montessori schools the same?
