Our philosophy is based on the ideas of Dr. Maria Montessori who believed strongly in the contributions to humanity that the child could make. Believing that in order to create peace one must start with the child, she created a prepared environment in which the child was free to develop. In a Montessori classroom, children are given freedom to work at their own pace. They may choose to work with a group of children, individually, or with a partner. Children are encouraged to help one another, and the older children tend to lead the younger ones. The teacher acts as facilitator and keen observer to aid the natural development of the child. Ultimately, children develop a sense of pride in their work and guide themselves to success. Our goal is to create students who love to learn and who are joyful in their work.

Montessori Methods vs. Traditional Methods

MONTESSORI METHOD
TRADITIONAL METHOD
Emphasis is on cognitive, social and emotional development
Emphasis is on on cognitive development
Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration
Fewer materials for sensory development
Environment and method encourage self-discipline and problem solving strategies
Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline mostly through forms of punishment
Mixed age group provides the child with a sense of community where children work to help and teach each other
Same age grouping
Children are able to work together cooperatively
Cooperative grouping is minimal
Teacher (directress) is a facilitator
Teacher is in control
Mainly individual and small group instruction
Mainly group instruction
Child chooses own work, with encouragement from teacher
Set curriculum is structured for the child
Child can work where he/she chooses, move around, eat snack, and talk when he/she desires, as long as he/she is not disturbing the work of others
Child must usually sit in a chair, not talk to friends, eat only at lunchtime, and work on set work
Child discovers own concepts from self-teaching (didactic) materials
Child is guided to concepts by teacher
Child may work at own learning pace
Instruction pace is set by group norm
Child works as long as he/she needs on a chosen project
Child is generally allotted specific time for work on a specific project or assignment. Projects usually chosen by teacher
Child reinforces own learning by repetition of work with intrinsic feelings of success. Learning is its own reward
Learning is reinforced extrinsically be repetition and rewards. Teachers work to motivate the child to learn
Materials are self-correcting. Child spots own errors from feedback of material
If work is corrected, errors usually are pointed out by teacher.
Organized program for learning care of self and environment in order to develop independence. Washing hands, sweeping floor, polishing shoes
Less emphasis on self-care instruction
Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning process
Voluntary parent involvement
Gettysburg Montessori Charter School 
888 Coleman Road • Gettysburg, PA 17325 • (717) 334-1120
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