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 |
