ABOUT DR. MONTESSORI
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) developed her educational method from a profound appreciation for the power and mystery of the child. The child, given primary respect, makes spontaneous choices within a specially prepared environment, and is able to "create himself”.
A Montessori education helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills children will need to succeed in the future! It also teaches care of self, care of others and care of the environment in a fun and safe space.
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Cognitive/social/emotional/moral development emphasis
Teacher prepares the environment with learning materials
Emphasizes inner discipline
Encouraged to help one another
Mixed Age Grouping
Much teaching is peer teaching and modeling
Curriculum is structured to child
Child internalizes concepts through exploration of educational materials
Child is self-paced and usually continues with an activity for an extended time
Child sets own learning pace
Child identifies errors from educational material's feedback
Learning is reinforced internally by child's repetition with materials and an internal feeling of competence
Multi-sensory learning materials for physical exploration
Purposeful movement in the classroom is encouraged and believed to be an aid in learning
TRADITIONAL EDUCATION
Social development emphasis
Teacher is the center of classroom as the instructor
Teacher disciplines
Seeks help of teacher
Same age grouping
Most teaching done by teacher
Curriculum structured to class
Child is taught concepts by teacher
Child is generally allotted specific instructional time
Group sets the learning pace
Teacher identifies error
Learning is reinforced externally by group repetition and rewards
Pencil and paper approach to learning
Child usually assigned own chair; encouraged to participate, sit still and listen during group sessions