There are significant differences between private kindergarten and a traditional school setting. The primary goal of Montessori is not to achieve matched advancement for all students, and this type of teaching is not limited to academic education. To better understand the role of Montessori, it is best to start with the common standards of the Montessori Method.
Immersive Learning
Through play-based activities that engage your child’s mind and body,
authentic Montessori preschools promote doing rather than studying. The idea is to help children learn by activity rather than memorizing facts. This helps children with lesson retention by imprinting the information into their personal experiences.
Self-Paced, Self-Taught
Montessori schools use self-correcting activities so children learn at their own pace with minimal adult intervention. Some activities such as music or storytime may include the whole class, but the Montessori standard is to encourage classmates to use a wide variety of multi-subject materials based on each children’s interests.
Class Sizes and Mixed-Ages
Class sizes range from around 8 to 15 students in early learning classes to as many as 35 in elementary classes. The key to this system is that classes are divided into age groups which allow the older children to help younger ones. Teachers and aides provide guidance and assistance as required on an individual basis, assisted by the interaction of the children as learning partners.
Mind, Body, and Ethics
Academics are a major part of the Montessori Method, but the goal is to benefit all aspects of education, including physical activity to build fine motor skills and
ethical concepts like grace and courtesy. To this end, Montessori workstations often combine different facets of learning into the activities children enjoy.
Guidance Vs. Dictation
Another area that
Montessori schools stand apart is the way the staff interacts with children. A large part of the teaching staff’s time is spent observing the progress and interests of the individual children. This allows teachers and aides to customize the curriculum of each student to provide the right type of materials and encouragement for that child.
These are some of the major Montessori standards you will see in use at your Montessori school, but this is far from a complete list. Other unique factors include specially designed work materials, uninterrupted work periods, and learning practical life skills. Your Montessori school will be happy to provide you a complete explanation of what makes Montessori different.
