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About Montessori
Nearly a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori developed this unique educational approach, based on her research and understanding of children’s natural development. Centered on her belief that children teach themselves, the Montessori philosophy combines her two fundamental beliefs:
"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”
"We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself.”
Modern research reveals that nearly 80% of a child’s mental development takes place by age 8, affirming Montessori’s belief in early childhood as a critical period for development. Understanding that young children learn best through hands-on learning experiences, the Montessori classroom therefore includes multi-sensory, self-correcting activities, and an educational climate that supports learning through discovery and independence.
Learn more about the goals of a Montessori experience.
Compare a Montessori environment to a traditional classroom.
Learn more about the transition to elementary school.
Montessori Program Goals
Put simply, the goal of a Montessori education is to cultivate a child’s natural desire to learn. By creating an environment replete with interesting learning experiences, the teacher assumes the role of “directress” – recognizing each child’s unique level of readiness, demonstrating the correct use of materials, and keenly observing the natural progression of each child’s work.
The Montessori method allows each child the opportunity to:
- Experience learning as an exciting process of discovery
- Build self-discipline and motivation as lifelong skills
- Have the opportunity to explore and follow his/her interests
- Develop at an independent pace
- Learn through hands-on learning experiences using multi-sensory, self-correcting activities
- Obtain a solid educational foundation
- Experience a daily environment of caring, diversity, respect and peace
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Montessori Method vs. Traditional Method
One of the major differences between a Montessori environment and a traditional classroom is that the children learn in a multi-aged setting. Montessori multi-aged environments offer opportunities for children ages 3- 6 to grow and learn over an extended period of time and to develop naturally at their own pace. The multi-aged setting naturally supports constant interaction, problem solving, child-to-child modeling and socialization.
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Montessori Method:
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Traditional Method:
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1. Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom
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1. Teacher is center of classroom as "controller"
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2. Environment and method encourage self-discipline
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2. Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline
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3. Mainly individual instruction
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3. Group and individual instruction
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4. Mixed age grouping
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4. Same age grouping
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5. Grouping encourages children to teach and help each other
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5. Most teaching is done by the teacher
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6. Child chooses own work
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6. Curriculum is structured for the child
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7. Child discovers own concepts from self teaching materials
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7. Child is guided to concepts by the teacher
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8. Child works as long as he wishes on chosen project
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8. Child is generally allotted specific time for work
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9. Child sets own learning pace
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9. Instruction pace is usually set by group norm
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10. Child spots own errors from feedback of material
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10. If work is corrected, errors usually are pointed out by the teacher
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11. Child reinforces own learning by repetition of work and internal feelings of success
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11. Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rewards
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12. Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration
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12. Fewer materials for sensory development
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13. Organized program for learning care of self and environment
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13. Less Emphasis on self-care instruction
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14. Child can work where he chooses, move around and talk at will (yet not disturb the work of others); group work is voluntary
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14. Child usually assigned own chair: encouraged to participate, sit still and listen during group sessions
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15. Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning process
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15. Voluntary parent involvement
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Transition to Elementary School
Parents of young children are naturally concerned with ‘kindergarten readiness’ and ‘academic preparedness’. When considering a Montessori education, it is important to note that Casa dei Bambini provides a unique cycle of learning for preschool through Grade 1; the program is specifically designed to provide children with a solid educational foundation.
While the Montessori method and materials certainly differ from a traditional approach, the fundamental goals are the same – to develop a passion for learning, and build the skills necessary for life-long success. In fact, the Montessori environment allows each child to acquire those basic ‘school readiness skills’ in the most appropriate way – through independent discovery, and natural, meaningful experiences.
That said, the habits and skills that a child learns from his Montessori experience prepare him for future success in any stimulating educational environment. Maria Montessori understood that enthusiasm for learning is the key to becoming a truly educated person; a Montessori program therefore cultivates that enthusiasm from the very beginning.
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