How does a Montessori pre-school
differ?
In a Montessori pre-school, the children learn concepts
spontaneously as they work independently with the many materials
in the environment.
What is in a Montessori classroom?
The Montessori classroom is a child sized world. With carefully
selected materials by the teacher, an environment is set up
that allows the child a place to explore life on a level he
or she can understand. This prepared environment entices the
child to proceed at their own pace from simple activities
to more complex ones. Through this process, the child’s
natural curiosity is satisfied and he/she begins to experience
the joy of discovering the world around them. Materials and
curriculum center around Practical Life, Sensorial, Language,
Math, Geography, History, Science, Art, Music, Drama, and
Dance.
What is the role of the Montessori teacher?
The Montessori teacher, or Directress, facilitates the classroom
activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interest
of children and she helps the children progress from one activity
to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually,
allowing him to choose from many activities within his or
her range of ability. She stands back while a child is working
and allows the child the satisfaction of his/her own discovery.
With all the freedom, isn’t there confusion
?
The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom with
limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as they
do not disturb others. Actually, the children allowed the
freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and
busily involved in their work.
What is the difference between Montessori and Waldof?
A Montessori school follows the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori
(1870-1952). A Waldorf school follows the philosophy of Rudolf
Steiner (1861-1925). For more informatio between the two please
click
here.
What are the advantages to Montessori over other
approaches to early education?
- Maria Montessori was the first educator to bring the
classroom down to the child's level - children learn best
when comfortable, and when able to move around.
- Self-actualization of the young child - the child learns
best when he can use his hands to concretely engage with
a material as well as repetition of activities.
- Fosters a love of learning as the child develops on their
own level and within their interests.
- A freedom within limits within the classroom.
- Teaches the whole child beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.
He child learns basic life skills.
Does the multi-age classroom work?
The multi-age classroom allows for further demonstration
of mastery, as the older children can sometimes “teach”
the younger children better than an adult. The child is also
able to learn independence, which he has been craving basically
since birth. “Help me learn to do it myself.”
What will my child learn at a Montessori school?
The curriculum is the same as a traditional school’s…and
more. Our students develop social, emotional, motor and perceptual
skills. They begin to learn reading, math, history, geography
and science. They develop fine motor skills as well as practical
life skills.
How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?
Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally
very flexible and adjust easy to the public school situation.
They may be better students and spend their time in a more
productive way because of their self directions and positive
attitude toward learning. The skills and attitudes developed
at Montessori lead to a lifetime of curiosity and learning
– a benefit for children who move from Montessori to
private, parochial or public schools.
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