Why Montessori?

 

 

Commonly Asked Questions about Montessori Schools and Preschool Education

Why should I send my child to preschool?

The single most important period in the development of a person‘s intelligence occurs between birth and age five. A child‘s mind is extremely absorbent and his or her curiosity is at a peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child‘s mind forms patterns for learning that serve them well throughout life. The Montessori system of preschool education has proven to be one of the most effective and fastest-growing methods to guide a child through these critical years.

What is the difference between Child Care Centers and Preschools?

Child Care Centers (aka Daycare or Nursery) are generally for the purpose of caring for children while parents work and offer socialization and play-based activities. Preschools offer age-appropriate educational experiences combined with socialization and play and may have teachers trained in a specific educational methodology or philosophy.

How is the Montessori Preschool Program different from other Preschools?

In most preschools a teacher teaches the children educational concepts in a group, all learning the same thing at the same time, whether they are developmentally ready or not. In Montessori schools children learn concepts spontaneously, working independently choosing their own “work“ from the many materials in the environment, and progressing at their own pace, with gentle guidance, in a way that fosters independence and a desire to learn more.

What is the Montessori Method of Education?

The Montessori method of education is a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching“ the child concepts, an environment is designed to stimulate the child‘s interest and facilitate their understanding and learning capacities spontaneously with little or no adult intervention.

What is the purpose of the Montessori method?

The main purpose of the Montessori method is to develop an environment where the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. As the child begins to develop this inner self, his or her love of life and learning expands continuously and continues into adulthood.

Who started the Montessori Method?

Dr. Maria Montessori, over 70 years ago, was Italy‘s first women medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in the children‘s houses in Rome. Based on her unbiased observations she developed unique materials, a child-centered environment, and was one of the first persons to revolutionize educational thought by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education, and training through the use of movement and the senses.

What is the classroom environment like?

The classroom is a child-size world. Whatever is in the world outside can be incorporated meaningfully in the Montessori classroom. To a child, the world is unmanageable - it is too big, too complex and too confusing. Careful selection of materials creates an environment set up to allow children to explore life at a level they can understand. Materials or exercises are then designed to stimulate independent exploration. This prepared environment entices the child to proceed at his/her own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, their natural curiosity is satisfied and they begin to experience the joy of discovering the world around them. Materials and curriculum center around practical life, sensorial, language, math, and cultural lessons, and within those areas incorporate geography, science, art, music and movement.

How do children interact in the environment?

As the children develop their sense of pride in their “work”, a feeling of confidence, joy, and well-being begins to manifest itself in the child. A “new child” is born. The classroom is a joy to watch. There is an obvious spirit of respect, love, and cooperation among the children that is not often found.

What is the role of the Montessori teacher?

The Montessori teacher is called a Director/Directress because she facilitates the classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually, allowing the child to choose from many activities within their range of ability. The directress stands back while a child is working and allows them the satisfaction of their own discovery.

With all the freedom, isn’t there confusion?

The concept of freedom within the classroom is one of freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he or she does not disturb others. Actually, with our children having the freedom to follow their interests, they are generally happy and busily involved with their work.

What is the best age to start my child?

Maria Montessori outlined various periods of “sensitivity”. During these times a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. At age 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 a special sense of order, concentration, coordination, and independence begin to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child’s training in Montessori, as he/she is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning.

How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?

Children who have been in a Montessori program are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily to public school situations. They are generally better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning. They often prefer more educational activities than plan-based activities when given the choice.

What about socialization and group work?

Socialization is very much a part of a child’s day. In the classroom, you will notice children interacting continuously, choosing to work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones. Each day there is some group activity and outside play.

Who is the Montessori method designed for?

The Montessori method is an “approach to learning” and as such has no distinction of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all types of programs (i.e. Head start, gifted and learning-impaired, public and charter schools, etc.) Dr. Maria Montessori believed the classroom should reflect the greater community and include children from all different backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities, with children learning to respect and appreciate all and working together.

I’ve heard Montessori Schools are expensive, are they?

Tuition in Montessori preschools throughout the country is generally higher than in other preschools because of the extensive custom-made wood materials used for everything from the lesson materials to child-size furniture, shelving, to the custom-made child-size counters and sinks, the highly trained staff, and environment-friendly practices. Many other preschools use plastic toys and materials that are not typically used in Montessori schools. Montessori teacher certification is additional training that typically takes two years to complete and includes a nine-month teaching practicum.

If you consider the cost of a traditional preschool plus the extra activities you may be paying for, like dance, music, etc., it becomes more comparable and a matter of what you value most. To give your child the finest possible experience in his or her most sensitive years is to give them a strong foundation throughout life. Many educators believe that it is wiser to invest in a child’s preschool education than his college education. The child who enjoys learning and becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit through all his years of learning. The expense now is a profitable long-term investment.