How is Montessori Different from the Mainstream Method of Education?
Montessori is based on the natural development of the human being.
Children are able to learn at their own pace with material appropriate for each stage of development.
Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared with child-sized furniture and developmentally appropriate materials for optimal child development.
It respects each childs differences and offers a nurturing environment to allow the children to explore their unique personalities and interests.
It focuses on child-directed activities rather than having young students passively listen to teachers lectures. The teacher works as a guide and facilitator.
It recognizes that physical exploration and cognition are linked as part of the learning process.
Children work interactively with the classroom materials rather than sit at a desk with pen and paper.
The classrooms are grouped with children from different ages and stages of development so that each child has the opportunity to act as mentor and men tee to his or her peers. 0-3 year olds are grouped together, and 3-6 year olds are grouped together.
Children are given the freedom to work through challenges on their own to develop self-confidence and self-reliance.
All Montessori schools around the world use the same teaching materials.
