Montessori is so much more than a teaching style. Montessori is an educational approach where the children are honored and essentially lead the way. Students learn through hands-on lessons given by their guide (teacher). The guide decides when and which lessons are given by observing the interests and skills of each individual child. Students learn more than just arithmetic and language in Montessori; they learn to view themselves and the world as a diverse global community, where each person is a contributing member.

What is a Montessori Education?

A Montessori education is founded on a philosophy developed and created by Dr. Maria Montessori. The teaching approach is based on the adult, or guide, observing and “following the child”. The main goal in Montessori is the hope of “fostering a lifelong love of learning”.

Who is Dr. Maria Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and mother. She was a pioneer in her field, being the first woman to receive a medical degree in Italy, specializing in women’s and children’s health. Montessori fell into the education of children by noticing and observing their focus and interest, no matter their financial status or physical and mental abilities and skills. People are often surprised to hear how she had to hide her only son, Mario, in order to protect her passion to help others. She was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her groundbreaking work in “education for peace” and her global humanitarian efforts.

Montessori Principles

1. Respect for the Child
2. Freedom with Limits
3. Sensitive Periods for Learning
4. The Prepared Environment
5. Independence
6. Hands-On & Individualized Learning
7. Play is WORK
8. Follow the Child

What’s a typical Montessori Classroom

There are 5 areas of the classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture & Science. Each area will have open shelves with materials/lessons easy for children to retrieve and use independently. The furniture and tools in the classroom will be child-sized. The classroom will have a variety of chairs, tables, work mats – but no rows of desks and chairs with assigned seating charts. The guide may have a chair for observations, but there is typically no desk for the teacher, either. Visitors are often struck by how the children choose their own work and work space, and work independently of the adults.

What are Montessori Materials?

The materials in a Montessori classroom are carefully and intentionally designed with a specific purpose in mind. They are teaching a concept by allowing a child to develop and practice various skills. The materials will be hands-on and self-correcting, which aids in their independence. The pink tower (sensorial),  a pouring work (practical life), and the movable alphabet (language) are all examples of materials you will find in a Montessori classroom.

What is the Montessori Work Cycle?

The Work Cycle in a Montessori classroom is a dedicated, uninterrupted block of time. Students are encouraged to choose their own work and workspace. Usually, the work cycle runs between 2 and 3 hours. The hope and goal of this time is to allow the children to enter a workflow where they experience exploration, opportunity for choice and decision making, concentration, and completion of the work/lesson. You may see a 7-year-old sitting on a rug, totally absorbed and meticulously building a word using the movable alphabet. Spelling their story phonetically from the fun they had over the weekend. Or maybe a 9-year-old, and their friend, are using the bead chain to count to 1000, working quietly (not necessarily silently) and diligently together to make sure they don’t miss a bead. Once a child has completed their work, they will carefully place the materials back in the box, or carry their chain on a tray, back to the shelf or cabinet for the next child to use.

What are Sensitive Periods?

Dr. Maria Montessori identified six special phases of childhood. She called these specific times in a child’s development “sensitive periods,” which are temporary windows when a child is extremely receptive to certain skills. During these various sensitive periods, a child can learn almost effortlessly. They will experience deep concentration and immeasurable joy when mastering a particular skill (sounds or beginning reading, pouring or transferring objects without spilling, social behaviors like making friends, refining gross & fine motor skills – throwing a ball). The materials and lessons in a Montessori classroom are designed to help the child build those skills and achieve success in each of those periods.

What is Practical Life?

Practical Life is one area of the Montessori classroom. These lessons and materials/tools help children build skills they can use in everyday life, whether at home, school, or a friend’s house. It’s purposeful and meaningful work that aids in learning how to take care of themselves and the world around them. These lessons include such things as pouring water from a pitcher into a glass, sweeping the floor, watering plants, zipping up pants or coats, washing their hands, and blowing their own nose. The list is endless. Parents are often shocked to see how independent their child is at school. A classroom favorite is food prep, and parents are pleasantly surprised to see their child using real knives or using a hammer or shovel in the garden.

How is Montessori different from traditional school?

A Montessori education can differ from conventional schooling in a variety of ways.

1. Ages in Montessori: 0-3, 3-6. 7-9, etc., are usually in groups of 2-3 years, whereas in a traditional classroom, all of the children are the same age
2. Instruction – each child is receiving very individualized, one-on-one or small group lessons, each child choosing for themselves (one child may start w/language work and another may start w/math), all children are working, but not all children are doing the same work at the same time.
3. Self-Paced – the guide follows the child, so the needs and abilities of the child determine the type of lesson and the speed at which the student works. A 4-year-old may be reading, and a 6-year-old in the same class may still be working on sounds and CVC words. Two 8-year-olds may be working with the fraction insets together. One may take 30 minutes to complete their work, and the other an hour; both are achieving success.
4. Assessments – Montessori guides keep records of the lessons given to each child. Introduction, Practice, and Mastery of the materials and skills. There isn’t usually a state-mandated test given in a Montessori class if it’s a private school. Public and Charter Montessori schools may be required to give state-evaluated tests in order to receive state funding.
5. Materials & Motivation – The materials in a Montessori classroom are unique and specially designed for each lesson. They are hands-on manipulatives, and the classroom has some, but not many, worksheets. The materials are tangible and self-correcting, which aids in the transition from concrete to abstract concepts, leading to a deeper understanding versus simple memorization of facts. Freedom of choice and the control of error both encourage confidence, self-reliance, and personal responsibility. This fosters intrinsic motivation versus the need for grades and sticker charts with minimal help or correction from the teacher.

Common Misconceptions about Montessori

There are a variety of myths about a Montessori education or school. Some of the most common misconceptions are:

1. Chaotic classroom – because children are allowed to roam around the classroom with freedom to choose their work – sometimes parents see this as unorganized. This freedom of choice has boundaries and expectations.
2. Montessori is only for preschoolers – the Montessori education can begin as early as infancy and can go all the way through high school.
3. Academics are not a priority – many children learn to read in primary (4 & 5 year olds), learn to master and truly understand the basics of numbers because they begin with the concrete concepts, and the abstract skills make more sense. Students use hands-on materials, solidifying these mathematical concepts instead of passive rote memorization of facts.
4. Only for the wealthy & religious – many Montessori schools are privately owned and operated, but several states around the country have been adopting Montessori as an option, especially charter schools. But even private schools often are diligently working on becoming non-profits, allowing the school to accept grants and scholarships offered through the state. Montessori is not a religion. The guides in a Montessori classroom incorporate many religions and cultures from around the world in their lessons. Students and families from all religious backgrounds are welcome at Dandelion Learning Collaborative.
5. Discourages creativity and imagination – Although Montessori emphasizes a strong foundation in reality first, imaginative play is encouraged and welcome in the classroom and playground/garden, and other work spaces. A Montessori classroom includes art, music, and many opportunities for social interactions.

How to Know if Montessori is Right for Your Child

Montessori is a strong fit for most children, but especially if your child is curious, self-directed, and an independent worker. A child who enjoys self-paced work options, derives success from intrinsic gratification, and thrives in an environment where they get to choose much of how their educational journey plays out. Students who learn by physically manipulating objects, asking questions, and are able to focus deeply on their work will absolutely thrive in a Montessori classroom.

The best way to understand Montessori is to see it in action. Please visit one of our Open Houses to see and learn more about Montessori and Dandelion Learning Collaborative.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio?

All 3 are child-centered education philosophies and follow the child, honoring their learning styles and personalities. The differences lie in how this is accomplished. Montessori focuses on independence, self-directed learning using hands-on manipulatives, grounded in reality vs fantasy. Academics are an early focus, starting with the toddlers. Waldorf is nature-based and emphasizes the importance of imagination and artistic expression. Academics aren’t usually a focus until around 3rd grade (8 y/o). Reggio Emilia is a more project-based educational style. Learning occurs through exploration: painting, sculpting, drama, and writing.

Is Montessori a good fit for a child with ADHD?

Montessori can be an excellent fit for a child with ADHD for many reasons. First, children are able to move their bodies more freely in a Montessori classroom. Children are able to choose where and how they work (floor, table, outside). The ability to choose which work is also beneficial to the child. The type of materials used in a Montessori classroom can also aid in the success, as well as the self-paced nature of learning. The prepared environment is intentionally designed to be a calming space and can minimize visual and auditory distractions that can sometimes be a distraction.

Are Montessori schools accredited?

This varies depending on the school.

What ages is Montessori for

0-3 is Nido/Toddler, 3-6 Children’s House or Primary, 6-12 is Elementary, and even adolescents. Some Montessori schools go through High School or Farm School.

What’s the difference between AMI, AMS, and NAMC? The differences mostly lie in the styles of training, philosophies, program/training costs, and accreditation.

AMI – Association Montessori Internationale – founded by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. Strict focus on the original philosophy without modernization or outside influences. AMI is fully recognized and accredited by MACTE.

AMS – American Montessori Society – An Americanized version which allows for more flexibility, especially when taking into account modern standards and state testing requirements. Many guides use supplemental materials in the classroom.AMS is also fully recognized and accredited by MACTE.

NAMC – North American Montessori Center – training is done completely on-line versus AMS and AMI are mostly in-person. NAMC is more similar to AMS in regards to allowing more modern and culturally relevant materials and lessons in the classroom. NAMC has the most flexibility given to teachers. You may see a laptop or IPad in an AMS or NAMC elementary classroom, where you would not typically see one in an AMI classroom. In an AMS and NAMC classroom you may also have specialists, or teachers who specialize in music, art, or a foreign language, in the classroom. Whereas, in an AMI classroom the lead guide is responsible for all the education requirements of the students.