Montessori Education

Attention Parents

Are you preparing to enrol your child(ren) in school but have questions about the available Programs Of Choice?

Will my child be at a disadvantage academically if I choose Montessori education?
Will my child be prepared for all the challenges that our society brings?
Will my child be successful in the future?

Below is an explanation about Montessori’s Methodology.

Montessori Methodology

Hallmarks of Montessori

Montessori includes multi-age groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. In addition, a full complement of specially designed Montessori learning materials are meticulously arranged and available for use in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

The teacher, child, and environment create a learning triangle. The classroom is prepared by the teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed.

Montessori Classrooms

In Montessori classrooms, children are taught how to regulate their own social interactions. Through fun role-playing activities and appropriate modeling, the teacher demonstrates the best way to respond to arguments or new situations, giving the child the ability to act confidently and pro-socially when the actual problem arises. The result is a self-regulating classroom, in which natural social tensions are resolved mostly by the children themselves.

Children move freely throughout the environment, choosing activities that interest them, or working with the teacher, individually, or in small groups. Their movement is unrestricted by the teacher unless it endangers themselves, other people, or their surroundings. Outdoor environments are important in Montessori schools, and offer opportunities to engage with the natural world.

Montessori Learning Materials

Throughout the room, children will be sorting, stacking, and manipulating all sorts of beautiful objects made of a range of materials and textures. Many of these objects will be made of smooth polished wood. Others are made of enameled metal, wicker, and fabric. Also available to explore are items from nature, such as seashells and birds’ nests.

How can a preschool-aged child be trusted to handle fragile little items independently? Montessori teachers believe that children learn from their mistakes. If nothing ever breaks, children have no reason to learn carefulness. Children treasure their learning materials and enjoy learning to take care of them “all by myself.”

Montessori Teachers

Guide.
The teacher responds empathetically to the children’s feelings and needs, while firmly establishing limits for the group.
Observer.
The teacher is capable of observing, reflecting and planning for each child’s individualized progress.
Resource/Consultant.
The teacher is the resource to whom children may turn for help, in all areas of their development.
Model.
The teacher models the behaviours, values, and personal qualities which they seek to develop in their students.

The Evidence Tilts In Montessori’s Favor

A 2006 study of 112 students in a Montessori school and conventional public schools in Milwaukee found that the Montessori students performed significantly better on both cognitive and social measures.
High school students who had attended a Montessori school performed significantly better on math and science tests.
Another study found that the essays of 12-year-old Montessori students were more creative and used more complex sentence structures than those produced by the non-Montessori group.
The research also shows Montessori students to have greater social and behavioural skills. They demonstrate a greater sense of fairness and justice.
Most Montessori schools report that their students are typically accepted into the high schools and colleges of their choice.
And many successful grads cite their years at Montessori when reflecting on important influences in their life.

For more information, see the “Overview of Research on Montessori Education” HERE.

https://vimeo.com/78075368