What is Montessori?
The Montessori system of education was created by Dr Maria Montessori.
She formulated her approach to education through her lifelong study and observation of how children actually learn.
She believed that every child had a spontaneous urge to learn.
It is the teacher’s task is to discover the true nature of each child,
assist them to reach their full potential and to prepare them for all aspects of life.
A Montessori school develops the whole child while traditional education, on the other hand, is based on tradition.
If you are new to Montessori education, the first question you might ask is “What makes Montessori so different?”
The answer to that question is vast! So, in an effort to make the information
a little bit more straightforward we have organised some of the key concepts and differences for you.
What is Montessori?
The Montessori system of education was created by Dr Maria Montessori.
She formulated her approach to education through her lifelong study and observation of how children actually learn.
She believed that every child had a spontaneous urge to learn.
It is the teacher’s task is to discover the true nature of each child,
assist them to reach their full potential and to prepare them for all aspects of life.
A Montessori school develops the whole child while traditional education, on the other hand, is based on tradition.
If you are new to Montessori education, the first question you might ask is “What makes Montessori so different?”
The answer to that question is vast! So, in an effort to make the information
a little bit more straightforward we have organised some of the key concepts and differences for you.
Prepared Environment
MONTESSORI
Our classrooms and play areas are carefully prepared in advance, based on observations of the students’ individual needs. They include student-centred lessons and activities.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional classrooms are based on teacher-centred lessons and activities, where most of the learning takes place indoors.
Active vs Passive
MONTESSORI
Montessori lessons are hands-on and active. With guidance students discover information for themselves by doing.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional school lessons are often orated, students must listen passively, memorise information and take tests.
Time & Pace
MONTESSORI
Within the Montessori curriculum the individual child’s work pace is honoured and encouraged. Children work on interests as long as they need, and interruptions are avoided wherever possible.
TRADITIONAL
Time limitations are mandated by arbitrary schedules and children are often encouraged to work at the same pace. Each activity has a set time even if one child needs more time than another.
Teachers Role
MONTESSORI
Montessori teachers, also known as a directress, act as guides to follow the child’s interests along the learning path on a one-on-one basis. They assist each child along their individual learning path.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional teachers must deliver the same lesson, in the same order for all students.
Curriculum
MONTESSORI
The Montessori curriculum expands in response to the student’s needs. The curriculum itself is adaptable. Children learn through experience with senses. The teacher works in collaboration with the children.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional curriculums are not flexible and are predetermined with little regard to the individual student needs. The class is led by the teacher.
Self Esteem
MONTESSORI
Montessorians understand that a child’s self-esteem comes from an internal sense of pride in their own accomplishments. Self-made self-esteem!
TRADITIONAL
Self Esteem comes from validation through praise and external judgement
Learning
MONTESSORI
Montessori appeals to the child’s innate hunger for knowledge. Children absorb knowledge easily following their own individual interests.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional education focuses on standardized test performance and grades, children learn from a set curriculum for everyone.
If you are interested in learning more about Montessori Education, we welcome you
to visit our school and see the practices in action for yourself.