Introduction
When deciding where to send your children to school, there are many factors to consider, including the type of education they will receive.
A Montessori school is an educational institution that offers a unique curriculum. The curriculum of these schools centers around the Montessori method, which Dr. Maria Montessori developed. The Montessori method uses concrete materials and activities to educate children within an appropriately mixed age group. This method encourages students to interact with their environment and build self-discipline by creating their learning methods.
In contrast to traditional education methods, Montessori schools emphasize learning through direct experience rather than memorization or rote learning. In addition, Montessori schools encourage children to explore their environment and minds through hands-on activities like science experiments, cooking lessons, art projects, musical exploration, etc. In addition, there are abundant resources available at these schools so that teachers can provide rich and varied learning experiences for each individual student.
If you want your child to learn faster, or if you are looking for a school that teaches more than one subject at a time, then Montessori schools may be right for you.
Take a look at the distinctions between a Montessori School and a Traditional School:
1. Pace
In a Montessori school, children are encouraged to learn at their own pace. This means they are monitored while exploring freely and learning in a way that supports their individual learning abilities. For example, some children may be able to read and write before others or do math differently than others. The point is that every child grows at their own pace and is free to experiment with new activities in their time frame.
Children also learn about themselves by working independently on tasks or projects that interest them (e.g., sorting materials). These activities allow children’s natural interests in science or artistry/music, etcetera (or whatever area) to shine through as they work collaboratively with adults while learning more about themselves along the way!
In a traditional school, each student is expected to adhere to the same pace of learning as their fellow students. This means that there is no competition between one student and another, but rather differentiation to support each and every child. That is largely due to the fact that each child has a learning style unique to him/her and he or she processes information differently or may need more time than others. Therefore, each student follows their own pace of learning, regardless of their ability level and there are no limitations to the curriculum.
2. Mixed Age-Groups
In a Montessori school, there are multi-age classes of children. This means that they are grouped based on age and ability, within 3-year-increments. It is very harmonious in the classroom when younger children are mixed with older children. Younger students are exposed to more vocabulary from older students and they can observe their peers and learn how to positively interact with them socially. Older children, likewise, have the opportunity to teach younger children and this helps them to master those skills – this is called Peer Teaching and comes naturally to the children. Multi-age groupings foster academic success on the cognitive level and produce significant results when the curriculum is differentiated. Variation in student abilities and interests is the norm rather than the exception, a hallmark of the Montessori Method.
The traditional school system in a single-age classroom, with its emphasis on uniformity and conformity, has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and individuality. This can be seen in how they treat each age-group the same, which limits opportunities for individual learning, and limits creativity. The lack of individual attention, combined with an emphasis on following a set curriculum, has led many schools to adopt a “one size fits all” approach to teaching and learning. This often leads to an oppressive environment where students feel restricted and powerless, which can have a negative impact on their mental health.
3. Independence And Self-Development
In a Montessori school, the curriculum is designed to address each child’s independence and self-development. The teaching method that follows this approach is called a “self-regulating” classroom environment, where children are encouraged to work independently on their projects to develop the skills necessary for success in later years.
Montessori schools focus on developing a child’s self-esteem through classroom activities and fine art activities such as ART, MUSIC, and PE.
On the other hand, traditional schools focus on the curriculum at hand, which is what is being taught at the moment and usually dictated by core standards. In this model, teachers are hired to teach a certain topic and do it until they are no longer needed to teach that subject. This can be a problem because it leaves students needing guidance or direction in their education.
4. The Role Of The Teacher
In a Montessori school, the teachers are trained in all areas of learning and guide the students through their learning in an organized and prepared environment. A Montessori school is a non-traditional educational setting that focuses on individualized learning. In this type of school, teachers and students work together to develop fundamental skills and knowledge in an environment that encourages children’s curiosity, creativity, and self-esteem. The teacher is not just a teacher; they are also mentors who guide their students throughout the day so the children can learn effectively.
Teachers in Montessori do not simply teach facts or formulas; instead, they provide guidance and support to help students learn how to learn by doing projects themselves. This approach allows children with different learning styles to succeed, including those who might struggle with reading comprehension. In addition, it allows them all access at once rather than forcing one style over another based on age group or ability level.
In a traditional school setting, the teacher is in charge of the learning process, and they are trained to motivate children through rewards, punishments, humiliation, or passive praise. Unfortunately, this method often leads to frustration for students who are not rewarded for their efforts and may even discourage them from trying to learn. The other children can also feel defeated while lowering their self-esteem. Neither scenario is favorable to the child.
5. Learning Style
In Montessori schools, each child has their own learning style.The materials in a Montessori classroom are versatile and designed to support a child’s age and ability. All children learn using their natural senses. Subsequently, we see that children may obtain information because they are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. Montessori lessons are diversified so it satisfies all types of learners. In fact, some children may be ready to move on in the curriculum while others may need some more support. In a Montessori school, each student is treated as an individual with specific educational needs. The Montessori method is based on the idea that children learn best by doing, so it’s essential to give them opportunities to explore and experiment with what they’re learning.They use manipulatives (such as sequencing cylinders or doing puzzles) instead of textbooks or using unrealistic figures. This allows students to use their hands and minds when learning with hand-on materials in a breadth of all areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural (including Geography, Zoology, and Botany.) Students have a freedom of movement to explore and choose appropriate work, as they desire based on ability and interest.
In a traditional school setting, children are often required to sit at desks and listen to lectures from their teachers. These lectures are often dull and uninspiring, but children have been conditioned to expect this from teacher-led classes.
6. Grading System
In Montessori schools, there is no set grade level that students are expected to achieve within one year; instead, they progress at their own pace through each subject area over the course of their attendance which can last up to 3 years in one classroom. This means that children may work at different levels in different areas throughout their time at school, depending on what they discover about the materials, as learners. We will offer progress reports 3 times a year to give feedback to parents.
In a traditional school, grades are based on age and year of instruction. In addition, grades and assessments are given in a traditional school based on the curriculum taught to the class each semester or quarter.
7. Curriculum
In a traditional school, the curriculum is set by provincial standards and taught by trained teachers in every subject area. Teachers specialize in one or two subjects, but they also teach all of them. This means that students progress through the curriculum at the same rate as they would if they were taught by a trained teacher specializing in each subject area. As a result, every student goes through the curriculum at the same rate. This means that if you are a slow learner or need help grasping concepts, your teacher will likely not be able to help you learn as quickly as others.
In Montessori schools, however, student progress is not tied to an age-based schedule. How quickly or slowly you want your child to progress through their learning experience will depend on the type of Montessori program you enroll them in. Montessori schools offer a wide range of learning experiences for children between 3-10 years old. The curriculum focuses on developing individualized learning plans based on each child’s physical development, social skills, and temperament so that each child can learn at their own pace with encouragement from their teacher who has been specifically trained in Montessori education methods.
Conclusion
Both Montessori schools and traditional schools have benefits and drawbacks depending on your child’s needs.
Montessori schools are usually private schools, therefore tuition is collected monthly. However, they offer flexibility in scheduling and curriculum that is not available at other types of schools. The main benefit of Montessori education is the individualized attention given to each child by teachers trained in many areas of learning; this allows students to achieve their full potential while fostering creativity and self-confidence. In addition, Montessori students typically perform better academically than their peers who attend traditional public or private institutions because they can study at their own pace without being overly distracted by classroom activities (such as homework).
Finally, children learn differently at a Montessori school than at a traditional school. Children are believed to be naturally curious and capable of initiating their learning in a supportive, well-designed learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. At Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School, our certified and trained Montessori teachers are enthusiastic and committed to imparting a high level of education to the children in their care. The teachers will work with the students at their own pace, provide individualized attention, and foster their developmental needs through classroom guidance. Our goal is to comprehend and actively promote diversity fully.
Our Mission Statement is: Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School encourages each child to their highest potential, at their own individual pace, using the Montessori Philosophy in order to be a successful member of the society. We believe that strong communication and trust is the key in sustaining a committed and supportive connection with our families.
