Frequently Asked Questions About Montessori

 

What is Montessori?

       Montessori is a philosophy of education that is practiced worldwide. It is designed to allow each child to grow socially, academically, emotionally, and spiritually at his/her own rate of development. Its main beliefs are:

1)    each child is a unique individual and has the ability to explore his or her own capabilities in a learning environment;

2)  children have sensitive periods for learning;

3)  young children learn through their unconscious absorbent minds;

4)  observation is crucial; and

5)  appropriate developmental environments and expectations are essential.

 

The philosophy respects the individuality of the child, the child's freedom of choice with a structured classroom. The role of the adult is to assist the child to meet needs independently through exploration.

The concrete materials in the classroom require movement and the use of hands to develop the mind. The philosophy respects the natural abilities and progression of each child's development.

 

Who was Maria Montessori?

     Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870 and became the first female physician in her country. By the age of 36, she was an educator, writer, lecturer, and medical doctor in philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and medicine. Her initial professional research was with mentally challenged children where she formed many of her theories from observation. Maria tested these theories while working with underprivileged children in Rome a century ago. She was the first to use child-sized furniture and specially designed materials. She worked with children under the age of six. Within a few months, the children displayed self-discipline, preferred learning materials to toys, and worked with concentration and joy. They had a love for order, respected of the environment, and working alone or in small groups. Her methods were then adapted into classrooms of children from all backgrounds and her methods are being used all over the world today.

 

How does a classroom work with different ages?

     Younger children usually want to do what the older children are doing. A multi-aged Montessori classroom offers an inherent motivator for children to constantly challenge themselves. The older children benefit from this grouping as they become teachers and leaders, developing confidence and independence. This process of sharing what they know reaffirms what they have already learned. Children in a multi-aged classroom advance in their works without waiting for the group as a whole. If a child is progressing more slowly in a certain area, s/he has the opportunity to work at her/his own level of understanding. A child's progress is measured against their own ability and not others. The Montessori classroom can adapt to the individual learning style and needs of each child.

 

How does SJLS Preschool differ from a traditional preschool?

     SJLS preschool offers a Montessori environment with a strong Christian foundation. We celebrate the Christian holidays and join the larger body of students for prayer services when time allows and it is appropriate to do so. SLJS preschool has a very hands-on, developmentally appropriate curriculum. We learn art, language, math, sensorial, practical life, science, history and geography by doing works rather than using computers, watching media, or sitting at tables doing worksheets. The classroom is child-orientated so the students choose the works in which to complete each day. Children may choose to work alone or in small groups. Snack is served daily and the children eat when, and if, they are hungry.

Manners, conflict resolution, taking care of ones needs, and respect for oneself, one another, and the environment are all emphasized along with academics.

 

Is Montessori still applicable in today's schools?

     Dr. Maria Montessori was truly a woman ahead of her time. Her insights are being confirmed and praised by contemporary research and evaluation. Some adaptations to the original Montessori curriculum have been updated (more literature, more music, modifications to practical life exercises) to keep it culturally relevant but the basic pedagogy has not changed since Dr. Montessori's lifetime because the developmental stages of humans have not changed.

 

How do children attending Montessori preschool adapt to a traditional classroom?

         Since the majority of children do continue their education in a traditional classroom, certain "school rules", such as raising hands and waiting to be called upon are part of our line time. Montessori instills self-discipline, motivation, respect, patience, independence, and a willingness to challenge oneself. These are qualities that would be valued in any setting. Our main goal is to help children find the love of learning within themselves!