FAQ about Montessori
FAQ about Montessori
-F.A.Q: What is Montessori?
-F.A.Q: Who developped it?
-F.A.Q: What is the basic premise of the Montessori philosophy?
-F.A.Q: Can young children handle "total" freedom?
-F.A.Q: How is this freedom achieved?
-F.A.Q: What is the second component to the method?
-F.A.Q: Since it is individualized, is it only for special needs children?
-F.A.Q: How will my child do in other schools once they leave the Montessori environment?
-F.A.Q: What habits and skills will my child acquire while attending a Montessori School?
Montessori is a philosophy and method of educating children.
Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori philosophy and the educational method and equipment in the early 1900's in Italy. (See biography).
-What is the basic premise of the Montessori philosophy?
Montessori believed that childhood was essential to the wholeness of human life, not merely a stage to be passed through on the way to adulthood. She emphasized the potential that each child carries innately and the ability of the child to develop in environmental conditions of freedom and love.
-Can young children handle "total" freedom?
The freedom given a child in a Montessori classroom is guided and in balance with his or her own comfort level. Freedom for the child is dependent on previous personality development involving independence, will and inner discipline.
-How is this freedom achieved?
Montessori felt it was achieved through the child's interaction with the environment and then internalised within the child. This is the first of two major components of the Montessori Method. She felt that the classroom environment needed to be designed specifically for children to meet their intellectual and physical needs.
-What is the second component to the method?
The second component is the teacher. The role of the teacher is to serve, as a guide rather than an authority figure to the children - inspiring the children's own development based on their individual needs.
-Since it is individualized, is it only for special needs children?
No! It is for all children regardless of race, religion, socio-economic level or intellectual ability.
-How will my child do in other schools once they leave the Montessori environment?
Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they’ve been encouraged to make decisions at an early age, these children are problem solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others and good communication skills ease the way in new settings.
To facilitate the transfer, good communication between the Montessori school and the traditional schools in a community must be maintained. Montessori parents and teachers can visit the traditional schools and prepare the child for whatever will be different. Teachers from traditional schools can be encouraged to visit the Montessori classes to observe the level of academic work.
Any good teacher will meet a child’s own level of development and make the necessary allowances for what has already been achieved. It is important for parents to monitor their own child’s work in the new academic situation and to keep in close contact with their child’s teacher. Parent and teachers working together can ensure that the child will continues the love of learning acquired in Montessori.
-What habits and skills will my child acquire while attending a Montessori School?
The habits and skills that your child has developed here in Kentstown Montessori School are good for a lifetime. They will help him/her to work more efficiently, to observe more carefully and to concentrate more effectively, no matter where he/she goes. If he/she is in a stimulating environment, whether at home or at school, his/her self-education – which is the only real education – will continue.
Conclusion
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardised tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, and showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new situations.
The best predictor for future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on the self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidences to face challenges and change with optimism.
