FAQs About Montessori Schools

General Questions  |   Montessori Schools  |   Maria Montessori  | 

What are Montessori Schools?

How does the Montessori Classroom work?

Each Montessori class, from toddlers through elementary, operates on the principle of "freedom within limits". Every program has its set of ground rules based on core Montessori beliefs — respect for each other and for the environment.

Children work at their own pace with materials they choose, either alone or with others. The teacher guides the child toward new activities and materials when he or she thinkgs the child is ready. The goal is to encourage active, self-directed learning that aims tat mastering tasks.

The multi-age grouping in each class provides a family-like grouping where learning can take place naturally. More experienced children share what they have learned while reinforcing their own learning. Because this peer group learning, there is often more conversation in the Montessori classroom than in conventional early education settings.

There doesn't seem to be any opportunities for pretend play in a Montessori classroom?

When Dr. Montessori opened the first Children's House, it was full of pretend play things. The children never played with them as long as they were allowed to do real things. For example, they preferred cooking instead of pretending to cook and this is still true.

The materials don't seem to allow children to be creative?

The materials teach specific things and then the creativity is incredible. Like learning how to handle a good violin and then playing music. It is not considered "creative" to use a violin as a hammer, or a bridge while playing with blocks. We consider it "creative" to learn how to use the violin properly and then create music. The same goes for the materials in a Montessori classroom.

The children don't seem to be interacting with another very much?

There is as much interaction as the children desire, but the tasks are so satisfying that, for these few hours a day, children want to master the challenges offered by them. Then they become happier and kinder—true socialization. Also, since concentration is protected above all, as all "work" is respected, children learn early on not to interrupt someone who is concentrating.

How Can a "Real" Montessori Classroom be Identified?

Since Montessori is a word in the public domain, it is possible for any individual or institution to claim to be Montessori. An authentic Montessori classroom must have the following basic characteristics at all levels:

• Teachers educated in the Montessori philosophy and the methodology for the age level they are teaching, who have the ability and dedication to put the key concepts into practice.
• A partnership established with the family. The family is considered an integral part of the individual's total development.
• A multi-aged, multi-graded heterogeneous grouping of students.
• A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, social, and personal independence.
• A schedule which allows large blocks of time to problem-solve, to see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas.
• A classroom atmosphere which encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching, and emotional development.

What Happens When a Child Leaves Montessori?

Montessori children are usually adaptive. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions from 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.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.