If you are trying to decide what type of institution at which you want to teach, or you are simply looking for the right type of school for your child, you may be interested in learning what makes a Montessori school different from others.
Montessori schools take a different approach to teaching children by using visionary methods and a philosophy of education that were developed by Italian doctor Maria Montessori.
If you would like to learn what separates a Montessori school programs from other traditional programs, read on and find out.
What is the Montessori Methodology?
A Montessori program or school is a private or public institution that focuses on self-guided learning. While there are schools that accept students who are as young as 6 weeks old and as old as 13, about 90 percent of the schools in the US cater to educating students between 3 and 6. The school’s methodology and culture is centered around children learning on their own and then discovering new areas of study by being guided by teachers.
Unlike traditional schools, where a child’s work is graded, Montessori schools encourage independence and help to boost self-esteem by pushing students to be self-directed learners. The goal is to prepare students at a young age for life while still fostering growth. While independent learning is important, teachers are still there to help students actively participate.
How Do The Teachings at a Traditional School Vary From the Montessori Way?
In the eyes of an avid Montessori methodology supporter, traditional schools severely restrict how students can learn and what they learn. While this works for students with strengths in a certain area of study, it doesn’t encourage the student to use all of their skills that go beyond just reading and writing. The program that your child attends will be child-centered instead of curriculum-centered.
What Makes a Montessori Program or School Authentic?
Since any school can use the term Montessori in their name, it can be hard to differentiate a school that’s trying to profit off of the name and a school that is actually authentic. When you are comparing schools, it is important that you evaluate the school and look for components that all real programs have. Here are some components that you should look for:
* Multi-age groupings
* Peer learning experiences
* Uninterrupted blocks of work time
* Guided choice of activity
* Specially designed learning materials
* Teachers with credentials that have been issued by a Montessori training program
How to Find an Authentic School
If you still are not sure if a school really follows the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, search for a school in your area by using the search tool through the American Montessori Society. There are more than 4,000 authentic schools in the United States that follow this effective education model. While most schools fit the definition of a private school, there are now 400 public schools that have started to use this instructional approach.
Montessori programs are designed to help students learn while they are engaged in an open-ended world of learning that accommodates all different types of learning styles. While students are independent, they also learn how to socialize with others in different age groups so that they can become part of their community. If you want to teach somewhere where kids can enjoy freedom within limits, consider a Montessori school.
