•How is Montessori school
different?
•What are sensitive periods?
•What is the Montessori concept of freedom?
•How do children fare in other schools after leaving
a Montessori preschool?
•What is the role of the teacher in Montessori?
How is a Montessori school
different?
A Montessori preschool classroom is a specially prepared environment
deigned to allow the child to explore the many areas essential to
his development during this crucial time. It is equipped with well-made,
attractive materials designed by Dr. Montessori and each having a
specific purpose. It is a child-centered environment based on a profound
respect for children. Each child works individually at his own pace
and is allowed a large measure of independence. This forms the basis
for self-discipline. As each child successfully completes the self-correcting
exercises, he develops confidence in his ability.
During the child's three years in the school, a
number of important traits are fostered and developed, including
perseverance, order, concentration and the ability to complete projects.
What are sensitive periods?
Dr. Montessori discovered that during the preschool years a child
has various periods of sensitivity to many important skills. At these
times the child is most attuned to the acquiring of a given skill,
and if not learned at this time the skill may never be mastered. Thus,
no predetermined schedule is established for a child's learning. Every
child develops at a different rate, and Montessori teachers are trained
to be aware of these periods and to use them as guides.
What is the Montessori concept of freedom?
Freedom is essential to learning. A child who learns in an atmosphere
of freedom is able to develop his potential independently, yet is
willing to seek help when necessary. The Montessori concept is best
described as "freedom within a structure." Within that structure,
having mainly to do with the rights of others, each child is invited
-- even encouraged -- to explore the environment that has been prepared
for him.
How do children fare in other schools after leaving
a Montessori preschool?
Wherever a child goes, the skills he develops in a Montessori
preschool remain for life. This is the most important developmental
stage of life, and patterns developed at this time form the basis
for all a child's future learning. Every child and situation is unique,
but Montessori children typically are more confident and self-reliant,
and most do well in any school.
What is the role of the teacher in Montessori?
In Montessori the impetus for learning comes not from the teacher
but from the child's natural curiosity. The focus, therefore, is not
on the teacher, but on the child. The role of the teacher is to demonstrate
the correct use of the manipulative materials and then withdraw to
observe while the child learns from the apparatus. She watches the
child's progress and presents new materials as the child's skill develops.
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