General
Q. Where did Montessori come from?
A. Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was
founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman
in Italy to become a physician. She based her
educational methods on scientific observation of
children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery
that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed
a "prepared environment" in which children could freely
choose from a number of developmentally appropriate
activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria
Montessori's first casa dei bambini ("children's house")
in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the
world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.
Q. Where can I find a good, brief, introduction to
Montessori from birth through the school years?
A. At the Michael Olaf Montessori "text"site, which is
actually an E-book of Montessori philosophy and
practice.
Q. How does Montessori work?
A. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that the very young
child goes through periods of great sensitivity
throughout his development; periods during which he
learns more easily than at any time in his life. The
Montessori Method was designed to be a personalized
approach in which each child, respected as an
individual, could discover the joy of learning while
tapping into the potential of the sensitive periods. A
totally prepared environment was designed for his
absorbent mind. Each piece of material was designed to
give him a new experience and to develop a specific
concept. The Montessori teacher, or directress, was
trained to be a catalyst. Along with the prepared
environment, the directress sought to aid the child to
help himself by developing an awareness of reality as he
experiences it in himself, in others and in the world
around him. The child then works in an atmosphere of
freedom and responsibility. Different areas of interest
are prepared to introduce to him the total reality -
Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics,
Geography, History, Natural Science, Social Science, Art
and Music.
Q. What is the difference between Montessori and
traditional education?
A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five
senses, not just through listening, watching, or
reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their
own, individual pace and according to their own choice
of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning
is an exciting process of discovery, leading to
concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love
of learning. Montessori classes place children in
three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on),
forming communities in which the older children
spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger
ones. Montessori represents an entirely different
approach to education.
Q. Can I do Montessori at home with my child?
A. Yes, you can use Montessori principles of child
development at home. Look at your home through your
child's eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and
they get it by participating fully in the routines of
everyday life. "Help me do it by myself" is the life
theme of the preschooler. Can you find ways for your
child to participate in meal preparation, cleaning,
gardening, caring for clothes, shoes, and toys?
Providing opportunities for independence is the surest
way to build your child's self-esteem.
At the school level many home schooling and other
parents use the Montessori philosophy of following the
child's interest and not interrupting concentration to
educate their children.
In school only a trained Montessori teacher can properly
implement Montessori education, using the specialized
learning equipment of the Montessori "prepared
environment." Here social development comes from being
in a positive and unique environment with other children
-- an integral part of Montessori education.
Montessori
Children
Q. Is Montessori education for everyone? Is it good
for children with learning disabilities? What about
gifted children?
A. Montessori is designed to help all children reach
their fullest potential at their own unique pace. It is
used around the world to educate children from all
socioeconomic backgrounds. A classroom whose children
come from varying backgrounds and have varying abilities
is a community in which everyone learns from one another
and everyone contributes. Moreover, multiage grouping
allows each child to find his or her own pace without
feeling "ahead" or "behind" in relation to peers.
Q. What ages does Montessori serve?
A. Research studies show that Montessori children are
well prepared for later life academically, socially, and
emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized
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,
showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new
situations.
Q. What happens when a child goes from a Montessori
school to a traditional school?
A. When a child leaves a Montessori school, they bring
inner self-discipline, a positive attitude toward school
and learning, high self-esteem and a habit of
concentration on tasks, with them wherever they go.
Often, but not always, they are ahead of their peers and
readily adapt to the more conventional systems. The
skills and attitudes developed during their time at a
Montessori school leave them well prepared and ready for
a lifetime of curiosity and learning wherever they may
go - private, parochial or public school.
Montessori
Teachers
Q. What is different about a Montessori teacher?
A. A Montessori teacher serves the child as a very
special guide for his or her self-led journey.
Montessori teachers are called Directresses or Directors
and are certified after hundreds of hours of specialized
training. They are skilled at asking questions rather
than providing answers. They know how to help a child
build self-confidence and self-esteem. The environment
and method provide discipline. The Montessori teacher
provides guidance.
Q. What special training do Montessori teachers
have?
A. The two major organizations offering Montessori
training in the United States are the Association
Montessori Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch
office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori
Society (AMS). Most training centers require a
bachelor's degree for admission. Training ranges from
200 to 600 pre-service contact hours and covers
principles of child development and Montessori
philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori
classroom materials. Montessori training centers can be
found across North America and around the world.
Montessori
Classroom / Schools
Q. What is different about a Montessori classroom?
A Montessori classroom is a very busy place. It is also
quieter than a traditional classroom. Because children
choose their own activities, based on the lessons the
directress has presented to them, they remain interested
and engaged in what they are learning and doing. A
Montessori certified teacher is always close by,
observing and preparing to help with the next lesson or
question. Children treat their materials with care and
put them in their proper place once they have completed
their work.
Q. What is the main difference between a traditional
classroom and a Montessori classroom?
A. In Montessori classrooms, teachers address the needs
of individual children who are learning through practice
with hands-on materials. The teacher introduces a child
to materials systematically, depending on developmental
needs. The Montessori classroom is designed to promote
self-discipline, independence and responsibility.
Academically, children develop a foundation in language
and math skills, physical and cultural geography,
zoology, botany, physical science, history, music,
movement and art. They also learn practical life skills
such as cooking, carpentry, sewing and cleaning. One of
the most important aspects of a Montessori classroom is
the teacher's respect for the dignity of the child, no
matter how young.
Q. I recently observed a Montessori classroom for a
day. I was very very impressed, and I made these
observations and compared them to what I’ve read about
Dr. Montessori’s philosophy:
(1) 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 - i.e. cooking instead of pretending to
cook. It is still true.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
Q. Who accredits or oversees Montessori schools?
A. Unfortunately, there is no way to limit the use of
the name "Montessori." Parents must carefully research,
and observe a classroom in operation, in order to choose
a real Montessori school for their child.
There are several Montessori organizations to which
schools can belong. The two major ones operating in the
United States are the Association Montessori
Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called
AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Parents considering placing a child in a Montessori
school should ask about the school's affiliation(s).
Q. What is the best way to choose a Montessori
school for my child?
A. Ask if the school is affiliated with any Montessori
organization. Ask what kind of training the teachers
have. Visit the school, observe the classroom in action,
and later ask the teacher or principal to explain the
theory behind the activities you saw. Most of all, talk
to your child's prospective teacher about his or her
philosophy of child development and education to see if
it is compatible with your own.
Q. How many Montessori schools are there?
A. We estimate that there are at least 4,000 certified
Montessori schools in the United States and about 7,000
worldwide.
Q. Are Montessori schools religious?
A. Some are, but most are not. Some Montessori schools,
just like other schools, operate under the auspices of a
church, synagogue, or diocese, but most are independent
of any religious affiliation.
Q. Are all Montessori schools private?
A. No. Approximately 200 public schools in the U.S. and
Canada offer Montessori programs, and this number is
growing every year.
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