Montessori versus Traditional Learning

Montessori schools differ from Traditional educational approaches in a variety of ways: respect for children as unique individuals, fostering independence, engaging a variety of learning styles, teachers serving as guides, mistakes aiding in the learning process, encouraged social environments, building a sense of community, structurally inspiring environments, specialized materials rather than text/workbooks, active learning, inspiring love of the natural world, and global appreciation.

In traditional classrooms, children are typically expected to learn new concepts in the same way (which is usually dependent on textbooks or workbooks). Since students follow the same lessons traditionally, some children are left behind (and sometimes separated in order to "catch up"). Classrooms are managed in a way where the teacher coordinates what the students do and participate in throughout the day, and social interaction is limited to outside of lesson times. Outside time is limited, and usually does not contain any structure.

In a Montessori classroom, the primary focus is to help each individual child reach their full potential in all aspects: socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Children are able to build an internal sense of purpose and motivation and develop self-sufficiency and personal independence through self-guided, hands-on learning within five curricular areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Culture & Sciences. The environment allows children to interact socially as they please within a wide variety of settings and activities to ensure each child's need are being met, each student is engage and challenges, and students develop more flexible thinking strategies. The teachers' role requires constant interaction with and analysis of each student. They prepare the classroom to provide freedom within limits, a sense of order, and proper stimulation. There are prepared areas in the classroom for individual learning, small group, and large group participation. Textbooks and work books are not a classroom staple. Instead, Montessori utilizes a range of hands-on materials and tools which provoke a deep sense of concentration and curiosity through experiential and investigative learning. Learning is also not limited to inside the classroom. Outside areas are structured similarly to the indoor environment, so the learning flow can continue. Commonly, you will find gardens, multiple activity stations, and group environmental learning.