FAQ

Answer:

In most preschools, the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. In a Montessori preschool, the children learn concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the many materials in the environment.

Answer:

The Montessori Method of education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than "teaching" the children concepts, an enriched environment is designed to stimulate the children's interest and facilitate his or her understanding and learning capabilities spontaneously with little or no adult intervention.

Answer:

The main purpose of the Montessori Method is to develop an environment where children can unfold spontaneously and manifest their greatness within. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, "the child is the father of the man." As the child begins to develop their inner self, his or her love of life and learning expands continuously.

Answer:

Dr. Maria Montessori, over 80 years ago, was Italy's first female medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in Rome. Based on her unbiased observation, she developed unique materials, a child-centered environment, and was one of the first people to revolutionize education thought, by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education, and training through use of movement and the senses.

Answer:

The Montessori classroom is a child-sized world. Whatever is in the world outside can be incoporated meaningfully into the Montessori classroom. To a child, the world is unmanageable; it is too big, too complex, and too confusing. Through careful selection of materials by the teacher, an environment is set up that allows the child a place to explore life on a level he or she can understand. This prepared environment entices the child to proceed at their own pace, from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, the child's natural curiosity is satisfied and they begin to experience the joy of discovering the world around them. Materials and curriculum center around practical life, sensorial, language, math, geography, science, art, and music.

Answer:

As the children develop their sense of pride in their "work," a feeling of confidence, well-being, and joy begins to manifest itself in each child. A "new" child is born. A classroom of Montessori children is a joy to watch. There seems to be a spirit of respect, love, and cooperation among the children.

Answer:

The Montessori teacher is called a "Directress" because she facilitates the classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interest of children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually, allowing him to choose from many activities within his or her range of ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows the child the satisfaction of his/her own discovery.

Answer:

The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom with limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as they do not disturb others. Actually, the children who are allowed the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

Answer:

Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very flexible and adjust easily to the public school setting. They may be better students and spend their time in a more productive way because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning.