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FAQ
How will children adapt when they transition to a new school?
This is a very common question among parents. Many different schools and organizations already answer this question so there is no sense in reinventing or reiterating the wheel. Please refer to the link below, as it should at least start to satisfy the answer to this question.
http://www.wbms.org/blog/transition-from-montessori-to-traditional-public-school
http://www.wbms.org/blog/transition-from-montessori-to-traditional-public-school
I have seen only Montessori preschools. Are there Montessori schools for older children as well?
Dr. Montessori first developed her educational approach while working with a preschool population. She gradually extended her approach to children and youth of all ages. Today, some Montessori schools provide all levels of learning, from infant & toddler through high school.
How many students are typically in a Montessori class?
The Montessori Pedagogy includes valuing the lessons of community, when the size of the class meets the needs of the psychological development of each multi-aged classroom.
Montessori classes for children 18-months to three years vary in size due to state regulations, but typically there are 10 to 15 children. This number varies throughout the day, because some of the younger children end up staying only half of a day. Aside from a trained Montessori teacher, there typically is also a competent assistant, who would receive both training from the classroom teacher and professional training. The primary classroom of 3-6 year old children typically has 20–30 students, most of which would be full-day. A trained teacher and assistant should be in this classroom at all times.
Elementary classrooms are typically broken down in one of two ways. There are either a 6-9 and 9-12 year old or one 6-12 year old classroom. This is what the Elementary teacher is trained for and there may be an assistant or someone to offer assistance. At the elementary level, the assistant has minimal interaction with the children for the sake of the autonomy of the child. All members of the community benefit from this set-up. Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead.
Montessori classes for children 18-months to three years vary in size due to state regulations, but typically there are 10 to 15 children. This number varies throughout the day, because some of the younger children end up staying only half of a day. Aside from a trained Montessori teacher, there typically is also a competent assistant, who would receive both training from the classroom teacher and professional training. The primary classroom of 3-6 year old children typically has 20–30 students, most of which would be full-day. A trained teacher and assistant should be in this classroom at all times.
Elementary classrooms are typically broken down in one of two ways. There are either a 6-9 and 9-12 year old or one 6-12 year old classroom. This is what the Elementary teacher is trained for and there may be an assistant or someone to offer assistance. At the elementary level, the assistant has minimal interaction with the children for the sake of the autonomy of the child. All members of the community benefit from this set-up. Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead.
How can children learn if they're free to do whatever they want?
Freedom and responsibility is a focus of each Montessori classroom. To some, it may look chaotic, but it is actually quite organized. It’s an "organized chaos" as described by many. Dr. Montessori observed that children are more motivated to learn when working on something of their own choosing (interest). A Montessori student may choose his focus of learning on any given day, but his decision is limited by the materials, activities, and lessons his teacher has prepared and presented.
Many parents are unfamiliar with the fact that Montessori developed an excellent program for the elementary aged child at the beginning of the elementary level. Students typically set learning goals and create personal work plans under their teacher’s guidance. Take a look at this article of three essential tools in a Montessori elementary classroom.
http://montessoriguide.org/the-three-essential-tools/
To delve deeper into an elementary aged Montessori classroom look at this video and article published by AMI-USA.
http://montessoriguide.org/elementary-age-work
Many parents are unfamiliar with the fact that Montessori developed an excellent program for the elementary aged child at the beginning of the elementary level. Students typically set learning goals and create personal work plans under their teacher’s guidance. Take a look at this article of three essential tools in a Montessori elementary classroom.
http://montessoriguide.org/the-three-essential-tools/
To delve deeper into an elementary aged Montessori classroom look at this video and article published by AMI-USA.
http://montessoriguide.org/elementary-age-work
Why are Montessori schools all work and no play?
Dr. Montessori realized that children’s play is their work—their effort to master their own bodies and environment—and, out of respect, she used the term “work” to describe all their classroom activities. Montessori students work hard, but they don’t experience it as drudgery; rather, it’s an expression of their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
If children work at their own pace, don't they fall behind?
Although students are free to work at their own pace, they’re not doing so alone. The Montessori teacher closely observes each child and provides materials and activities that advance his learning by building on skills and knowledge already gained. This gentle guidance helps him master the challenge at hand—and protects him from moving on before he’s ready, which is what actually causes children to “fall behind.”
In response to this question, Maren Schmidt replies:
In my book, Understanding Montessori, I talk about the myths of Montessori, two being that classrooms are too structured/or not structured enough, or all work no play. ( p.16-21)
I quote Mark Twain: “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” and “Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions."
Later I write... free choice makes work into play in Montessori classrooms.
Steve Hughes has recommended that perhaps using the word activity instead of work might better convey what the child does in a Montessori classroom.
We are fine to say, “He is working with the salt dough,” which sounds like play. Versus “He is doing the salt dough work." which sounds more serious. Or more playful...“He is doing the salt dough activity.”
In response to this question, Maren Schmidt replies:
In my book, Understanding Montessori, I talk about the myths of Montessori, two being that classrooms are too structured/or not structured enough, or all work no play. ( p.16-21)
I quote Mark Twain: “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” and “Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions."
Later I write... free choice makes work into play in Montessori classrooms.
Steve Hughes has recommended that perhaps using the word activity instead of work might better convey what the child does in a Montessori classroom.
We are fine to say, “He is working with the salt dough,” which sounds like play. Versus “He is doing the salt dough work." which sounds more serious. Or more playful...“He is doing the salt dough activity.”
Do Montessori teachers follow a curriculum?
Montessori schools, that have properly accredited and trained teachers (guides) offer a challenging, considerably enjoyable academic program. Most of the subject areas are familiar—such as math, science, history, geography, and language--but they are presented through an integrated approach, utilizing hands-on materials, which makes learning more effective and fun.
While studying a map of Africa, for example, students may explore the art, history, and inventions of several African nations. This may lead them to examine ancient Egypt, including hieroglyphs and their place in the history of writing. The study of the pyramids, of course, is a natural bridge to geometry.
This approach to curriculum shows the interrelatedness of all things. It also allows students to become thoroughly immersed in a topic—and to give their curiosity full rein.
While studying a map of Africa, for example, students may explore the art, history, and inventions of several African nations. This may lead them to examine ancient Egypt, including hieroglyphs and their place in the history of writing. The study of the pyramids, of course, is a natural bridge to geometry.
This approach to curriculum shows the interrelatedness of all things. It also allows students to become thoroughly immersed in a topic—and to give their curiosity full rein.
Is it true that Montessori students have the same teacher for all subjects rather than work with “specialists” in different curricular areas?
Montessori teachers are educated and trained in something termed “Cosmic Education.”
When Montessori guides are trained in a rigorous and rewarding program through the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) they are qualified to teach all sections of the curriculum and to research and prepare to follow the other interests of children that may not be the initial part of the curriculum. Like a waiter or waitress, the guide is trained to take the academic order of the child. Some schools have specialists for physical education, language immersion, art, or music. This is to enrich the curriculum and or add diversity to the program for the children.
When Montessori guides are trained in a rigorous and rewarding program through the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) they are qualified to teach all sections of the curriculum and to research and prepare to follow the other interests of children that may not be the initial part of the curriculum. Like a waiter or waitress, the guide is trained to take the academic order of the child. Some schools have specialists for physical education, language immersion, art, or music. This is to enrich the curriculum and or add diversity to the program for the children.
Why don't Montessori teachers give grades?
Grades, like other external rewards, have little lasting effect on a child’s efforts or achievements, or even an adult’s for that matter. The Montessori approach nurtures intrinsic rewards and inspiration, kindling the child’s natural desire to, not only learn, but to enjoy learning. A self-motivated and inspired learner also learns to be self-sufficient. The guide is always available to provide students with guidance and support.
Although the Montessori guide does not assign grades, he/she closely observes each student’s progress and readiness to advance deeper into previously given lessons or to new lessons. Most schools hold parent and or family conferences up to three times a year so that parents may see their child’s work and hear the teacher’s assessment and observations—and perhaps even their child’s self-assessment.
Although the Montessori guide does not assign grades, he/she closely observes each student’s progress and readiness to advance deeper into previously given lessons or to new lessons. Most schools hold parent and or family conferences up to three times a year so that parents may see their child’s work and hear the teacher’s assessment and observations—and perhaps even their child’s self-assessment.
Do Montessori students take standardized tests?
Public Montessori schools are mandated to administer the same standardized tests as other public schools.
Some private Montessori schools also administer standardized exams, particularly if they will be required by schools into which their students may transition. Other schools choose not to administer these tests.
Some private Montessori schools also administer standardized exams, particularly if they will be required by schools into which their students may transition. Other schools choose not to administer these tests.
Can Montessori accommodate gifted children? What about children with other special learning needs?
An advantage of the Montessori approach—including multi-age classrooms with students of varying abilities and interests—is that it allows each child to work at her own pace. Students whose strengths and interests propel them to higher levels of learning can find intellectual challenge without being separated from their peers. The same is true for students who may need extra guidance and support: each can progress through the curriculum at his own comfortable pace, without feeling pressure to "catch up."
We might note that from a Montessori perspective, every child is considered gifted, each in her own way. For every child has his own unique strengths—it is all a matter of degree.
We might note that from a Montessori perspective, every child is considered gifted, each in her own way. For every child has his own unique strengths—it is all a matter of degree.
Are Montessori schools expensive?
Private Montessori schools are independently owned and operated, and each sets its own business practices, including the cost of tuition. Typically, tuition fees vary from region to region and from school to school.
Some private schools offer scholarships for families in need of assistance, and many offer reduced tuition when parents enroll more than one child.
There are also more than 400 public Montessori schools in the United States. These include charter schools, some of which enroll students through a random lottery process. Like other public schools, charter schools are tuition-free.
Some private schools offer scholarships for families in need of assistance, and many offer reduced tuition when parents enroll more than one child.
There are also more than 400 public Montessori schools in the United States. These include charter schools, some of which enroll students through a random lottery process. Like other public schools, charter schools are tuition-free.
How well do Montessori students do compared to students in non-Montessori schools?
There is a small but growing body of well-designed research comparing Montessori students to those in traditional schools. These suggest that in academic subjects, Montessori students perform as well as or better than their non-Montessori peers.
In one study, for example, children who had attended Montessori schools at the preschool and elementary levels earned higher scores in high school on standardized math and science tests. Another study found that the essays of 12-year-old Montessori students were more creative and used more complex sentence structures than those produced by the non-Montessori group.
The research also shows Montessori students to have greater social and behavioral skills. They demonstrate a greater sense of fairness and justice, for example, and are more likely to choose positive responses for dealing with social dilemmas.
By less stringent measures, too, Montessori students seem to do quite well. Most Montessori schools report that their students are typically accepted into the high schools and colleges of their choice. And many successful grads cite their years at Montessori when reflecting on important influences in their life.
In one study, for example, children who had attended Montessori schools at the preschool and elementary levels earned higher scores in high school on standardized math and science tests. Another study found that the essays of 12-year-old Montessori students were more creative and used more complex sentence structures than those produced by the non-Montessori group.
The research also shows Montessori students to have greater social and behavioral skills. They demonstrate a greater sense of fairness and justice, for example, and are more likely to choose positive responses for dealing with social dilemmas.
By less stringent measures, too, Montessori students seem to do quite well. Most Montessori schools report that their students are typically accepted into the high schools and colleges of their choice. And many successful grads cite their years at Montessori when reflecting on important influences in their life.
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Montessori Seeds of Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Montessori Seeds of Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of sex in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in the educational programs or activities, which it operates. Montessori Seeds of Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of disability in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This includes admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs, services, and activities.
© Montessori Seeds of Education. All rights reserved.