Many parents are familiar with some ways in which Montessori classrooms differ from traditional ones, but they may not understand the key factors that constitute a Montessori approach. Continue reading to discover some of the core components used in Montessori school education.

Multi-Age Groupings

One of the greatest differences between a Montessori school classroom and a traditional one is age groupings. Multi-age groupings that span two or three years are used to expose younger children to new challenges and let them learn from older children. Conversely, the older children in a specific age group get the chance to develop their leadership skills and reinforce concepts that they’ve already mastered by teaching them to others.

Qualified Teachers

Teachers play a fundamental role in the Montessori approach to education, and ensuring that they are properly trained is essential. A qualified Montessori teacher understands Montessori philosophy and theory and can utilize learning materials accurately and appropriately. It’s also vital that these individuals are trained to work with children of the age levels they teach.

Montessori Materials

For many people, Montessori education is best-defined by its hand-on approach to learning. In a Montessori classroom, you will find a variety of high-quality and beautiful learning materials designed to promote student curiosity and engagement.

Uninterrupted Work

In recognition of the individual variations inherent in the learning process, the Montessori approach incorporates uninterrupted work periods in education. These periods provide students with time to perform tasks and take care of responsibilities without interruption and at their own speed.

Child-Directed Work

The Montessori classroom is designed to promote child-directed work in which students choose tasks which spark their individual interests. This approach supports student engagement, sustained attention, intrinsic motivation, and a sense of responsibility. Other aspects of the Montessori classroom which promote child-directed work include teachers who mentor and guide, enticing learning materials and spaces that are calm and uncluttered.

The Montessori School provides an atmosphere that stimulates individualized learning and mental engagement. For details about our Montessori school in Allen, please call (469) 685-1732. If you’d like to reach our campus in North Dallas, then dial (972) 727-2800.

The Montessori School’s teaching materials and classrooms are designed to inspire a lifetime love of learning in our students, and we offer several enrichment programs to enhance their education, including gardening. At The Montessori school, the world of botany is a part of everyday education for our students. The school’s outdoor gardening program involves activities designed to stimulate the natural curiosity of children and expose them to a wide range of flora and fauna. Attached to our science lab, we have an outdoor, organic garden where children grow different plants, including vegetables that they can later harvest and use in cooking activities. This program also introduces students to gardening topics like seeds, flowers, trees, and leaves.

From six weeks through sixth grade, The Montessori School can support your child’s desire to learn and explore. For information about the Montessori approach or Montessori school enrollment in Dallas, call (972) 727-2800. To reach our campus in Allen, Texas, dial (469) 685-1732.

Today, elementary school level Montessori education is becoming more widely available, leading many parents to wonder how its educational format differs from a standard one. Keep reading to learn about some key differences between Montessori and traditional elementary school settings.

Curriculum

A teacher in a traditional elementary school is required to develop a curriculum and adhere to it throughout the school year while following an established pace. In contrast, Montessori education involves teaching children according to their needs, and the curriculum does not demand that students keep up with a specified learning pace to succeed. Also, traditional elementary school teachers are accountable for children keeping up with the curriculum. In a Montessori classroom, however, children are taught to track their progress and are responsible for their own learning.

Progression

In a traditional elementary school setting, children within each grade level are given the same curriculum. In a Montessori elementary environment, grade levels have flexible definitions that usually span a two to three-year range, and each child’s progression through the curriculum is performed at a pace which suits them. This individual approach to learning allows children who are developmentally similar to work on lessons that are appropriate for them, and it goes beyond chronological age to address the individual needs of children.

Motivation

The same Montessori method that allows children to learn at their own speed serves another purpose. In a standard elementary classroom, teachers try to motivate children and build their confidence using external sources for rewards and punishments. In a Montessori classroom, children follow a natural, individual learning pace, which allows them to fulfill their curiosity, satisfy their own needs for accomplishment, and develop confidence through their achievements. This approach promotes educational success and differs greatly from a traditional elementary school’s attitude towards learning.

If you’re interested in the Montessori approach to elementary education, then please contact The Montessori School in Allen, Texas (972) 727-2800 or call our North Dallas campus at (469) 685-1732.

Are you wondering how you can bring the Montessori school approach into your home? If so, then watch this video for tips on setting up activities in new ways that can make them more attractive and engaging for your child.

First, consider making a display out of the activity, instead of leaving it on the shelf on in a toy box. Next, create groupings of supplies that your child will need for a specific activity. Similarly, you should set up the activity so that it’s ready to go and your child can play with it independently. Lastly, consider undoing puzzles so your child will feel motivated to put them back together.

If you’re interested in Montessori school enrollment for your child, then please contact The Montessori School in North Dallas by calling (469) 685-1732, or dial (972) 727-2800 to reach our campus in Allen, Texas.

Montessori education is designed to give children the skills they need to be confident and capable learners both in and out of the classroom. If you are exploring educational options for your child and are considering whether a Montessori school could be the right fit for your family, understanding the goals of this style of teaching and learning could help you make your choice. Here is what you need to know.

Goal: Montessori schools build positive attitudes about education.

School is a central part of children’s development, but unfortunately, many children develop negative attitudes about education in traditional classrooms. This happens when kids with different learning styles fall behind or when kids aren’t challenged enough by the material. Montessori schools fight this negativity by empowering kids to be independent learners. Montessori students work on their own work at their own pace. They choose lessons that are appealing to them and delve into topics as deeply as they wish. As a result, learning is always rewarding, and school is a positive place instead of one filled with pressure.

Goal: Montessori schools build self-confidence.

Kids in Montessori classrooms don’t only develop a positive attitude about education—they also develop a positive sense of self. Children are given far-reaching independence in Montessori schools, which helps students develop confidence in their own abilities. Thanks to mixed-age classrooms, students also build even more confidence as they help their younger peers learn.

Goal: Montessori schools instill a lifelong love of learning.

In Montessori schools, learning is self-motivated and fulfilling. It isn’t done for the purpose of memorizing things for tests or because a teacher is making you do it. As a result, children develop a pure love for learning that will help stay with them throughout their lives.

The Montessori School is happy to answer any questions you have about Montessori education for your child. Schedule an appointment at our Dallas location by calling (469) 685-1732, or set up a visit to our Montessori school in Allen by dialing (972) 908-5055.