What is Montessori?
What is Montessori?
Montessori is a child-centered educational approach emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and self-directed activity. It was developed by Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952).
In classrooms at The Glen, you see children of different ages working at their own pace with materials they have chosen. Teachers blend into the buzz of quiet activity as they take time to assess the children through regular observation. Additionally, teachers prioritize presenting new lessons to children who demonstrate readiness and offer one-on-one support to children who need assistance. The teacher encourages hands-on, self-directed learning that accommodates individual mastery and small-group collaboration within the classroom community.
Key Benefits of a Montessori education
Children develop a deeper understanding of language, math, science, and more. They master understanding before moving on to new work.
Children can progress at their own pace. It is not unusual for Kindergarteners to be reading or mastering multiplication concepts.
Children are prepared for success by learning to work in groups and building a sense of community.
Children develop a growth mindset and a higher sense of well-being as adults.
Key components of Montessori education
Trained Montessori Teachers: Montessori teachers are highly trained, most often with 2-4 years of Montessori training beyond their bachelor’s or master’s level education. They are specifically taught to develop keen observational skills to guide and challenge their students, a strong understanding of human growth and development, and design and create a learning environment that fosters physical and psychological learning. Read more about Montessori Teacher Training and, specifically, Elementary Teacher Training at The Glen.
Multi-age classrooms: Children are grouped based on stages of development (at The Glen, typically aged 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12,) which facilitates mentorship among the students, encourages leadership development, fosters collaboration, and builds a sense of community. Read more about the benefits of this grouping here.
Montessori Materials: Children engage with specially designed materials that offer a hands-on learning experience. The materials cover concrete and abstract concepts. Read more about A Prepared Environment.
Child-directed work: Children work at their own pace and make creative choices. Consequently, children become joyous learners, intrinsically motivated with sustained attention. Read more about what it means to Follow the Child.
Uninterrupted work periods: All children (and adults) need time to focus on tasks or projects. Montessori honors this need by allowing students to move through lessons at their own pace, nurturing concentration and a deep commitment to learning. Read more about Normalization in a Montessori Classroom and how it builds Self-Sufficiency and Self-esteem.
Common Misconceptions about Montessori:
Self-directed activity means no structure, or my child doesn’t have to participate in non-preferred activities, which some parents fear would translate to my child will be missing out on key curriculum concepts. None of that is true.
A July 2024 article from US News and World Report explains the reality of Montessori education about these misconceptions: “Katie Lewis, an associate professor of education at York College of Pennsylvania, says that this student-led philosophy is not a free-for-all. “The focus is on student ownership of their learning through structured experiences,” she says. “The teachers show the child the materials and several activities, but then allow the child to choose which activity to focus their time on exploring until they have mastery of the lesson.”
Learn more about Montessori at an upcoming Open House or schedule a tour of The Glen.
For more reading:
American Montessori Society – The Glen Montessori School is a member of this organization. We especially recommend the post Why Choose Montessori Education?