Montessori vs Conventional Education
One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.
-Maria Montessori
How can you identify a Montessori school? What is the purpose of the way we do things? Why should you consider a Montessori education for your child? In other words....
What makes us different?
Montessori
Multi-age classrooms, flexible seating and freedom of movement mimic family life and the real world.
Individualized, child-led learning encourages exploration and following passions.
Use of concrete manipulative materials that appeal to the senses and encourage hands-on learning.
Encourages intrinsic motivation and teaches peer conflict resolution skills
A focus on process and discovery fosters a lifetime love of learning.
Whole child development (social, emotional, cognitive, fine/gross motor, speech & language.)
Conventional
Same age classes where students are each assigned a desk.
Teacher-led learning - all students learn the same thing at the same time and pace.
Use of worksheets, textbooks and abstract rote learning related to upcoming test.
Motivation is rewards based (stickers, grades, etc.) and discipline is decided by adults in authority.
Focus on products (tests and grades) with a goal of only mastering core curricula objectives.
Focus on academic and social development.
Want to learn more about Montessori?
See how Montessori looks at The Village School.