Chances are if you are in the market for a preschool for your child, you have heard the term Montessori. Most people have a basic understanding of how traditional preschool works because it uses educational philosophies that most of us grew up with. The Montessori method was developed in the early 1900's by Maria Montessori. Many parents are choosing this method over traditional methods because of some of the studies indicating stronger leadership qualities and individualization to each student. Both methods offer plenty of research to show evidence of why their philosophy is better, but since you know your child better than anyone, you will be making this decision based on your child and his or her personality and learning style. Here is some information about how they differ to help you make your decision.
- The Teacher’s Role
In a traditional preschool environment, the teacher delivers a predetermined lesson in a given length of time. This lesson is given to all of the students at once. The teacher in a Montessori preschool classroom acts more as a facilitator with each child as they work on their individual path.
- Grade levels
While grade levels in traditional schools are based on age, Montessori are more flexible. It is common for several age groups to be in a Montessori classroom as the philosophy is that the younger children can learn from the older ones.
- Work pace
Montessori preschools encourage children to work at their own pace, as opposed to traditional preschools where it is expected that all children work at generally the same pace.
- Work Areas
Generally speaking, traditional preschools encourage an assigned work area for each child to prepare them for their future classrooms in traditional teaching style. Montessori encourages the child to feel free to work wherever they are more comfortable.
A parent can expect to find a wide array of research to evidence success with either of these teaching philosophies. As I did the research for my child I was impressed with the Montessori method, but realized that my child craved the structure and philosophy of the traditional preschool.
