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Below is a comparison of the Montessori classroom and the traditional classroom.
| Montessori |
Traditional |
| Teacher has unobtrusive role – observer |
Teacher is centre of class - controller |
| Environment and method - encourages self discipline |
Teacher acts as primary enforcer of discipline |
| Mainly individual instruction |
Mainly group instruction |
| Child chooses work |
Teaching done by teacher |
| Child discovers concepts from self-correcting materials |
Child introduced to concepts by teacher |
| Child works as long as he/she wishes on projects |
Child generally allotted specific time in which to complete chosen projects |
| Child sets own pace |
Instructions set by group norm |
| Child reinforces own learning through repetition and internal feeling of success |
Work is corrected, errors pointed out by teacher |
Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration
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Few, although improving |
Children can move wherever they choose at will yet not disturb others at work
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Children are assigned to tasks, seats, required to participate, sit still and join groups |
Montessori education is broken into 3 cycles.
Cycle 1: 15mths – 6 yrs
Cycle 2: 6-9 years
Cycle 3: 9-12 years
The Montessori first cycle children (15mths to 6yrs old) work to develop themselves as independent people, grasping reality, acquiring facts and impressions. They are interested in what and where. To aid and develop children, our centre has developed exercises, established environments and tools which are divided into five categories:
1. Practical Life exercises. These simple activities aid development of co-ordination and concentration and encourage independence. As well as establishing the work cycle, i.e. activity chosen and completed and returned to the shelf ready for the next child, the children get a sense of their own culture. Activities include pouring, washing, polishing, sweeping, food preparation, dressing and social skill development.
2. The Sensorial materials are designed to help the children to become more perceptive, to understand concepts and focus on details in the world around them. Activities involve grading, matching shapes, weight, colour, taste, sound and touch.
3. The Language materials increase vocabulary, explore the sounds and syntax of the English language and help the children write and read. Language development is stimulated in all areas of the classroom.
4. The Mathematical materials are designed to take the child from the physical concept of numbers to an abstract level of understanding maths. Beginning with the meaning of numbers from 1 to 10, comprehension of, and simple operations in the decimal system, fractions and geometry.
5. The Cultural area includes elements of geography, history, art, craft, music, animals and plant classification, simple science experiments, social studies, drama and movement and foreign languages.
As cycles 2 and 3 cater for children older than 6yrs, they are not covered at our centre.
Please visit the Montessori Questions & Answers page for more details on the Montessori method of education.
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What is Montessori? 
