Did you know that preschool-aged kids achieve 90% of their full adult brain volume by the time they turn 6? That means your child’s development during those early school years is more important than ever. Are you trying to make decisions about your child’s education? If so, you’re probably wondering about Montessori vs traditional teaching.
What exactly is the Montessori method and how do you know if it’s the right choice for your little one? We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll discuss what sets Montessori schools apart from traditional teaching styles. This will help you make the best choice for your child’s needs.
Read on!
Table of Contents
Adaptable Curriculum
One of the key aspects of the Maria Montessori theory is that children all learn at their own pace, and teaching them should reflect that. So, while traditional schools follow a set curriculum, regardless of the students in the class, the Montessori method is more adaptable.
When you choose a Montessori school, your child will have the opportunity to learn based on their needs, instead of following the same path as every other student. Their teacher will then observe them and track their progress, to make sure they’re getting the curriculum they need.
A Classroom Designed to Stimulate
Traditional elementary school classrooms often have bright decorations. These are intended to excite children by drawing them in. While there’s nothing wrong with this approach, Montessori teachers decorate their classrooms with stimulation in mind, instead of excitement.
Montessori teachers divide their classrooms into the following five subject areas:
- Culture and Sciences
- Language
- Mathematics
- Practical Life
- Sensorial Development
These sections cultivate a learning environment that is calm and welcoming to students. This helps them learn to develop a love of learning by stimulating their minds.
Hands-on Learning Experiences
In a traditional classroom setting, many times children must sit passively while learning. The Montessori method, however, uses a more hands-on approach. Since students in a Montessori school play an active role in what they want to learn, they’re naturally more engaged in hands-on learning.
Many times, these lessons involve physical materials that children can actively use, so they learn in a hands-on way. Similarly, the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Traditional schools rely on recess to give students a break. But, Montessori teachers use the outdoors as a way to continue learning in new ways.
For example, students might learn about gardening during time spent outside as a way to supplement the in-classroom teaching.
Child-Centered Learning
As we mentioned, in Montessori schools, children get to choose what they want to learn. So, unlike a traditional classroom setting, the teachers don’t teach students how to be prepared for the classroom.
Instead, the teachers observe their students, and then they prepare the classroom for the students instead. Montessori teachers will bring new ideas to the classroom based on the students’ interests. This helps them to unlock new potential based on each child’s own needs and interests.
Then, the teachers will keep records of their interests to help bring new ideas to the curriculum accordingly.
Emphasis on Respect and Mindfulness
While traditional schools remind students to be kind, it’s not typically a core part of the curriculum. The Montessori method, however, puts an emphasis on being respectful and mindful of others.
In fact, Montessori teachers know they must always act as if their students are watching them, so they model good behavior in everything that they do. When there are issues in the classroom, as is always a possibility, Montessori teachers see this as a learning opportunity.
Instead of simply asking a student to apologize after an incident, they’ll ensure that the students understand the meaning behind the apology to help them develop their emotional intelligence as well.
Minimal Interruptions
In a traditional classroom setting, teachers are responsible for teaching certain things within a set amount of time. As a result, they sometimes have to move on to the next thing before all the students are ready.
In a Montessori setting, there is more flexibility. If a teacher sees that a student is very engaged in a particular activity, they’ll allow the child to continue working until they’re finished. This helps to encourage learning at a more natural pace for the student, so they can fully explore new lessons before moving on to something else.
Flexible Grade Levels
Even though all students progress at different rates, traditional schools use strict grade levels based on age. Montessori schools differ in that they are more flexible.
Instead of basing groups on age, Montessori schools go based on developmental range instead. This helps students on the same level interact with each other and learn together.
Helps Students to Develop a Genuine Love of Learning
The goal of traditional education styles is to make sure students learn certain things and can prove their knowledge by taking tests. Oftentimes, this means that students focus more on memorizing facts rather than actually learning. And, for students that struggle with taking tests, this can lead to a dislike of school and learning in general.
In a Montessori school, since students help shape the curriculum based on their interests, they’ll instead develop a genuine love of learning. As a result, they’ll value their education, not only while they’re in school, but as they grow up as well.
Montessori vs Traditional Teaching: Make the Right Choice for Your Child
After reading this guide, you now know more about Montessori vs traditional teaching. Now, you can review the differences to help you make the right decision based on your child’s needs and learning style. As a result, you can help them get off to a great start in their education, which can have long-lasting impacts on their life.
Interested in reading more about how to help your child succeed? Check out our other articles before you go.
