Montessori Myths: How Montessori Preschools Work

Reality – Montessori is a philosophy of education that provides children with a unique, positive advantage. It is not a franchise or a licensed approach. Montessori preschools come with a great variety of owners, adherence to the original principles of Dr. Montessori and practices to ensure integrity in the method. Step By Step Montessori Schools, founded in 1991, is an independent school with lead teachers accredited by The American Montessori Society (AMS) or the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

Reality – Montessori is a child-centered, developmentally-based, philosophical approach to education developed in Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s and since adopted by educators around the world. Montessori schools may be housed in churches or affiliated with many different kinds of churches or houses of worship. However, the program itself is not religious nor is it attached to any particular religion or church.Although in Montessori many of the foundational activites are focused on grace and courtesy which provides a foundation on how they will develop positive interactions with other children.

Reality – Montessori classrooms offer a thoughtfully prepared environment, rich with developmentally appropriate learning materials that invite the child to explore using their curiosity and interests to lead the way. Montessori recognized that children who are given independence are much more motivated to learn. Each program level of Montessori is based on a curriculum that is conveyed to children through their work with the materials.

At Step By Step Montessori School, teachers are guides to learning, who give lessons and move about the classroom coaching children to challenge themselves in areas they are exploring and in new areas. Teachers are trained observers of children and invite children to branch out and grow intellectually as they master skills and content. Students learn to develop their own work plans for each day that include work in all the basic areas – reading, math, geography, science, etc., This self-management lays a crucial foundation that students can build upon as they move to subsequent levels and more advanced curriculum in elementary school.

Reality – The “prepared environment” of a Montessori classroom, paired with the thoughtful guidance of the teachers provides a peaceful, prepared environment conducive to learning. To the casual observer who is accustomed to a traditional approach, it may seem unstructured. Closer examination will reveal the beauty of the structure and how well it supports children as learners. Children can move about the classroom selecting work, setting it up, completing it and then returning it to its proper place. Children might all be working on the same thing, but more typically they will all be engaged in different work. The materials are often auto-didactic so that children can see an error and self-correct, which improves self-esteem and self-confidence. Teachers can assist children who are stuck, need to be refocused, or would like to go further with the subject. It is a subtle but powerful structure that yields wonderful results – empowered and engaged children who love to learn.

Reality – Children advance according to their challenge level all the way through 8 or 9 years of age. This approach to learning empowers a child as a problem solver and better prepares them to be independent learners and thinkers.Review a scientific, study on the outcomes of Montessori students.

Reality – Montessori curriculum actually helps children excel and even surpass the academic levels of their peers in traditional schools. Dr. Montessori understood that very young children can understand complex concepts if they are introduced in a concrete manner. For example, children who have learned about multiplication tables by doing the “100 Board” will have a much firmer grasp of multiplication when it progresses to abstract symbols. Skills are not taught simply for the skill’s sake. This encourages students to progress at a more rapid pace since they are often studying areas of great personal interest.

Reality – Montessori education works for a wide range of learners. By design, instruction and work address all three modes of learning – visual, auditory, and kinetic, so that every child can become a complete learner and well-rounded student! Teachers are skilled observers who know the strengths and challenges of their students. When they deliver a lesson to a small group, they are tuned in to each child to make sure they understand before they move on to related independent work. Multi-age classroom naturally provide additional time and support for students who need it and at the same time allow more precocious children to move ahead at the levels that keep them challenged and interested. Success in a Montessori classroom does require a degree of self-management and ability to focus. The only kind of learner who may struggle in a Montessori program would be one who consistently needs one-on-one teacher support in order to progress.

Reality – The Montessori approach encourages creativity and provides for independent learning/free play. Step By Step Montessori School children have ample time for free play at recess and we also have specialists who teach music and Spanish. These classes are considered important to the overall intellectual development of children. Moreover, the Montessori approach in the regular classroom actually encourages creativity by supporting a child’s curiosity and interests. An amazing number of innovators in high technology and the arts have received their educational foundation in Montessori schools.