Montessori or Traditional?
THE GOAL
………………. of both a Montessori and a traditional classroom is the same – to provide learning experiences for the child.
The biggest difference lies in the kind of learning experience each school provides and the method each uses to accomplish this goal.
Montessori educators believe both differences are important because they help shape what children learn, their work habits and their future attitude about themselves and the world around them.
MONTESSORI
- Child – Centered Class
- Small Teacher / Child Ratio
- Teacher is a “Facilitator”
- Environment & Method Encourage Self- Discipline
- Mainly Individual Instruction
- Mixed Age Groups
- Child Reinforces Own Learning by Repetition of work and Internal Feelings of Success
- Multi-Sensory Materials for Physical Exploration
- Organized Program for Learning Care of Self and Environment
TRADITIONAL
- Teacher – Centered Class
- Large Teacher / Child Ratio
- Teacher is Center of Class as “Controller”
- eachers Acts as a Primary Enforcer of Discipline
- Mainly Group Instruction
- Same Age Group
- Learning is Externally Reinforced by
Repetition - Few Materials for Sensory Exploration
- No Organized Program for Self-Care Instruction ( primarily left to Parents)