What are your views on the Montessori method of teaching?

Question

I'm a little clueless about all this and should really know since i want to work with kids lol but whats the difference between the montessori playschool method and just ordinary playschool(kindagarden)?

Are children thought anything in ordinary playschool?

Answer 1

i'm sorry to contradict autismca but i think that is actually what montessori is trying to work against (too much control).

my child is in a montessori school they teach the children on a personal level not like lectures in class.

the style is very effective for both slow learners and gifted children because the way they teach quickly adapts to the capability of the child.

& sometimes i peek into the class, & they're really having fun!

however montessori is best for small groups of maybe a dozen children. in large groups the lessons may slow down a bit. better the traditional because it maintains more order for large classes.

Answer 2

I think that it is too controlling.  I do not think it allows children to learn problem-solving and thinking-skills.  I think that they want kids to be little robots, and do not allow them to be children.

Answer 3

To autism, traditional education is very controlling and doesn't allow for problem solving skills or freedom or for the children to be children at times.  But that's a tough generalization to make across the board.

But it is important to note that Montessori education is fantastic at these things.  A good video that talks about what Montessori is, since I think it's good to see it as well as read about it:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...

Matt

Answer 4

The Montessori method has an orderly classroom and self-correcting materials. We use some of these methods with our curriculum and in our classroom set up. The children really thrive much better than in an ordinary playschool. The teacher is the guide and helps the children learn, not deliver information to the child.

Answer 5

Montessori teachers undergo rigourous specialized training so you would be required to take additional Montessori training after your undergrad work in order to teach in a Montessori school. Many Montessori teachers earn Master's degrees in addition to their undergraduate degrees and Montessori diplomas.  

As far as differences in the Montessori classroom : A primary classroom contains 3 to 6 year olds . Maria Montessori beleived that if a child is placed in a properly prepared environment, they will be able to self construct themselves, in other words, do thier own learning. The teacher's job is maintain a prepared environment,  observe the children and then present lessons appropriate to each child's needs and ability. The areas of the cirriculum are language, math, practical life( care of self and environment), sensorial (includes art and music), and geography . Children are then given freedom to choose their own work based on the lessons they have been presented and their interests and needs at the time. They are allowed to work at their own pace. They are allowed to move about the room, choosing to work at a table or on a mat on the floor. They may work alone or with another child. They are also encouraged to be  as independent as possible and to assist other children in the classroom rather than relying on the adult for everything. The get  their own snacks when they are hungry, clean up their own spills, wash their own dishes, etc. The result is a well rounded, self reliant child who is able to gain the knowledge they need, when they need it.  Most of the children finish the primary level of Montessori (equivalent to kindergarten level) being able to read, write and do basic math.

A traditional kindergarten class will contain mostly 5 year old children. At one time, kindergarten was primarily used to socialize children to a school setting , aka "playschool" but it has become increasingly academic. Kindergarteners are expected to arrive on day 1 already having the basic social skills to function in a large group setting. This is why most kids nowdays go to preschool before they enter kindergarten. The class is given instruction by the teacher as a group in whatever topic they are studying. They are expected to sit  quietly and listen and complete assigned work in a timely manner  just as older school children do. Many of them now recieve daily homework assignments. Children must stay with the class and there is little account taken of those who are ahead or behind academically. Not sure if kindergarten still include creative playtime other than recess.

Answer 6

I am currently in college studied to be an early childhood teacher.My opinion on Montessori schools is that if u want to work with kids it is not the best place.I would choose to work in a preschool,kindergarten or daycare.Montessori schools are meant for children to go and learn themselves and they usually tend to limit the communication contact between the children and the teacher.

Answer 7

my cousin went to a montessori school but didnt like it she said in her preschoolish words the school was to casual