What is so good about Montessori nurseries?

Question

In comparison to normal private nurseries as we have the option to move our son to one.

Answer 1

Not a lot, my step daughter worked for one and it was hopeless.

Answer 2

they help the child prepare for proper school , also i dont think they are so great, we can do the same thing at home as they do, if we have the patience and time

Answer 3

I am a Montessori teacher, this is short discription of the method

What is Montessori Method ?

It is called an indirect teaching method because it neither imposes on a child nor does it abandon him in total free play, rather it provides a carefully planned and structured environment in which the child can grow and learn in a natural way with the best possible opportunities for reaching his or her maximum potential.

The six basic components of this prepared environment are:

1. Freedom The child moves freely around a Montessori classroom, talking to other children, working with any equipment he chooses, or asking the teacher to introduce new material. He is not free to disturb other children who are working , or abuse the equipment which is so important to them all.

2. Reality And Nature The child should grow up close to nature and experience of the natural environment helps the child achieve harmony as well as contribute to the child's spiritual growth

3. Social Awareness Through freedom of movement and through the Montessori exercise for the care of the environment , also care of self and development of social skills the child is helped towards social awareness.

4. Order The environment should be structured and ordered so that it is easier for the child to make sense of the external world.

5. Beauty The environment should be aesthetically pleasing and simple.

6. Montessori Didactic Materials These are an important element of the educational environment;

Sense Training develops the child's growth awareness and helps build sound concepts with appropriate language.

Cultural Materials help the child develop an awareness of the world in which he lives. Dr Montessori stressed the importance of including the fundamentals of nature study, geography, history, science, art and music in the curriculum. The general aim being the child's whole development.

Mathematical Apparatus gives the child an understanding of the basic rules. Through a sense of carefully structured didactic materials the child learns concepts through concrete activities and then he is gradually helped towards abstraction. The activities are individual as each child progresses at a different rate.

Language Materials help the child develop the language skills which are listening, speaking, reading and writing. First through the sandpaper letters the child learns both the sounds and shapes of the letters, then listens for the sounds in words and begins to build them using the Montessori movable alphabet.

The phonic approach is used in the Montessori method and the child is taught to read after careful preparation and then when he shows he is ready, he succeeds and finds reading an enjoyable activity.

Furthermore, in the Montessori method, while the child is absorbing his own language he is exposed to games and activities which introduce him to the correct use of grammar and this approach helps lay sound foundations for the future.

Obviously this is only a brief outline of the Montessori Method, but it should give you a general idea on the philosophy that we will be incorporating in their routine.

Answer 4

The most comprehensive longitude research on Montessori Education in comparison to traditional education was published last year by a psychology professor at the University of Virginia, Dr. Angeline Lillard.. Her recent article was so well researched and documented, that it is the only educational article ever to be published in a scientific magazine.

Her findings and other studies’ report that Montessori students have:

*more interest in learning,

*more self disciplined

* have a greater understanding of truth and fairness

*more creativity, especially in their writing

*are more independence

*a better understanding of concepts from grammar and story structure to mathematical operations, algebra and geometry

*have a deep understanding of and how geography, history, social studies, and science are all related.

For more information check out Angeline Lillard Ph.D's book Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

So what is Montessori Eductionan? Scoobyfans gave a lot of great information.

In addition I would like to add, Montessori education is based on the belief that children are individuals with their own strengths, needs, likes and learning styles. To used the latest educational catch phrases, Montessori education is “multi-modality, differentiated instruction.”

In more everyday terms, Montessorians disagree with the idea that all children learn in the exact same way at the exact same time of their life. They believe that a good teacher doesn’t say, “It is the 4th day, of the 3rd month, of second grade, so open your math book to page 49 and…” Instead we observe each child and ask ourselves, “What does this child understand? What is the next concept this child needs to learn? In which way does this child learn? (Are they observers? Talkers? Someone who needs to physically experience things? Do colors make things more clear? How about singing a song about the concept, will that help this particular child learn?...) What things interest this child so that I can use his/her natural interests and abilities to teach this concept that they need to know?

To achieve this a Montessori classroom is not filled solely with text books, writing paper and pencils. Instead it is filled with many materials that teach a range of levels and concepts all set up so that at a moment's notice a teacher can reach for a material and teach a student or students the concept they need to know. Or students can reach for the same material and use it in the way that they were taught so that they can practice a concept that they are working on.

Obviously, a Montessori classroom will not look like a normal classroom. Rarely, if ever, will you find the whole class sitting with their books out looking at the teacher show them how to fill in a worksheet. Instead you will see children, some in groups, some by themselves, working on different concepts, and the teacher sitting with a small group of children, usually on the floor around a mat.

Some people talk about the lack of “structure” in a Montessori Classroom. They hear the word “freedom” and think “chaos” or “free for all”. They seem to think that if all children are not doing the exact same thing at the exact same time that they can’t possibly be working, or that they will be working only on the things that they want and their education will be lopsided. Yet, if the teacher is organized this does not happen. Children will be given a work plan or a contract and will need to complete an array of educational activities just like in a more traditional classroom. The main difference being that the activities will be at each child’s “maximum plane of development”, will be presented and practiced in a way that the child understands, and the child will have the freedom to choose which he/she does first.

Other people talk about Montessori children being able to do whatever they want. This is a misunderstanding of the word "choice" Montessori children do have the choice as to which they do first, reading or math. They do have the choice as to which material they will use to complete the lesson, but playing all day, only working in one area, hurting children, themselves or the environment are NEVER choices. Either are eating candy all day, or and so on (All things people have posed in the past about Montessori schools.)

Answer 5

Monty Storie? Wasn't he a Scottish foo'baller?

Answer 6

they allow the child to become proficient for school.

also allow them to concentrate a little on their strengths.

schooling is the most important years of a person's life.

Answer 7

I went to a montessori daycare and it was really wonderful. I would visit a local one and see if it suits your child.

Answer 8

Montessori schools help prepare children for life.

Children learn to make choices, become self-disciplined, develop motivation to learn independently, and gain social skills.

If you are considering Montessori education for a child, visit several schools. Each is different depending on how they interpret the Montessori principles. For more information visit <www.montessori.edu> and <www.montessori.org>

Those sites will give you much important information

Answer 9

I think this is something you need to check into in your area and decide what is right for your child. Parents know their own children the best.

Answer 10

Montessori means they dont learn through play that much, they do alot more work so it prepares them for school alot more because you dont really play that much at school you do more work so i think its quite good. Private nurserys are steiner nurseries which means they learn through play and activities, they do a bit of work but not as much as montessori nurseries. I think thats right.