Authentic Montessori
In early 1900s Italy, Dr. Maria Montessori formulated a peace education philosophy by observing children’s developmental needs. Through her research, Dr. Montessori found that children naturally absorb knowledge from their surroundings. She created a coordinated universe of hands-on materials intended to develop a child’s love of learning, independence, concentration, and curiosity throughout their stages of development.
Classrooms and schedules at CMA are orchestrated to support the process of learning.
The Montessori Educational Environment
Study
- Fostering natural curiosity
- Hands-on learning
- Individual purposeful activity, or “work”
- Child-centered instruction and pacing
- Self-directed time management
Environment
- Engagement with nature daily
- Multi-age grouping
- A comfortable space
- Children respecting their environment
Community
- Children treating each other with respect
- Teachers modeling kind and respectful words
- Healthy socializing with both peers and adults
- Conflict handled peacefully
I have not invented the Montessori Method. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it.”
Maria Montessori
Holistic Approach
Multi-Age Grouping
In a Montessori school, children are grouped by ages: 3-6 years, 6-9 years (1st-3rd grades), and 9-12 years (4th-6th grades). The multi-age grouping encourages children not only to learn from their peers, but also enables the older children to support the learning of younger children. When given the opportunity to teach others, it reinforces their learning and helps them retain the information.
In the Montessori classroom, there is a great deal of time for children to be leaders and teachers. Older students are joyful when they are able to give a younger student a lesson.
Individualized Work With A Sense Of Purpose
Children perform well academically in a Montessori program because each lesson builds on the individual child’s curiosity. The child’s thoughts are heard, considered, and pondered. He or she understands that going through the learning process and asking questions is important and encouraged.
In Montessori education, solutions are discovered—rather than given—in a way that encourages and sparks the curiosity of the child.
Educating The Whole Child
A true Montessori Philosophy works on the entire child, including their social and emotional development.
Every day, children are given the opportunity to learn social skills such as resolving disagreements in a peaceful manner, or collaborating with others on a project. Children learn skills that will last a lifetime, such as planning out their time, being intrinsically motivated, and socializing in a respectful manner. Thinking and problem solving in all areas of learning is rooted in this philosophy.
Montessori vs. Traditional Education
Montessori Approach
Traditional Approach
Age span of three years in a class
Children grouped chronologically, one age group per class
Self-development as prime motivation
Heavy emphasis on grades and marks
Children learn by direct contact with content, e.g., mathematics models, sensory materials, maps, etc.
Much information dispensed by teacher and lecture
Materials are self-correcting
Teacher corrects student errors
Children study various subjects individually or in small groups in various parts of the classroom
Class, as a group, studies one subject at a time
Child follows their “inner teacher”; they are allowed long blocks of time for concentration and work completion
Schedule of classes lasting 45 to 50 minutes each
Relatively few interruptions allowing for sustained study and concentration
Relatively frequent interruptions: bells, teacher interruptions
Students work at tables, or on the floor, with freedom of movement
Class seated at desks much of the time
Proven Results
The Montessori approach has been a part of numerous scientific studies that speak to the positive academic outcomes of students attending Montessori education programs.
In a study published in the professional Journal of School Psychology, preschool students were tested both at the beginning and end of a school year. Those who attended an authentic Montessori school (like CMA) scored higher in multiple areas, such as: executive functioning, reading, math, vocabulary, and social problem-solving.
Your child’s Montessori journey starts with you.