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Myths About Montessori
Montessori is too structured or Montessori is too free-flowing
Ask ten people what they think of Montessori, and five will say it’s too rigid while another five will say it’s too self-directed.How can Montessori have the reputation for two polar opposite curriculums? Because Montessori is both structured and self-directed. The teacher creates a detailed and personalized lesson plan for each child complete with lessons in everything from math to language to art and music (the structure). The child then is free
to choose the work that engages his curiosity at that moment (self-direction). The teacher, trained to be a keen observer, guiding him towards an array of options (structure) from which he can choose (self-direction) to ensure he receives a well-rounded education. Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle.
The student-teacher ratio is too high
The Montessori approach focuses on independence. Independent activity accounts for 80% of the work, while the other 20% is teacher-guided. Materials are self-correcting so that once a student has a lesson from the teacher on a particular area, he can work independently to problem-solve. The teachers are always available to the student and are keenly observant
of everything the child is doing in the classroom. The multi-age classroom also plays a role as the classroom age ranges from 3 to 6. The older children take on leadership roles and help the younger children (all the while solidifying their skills). It’s also important to note that in a traditional classroom students are given group instruction without consideration of the child’s needs, whereas in a Montessori classroom children are given individual instruction.
Montessori is not academically rigorous
The real proof of the academic strength of Montessori lies in the fact that it has proven to be a successful educational philosophy for over 100 years. An authentic Montessori curriculum far surpasses the guidelines of any other curriculum such as Common Core.
Montessori doesn’t work for the active children
Nothing can seem more stifling for any child than being asked to sit at a desk all day. In a Montessori classroom children have the freedom to move about – to use their body
and their senses – to learn. Children can even choose when they want to have snack. Active children can thrive in a Montessori classroom.
Montessori students struggle to transition into “normal” school
Montessori students have been transitioning into public and private schools for over 100 years. The academic preparation along with the life skills (critical thinking and problem- solving; communication; collaboration and character) that are hallmarks of the Montessori education ensure that these students are more than capable of handling the transition.