Page 6 - December 2025 newsletter FLIP

Montessori Moment
Montessori Kindergarten - A Gift to Your Child
The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to age six. For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed.
The start of Kindergarten is a major milestone for parents and children alike. With so many choices available, how do you know which type of program is best for your child? For parents of Montessori preschoolers, the benefits of Montessori education are already familiar, but what is so special about Montessori Kindergarten, and how does it compare to a traditional Kindergarten classroom? Let's consider a few of the differences:
Classroom Environment. In traditional classrooms, students are typically assigned a workspace, usually a desk or chair and table and are expected to sit still at their workspace, and not move around the classroom unless instructed. Montessori classroom environments are quite different. Montessori students may move freely about the classroom, working where they choose. In fact, Montessori educators believe that autonomy is a driving force in student motivation.
Daily Schedule. If you've spent time in a traditional classroom, you're likely familiar with the hectic daily schedule. In order to manage periods of boredom, traditional classrooms break the day up into smaller periods, with frequently changing activities. Montessorians believe this often results in mental fatigue in the child. Because it takes time to develop interest and understanding of new concepts, Montessori programs refrain from interrupting a child’s focus in learning for the sake of a hurried class schedule. Because children learn best in a process-oriented rather than results-oriented manner, longer periods of uninterrupted lesson time are the standard in Montessori.
Deciding on where to send your child to kindergarten is an important and often emotional time for parents. If you would like to know more about how Montessori Kindergarten can benefit your child at this special time in his or her development, we will gladly arrange a time to meet with one
of our directors.
Placement in Kindergarten is not guaranteed as spaces are limited. Families interested in their child entering the Kindergarten program should let Jere know as soon as possible to request a space.
The Role of the Teacher. In a traditional classroom, the teacher is typically viewed as an authority figure; she is the center
of the classroom, in charge of controlling what and how students learn. In a Montessori classroom, the teacher is viewed as a guide, consistently aware of the independent needs and abilities of each child. She mentors the children through a rich and well-rounded curriculum.
Type of Curriculum. Traditional Kindergarten classrooms often have a "one size fits all" curriculum. Our Montessori kindergartners have challenging academic goals which must be met, but they have choices in the materials they use to meet those goals and the order in which they completed. The curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of academically advanced students, while also meeting the needs of those children that may need more time and assistance. Montessori allows the children to master academic skills in a self-directed manner that allows the them to develop their natural curiosity and interest for knowledge and learning.
Ages of Students. In traditional schools, students are grouped in classrooms with other students of the same age. However, Montessori classrooms use mixed-age grouping, allowing older students to serve as models and mentors for younger students. Throughout the day, students have multiple opportunities to work on projects in mixed-age groups. In these groups, roles are negotiated, and the students develop social skills in a supportive environment.
Use of Worksheets. While traditional kindergarten class- rooms rely heavily on worksheets, Montessori classrooms focus on learning materials. Memorization is not the main goal of Montessori education, but rather focus on how and why things happen. Montessori schools teach for under- standing. Montessori Kindergarten classrooms also promote physical exploration with many multi-sensory materials.