How was the Montessori method established?
Montessori education was founded in Italy more than 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician and scientist. Dr. Montessori observed that children naturally develop in phases, which she termed planes of development. Dr. Montessori also determined that students have the ability to teach themselves when given guidance in properly “prepared environments.” It is estimated that today there are more than 5,000 Montessori schools in the United States, and more than 20,000 in 110 countries around the world.
Does my child need to be a Christian to attend Rolling Hills Christian Montessori?
Rolling Hills Christian Montessori School is welcomes children and families of all faiths. We strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on Earth, and as such we seek to provide and promote quality education to all who attend, with respect for your family’s culture, traditions, and religion. We do not attempt to convert a child to our religion or override religious teachings taught in the home or home church. All students do attend weekly chapel led by Ordained Minister Rachael McConnell, who is our church’s Head Pastor. Christian values and ethics are taught in a way that does not ostracize those outside the church. Our school hopes to partner with you, the parent, to create a loving and supportive environment for your children.
What are some differences between traditional learning methods and the Montessori method?
There are many differences, including:
Montessori programs work on three-year cycles. Children stay in the same classroom and have the same guide for three years.
Montessori classrooms have children of mixed ages. Multi-age classrooms encourage cooperative learning and allow for broad emotional and social development.
Because children develop and master skills at their own pace, Montessori students work according to their developmental levels rather than their biological ages.
The Primary role of the Montessori guide is not the transmission of information, but rather to nurture development and to guide activities, resources, and materials that allow the child to take the next step in learning.
Montessori students are always free to move around the classroom instead of staying at desks. There is no limit to how long a child can work on a lesson, and the lessons are taught to one student or to a small group of students.
The Montessori teaching materials are unique. Most were developed by Dr. Montessori to meet specific developmental needs of children of different ages.
My son keeps calling his lessons “work.” Do the children have fun?
The term “work” is used in the classrooms to give dignity and respect to the students’ activities. Their time is spent on purposeful lessons. The children have free choice to decide what work they will complete. They have many options, and are empowered to do what interests them most.
If my child is left to choose her own activities, will she tend to do the same thing every day, or simply do nothing?
A: No. The guides are trained to observe children’s activities. When a child has mastered a skill, the guide provides a lesson that is more challenging, based on the age and interest of the child. Because the environment is so stimulating and exciting, children seldom do nothing. There are many prepared lessons for the child to choose from every day.
How well do children transition from Montessori to traditional schools?
A: The transition is usually very smooth. Research indicates that Montessori graduates typically score well on standardized tests, and consistently show enhanced ability for following directions, independent thinking, and adapting to new situations. Guides are often impressed by the leadership abilities and depth of knowledge possessed by students coming out of Montessori programs.
How well does Montessori education prepare the children for success in later life?
Research has shown that Montessori students are well-prepared for later life, academically, socially and emotionally. In a Montessori classroom, the passion for learning is fostered and internalized by the children, leading them to be lifelong learners. In today’s world, being able to “think outside the box” is a vital component to success, and a Montessori education encourages the creative and critical thinking that fosters this trait.
Is Montessori right for my child?
Every child can benefit from Montessori methods at some level, whether in the home alongside parents or other siblings, or in a classroom with trained teachers or guides. The best way to determine whether or not a Montessori program is right for your child is to do the in-depth research and on-site school visitations needed to make a good determination that will meet your child’s needs. Some aspects to consider are:
- You are choosing a school to prepare your child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life.
- Your child learns best when in an environment that is orderly, bright, and peaceful.
- You want your child to learn at their own pace and be challenged according to their unique ability.
- You want your child to be in an environment that encourages them to explore their interests, without interruption.
The most important outcome for your child is to be a happy, well-adjusted, and self-motivated human being.
Why do Montessori teachers encourage my young child to be independent?
Helping a child develop independence and self-sufficiency is a hallmark of Montessori programs. Children who are independent and make self-directed choices develop self-confidence and experience pride when they accomplish their goals.
In the Montessori classroom, young children are supported to become autonomous in caring for their personal needs and in taking care of their classroom environment. Children are given freedom of movement and choice over their activities in the classroom and are encouraged and supported to “do it for themselves.”
Montessori students are self-confident learners who believe in their own abilities to accomplish a task. This confidence and self-reliance sets the stage for all future learning.
Do Montessori teachers follow a curriculum?
Montessori schools teach the same basic skills as traditional schools, and offer a rigorous academic program. Most of the subject areas are familiar—such as math, science, history, geography, and language—but they are presented through an integrated approach that weaves separate strands of the curriculum together.
While studying a map of Africa, for example, students may explore the art, history, and inventions of several African nations. This may lead them to examine ancient Egypt, including hieroglyphs and their place in the history of writing. And the study of the pyramids is a natural bridge to geometry!
This approach to curriculum demonstrates the interrelatedness of all things. It also allows students to become thoroughly immersed in a topic—and to give their curiosity full rein.
Is it true that Montessori students are free to do whatever they want, and at their own pace?
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children are more motivated to learn when working on something of their own choosing, and at their own unique pace. A Montessori student may choose her focus of learning on any given day, but her decision is limited by the materials and activities—in each area of the curriculum—that her teacher has prepared and presented to her.
Beginning at the Elementary level, students typically set learning goals and create personal work plans under their teacher’s guidance.
If children work at their own pace, don’t they fall behind?
Although students are free to work at their own pace, they’re not going it alone. The Montessori teacher closely observes each child and provides materials and activities that advance his learning by building on skills and knowledge already gained. This gentle guidance helps each child master the challenge at hand—and protects him from moving on before he’s ready, which is often what causes children to “fall behind.” Each child is challenged appropriately in each area of the curriculum to ensure that skills and competencies are fully developed and that the child is able to pursue his own unique interests.
Why are Montessori schools all work and no play?
This is a common misunderstanding of Montessori education. Dr. Montessori realized that children’s play is their work—their effort to master their own bodies and environment—and out of respect she used the term “work” to describe all their classroom activities. Montessori students work hard, but they don’t experience it as drudgery; rather, it’s an expression of their natural curiosity and desire to learn. They engage in these activities with joy and focus—intent on mastering new skills independently!