More Truths About Montessori!
Welcome back. We are here with part two debunking more common Montessori myths! If you did not read our previous list, be sure to click here and discover the truth about Montessori.
Walking into any Montessori classroom, you might see children doing a puzzle, stringing beads, or even playing with blocks. This gives some people the impression that Montessori students spend all day “playing.”
Truth: It is through play that learning takes place! As Dr. Montessori put it, “Play is the work of the child.” Even years ago, when she was developing her methodology, Maria Montessori knew what today’s research would show: children learn better through play! When playing children are relaxed and motivated, it comes naturally for them!
Montessori is designed with playful ways to learn. That’s not to say that they’re any less useful academically. For example, some of the “blocks” that you may see children playing with in our Apple Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to help children think about size and quantities that’s later helpful when studying numbers. Montessori is also designed with special materials such as beads for math, sound pouches for language, and puzzles for science topics. While they may appear to be games or toys, each material has an important pedagogical goal that children can achieve, all while having fun!
In Montessori classrooms, children refer to their “play” as work. This helps give children’s play the respect and status it deserves.
Many people believe the myth that children who attend Montessori schools early in life won’t be well-prepared for traditional school settings when they get older.
Truth: Montessori students can successfully transfer into traditional school settings. In fact, Montessori students excel in traditional school settings. Research has shown that former Montessori students may achieve above average test scores in a traditional high school setting. Other research has shown that Montessori students gain benefits like improved executive function that can help them succeed in not only in a traditional school setting, but in life.
In our preschool classrooms at Apple Montessori, we implement single age group activities, such as Reading Group for Pre-Ks and Kinders, community service projects, social studies and science fairs, book reports and other projects. These activities give students a taste of what it’s like to work with their peers. We also administer a standardized test during the Kinder year, something you won’t find in many Montessori schools. This test helps students become comfortable with the test-taking process and also gives parents an understanding of how their child is performing on some key areas.
With children so focused on working with materials in the Montessori classroom, you may wonder if they ever get the chance to play!
Fact: Maria Montessori knew that playtime is essential for children and made sure children had time for this activity. In fact, she recognized that through play, children can develop important social skills, gross motor skills, get exercise, and more.
At every Apple Montessori School, you’ll find a beautiful playground area where children play each day at recess. Not only do our playgrounds offer great opportunities for exercise and playing, but they also put children in contact with nature.
Have you ever heard that children in Montessori schools are so busy working independently that they don’t socialize?
Truth: While there is plenty of individual work for students to do, many materials in the Montessori classroom can be worked on in pairs or small groups. Also, Montessori guides give many small group lessons in addition to story times, circle time, and other whole-class activities.
In Apple Montessori Schools, we make time to teach children social skills and make sure they get the chance to practice them. For example, students greet their teachers every morning with a handshake. Also, students practice sharing and waiting their turn when using materials. Finally, children get plenty of chance for socialization during recess and free-play.
Shouldn’t young students be sheltered from older students so that they can feel safe and learn in peace?
Truth: Children have been playing and working together in mixed-age groups throughout human history. Today, many families continue this dynamic with siblings and cousins of different ages playing together.
How does this work in the classroom? There are many benefits to the mixed age classroom. In a mixed age group setting, older children learn to be leaders. Meanwhile, younger children are inspired by the work that older children are doing.
Some people believe that Montessori is “in” right now, but will soon blow over.
Truth: The Montessori method is well over 100 years old! Montessori schools have existed since the method was developed and have a very bright future. Research on Montessori shows that this excellent approach to education will only grow as more people become aware of its benefits.
Were you surprised by the truth behind any of these myths? We hope you were able to learn a little bit more about the Montessori philosophy.
Here at Apple Montessori Schools, we do our best to carry out the Montessori method faithfully, while also recognizing the latest research in childhood education and the changing world around us. Our modern Montessori goes beyond the traditional Montessori philosophy and we’re thrilled to say that our students’ families have found our schools to provide an excellent education. Take a look!
“We chose Apple Montessori after looking at other schools and talking to people in our area. We really value the philosophy of the school. It was the best decision we could have made. Our daughter is in kindergarten and can pick any book off our shelf and start reading it herself. My children have gained self-confidence and autonomy. The school provides a holistic curriculum, fostering the children’s natural learning of academics, art, and self-esteem.” – Jamia I., YELP!
If you’re ready to enroll your child in a wonderful Montessori program, contact us! We’d love to welcome your child into our schools.
