What is Montessori Education ?
Montessori schools are built on the teachings of an early twentieth century psychologist by the name of Montessori. Ms. Montessori opened her first school in 1906 and based her form of education on her work with and observations of needy children. Today, Montessori is popular world wide. Montessori schools are different in many ways from traditional schools. These differences are many but, so are the benefits.

Traditional schools adhere to rules and regulations. Traditional schools have schedules and there is a set time for everything: eating, playing, math, and reading. Children are not given any choice on when and how long they can participate in an activity. Montessori schools believe in allowing the students to choose in how long it takes to explore and learn from an activity. The schedule is fluid with some activities taking longer on some days and shorter amounts of time on another day; depending on the mood and energy of the children in the classroom.

The teacher rules in traditional school settings. The teacher teaches her class and the children sit and listen intently. Children are not allowed to move or talk without first getting the permission of the teacher. The Montessori teacher takes a silent presence in the classroom. The goal here is to present the information to the class and then allow the children to explore the new concept while moving around the room and talking.

Being outdoors is essential in a Montessori school. It is believed that all children need time to play and explore the earth. The Montessori philosophy on this is that, through out doors play, children learn to appreciate the planet while feeding their natural curiosity. This appreciation and curiosity leads to wanting to learn about science and conservation. The fresh air and exercise is vital to a healthy body which lends itself to the capability to learn. Traditional schools deem out side play as just the opportunity for the children to burn some energy. Here, out side play is considered a privilege which can be denied as a form of punishment.

Montessori schools believe in nurturing the individual child. Classrooms are designed to allow each child the necessary time and equipment to grow and learn. Children are encouraged to become individuals and to learn at their own pace. It is believed that all children have an inherit need to learn and that learning will happen naturally. Traditional schools encourage children to become one as a unit. Everyone in the class is expected to learn at approximately the same rate. Individualism is discouraged

Montessori schools have excellent success rates; but at a cost that is often times expensive. By sending your child to this type of school, you can be certain that your child is in a nurturing environment geared towards learning. Traditional schools are usually free or cheap. Traditional schools also have excellent success rates. The drawback here is that your child’s individuality will be discouraged, there will be set limits, and a demand to learn at the same pace as other students in the class room.