Montessori Curriculum and Programs
Putting the Montessori Philosophy into Practice in the Classroom
Developed by Italian Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, the Montessori philosophy has been adapted all over the world. At Montessori Unlimited, the practical application of this approach of sensory-based and self-directed learning for children is the most important thread that runs through our Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Enrichment programs.
Each of these programs is designed to address the developmental needs of children as individuals and help them develop at their own pace. Each program builds on the one before it, providing challenges appropriate to both age and skill levels. Language, mathematics, spatial learning, self-discovery, music and art — they’re all incorporated into the Montessori approach.
Montessori education vs. traditional education
How does a Montessori curriculum differ from traditional schools, or even a traditional day care setting? Here are some of the things you can expect from a Montessori program vs. the traditional school method.
| Montessori Approach | Traditional Method |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on cognitive and social development | Emphasis on social development |
| Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom | Teacher is center of classroom as “controller” |
| Environment and method encourage self-discipline | Teacher enforces discipline |
| Mainly individual instruction | Group and individual instruction |
| Mixed age grouping | Same age grouping |
| Grouping encourages children to teach and help each other | Most teaching done by teacher |
| Child chooses own work | Activities structured for child |
| Child works as long as he wishes on chosen project | Child generally allotted specific time for work |
| Child discovers own concepts from self-teaching materials | Child is guided to concepts by teacher |
| Child sets own learning pace | Instruction pace usually set by group |
| Child spots own errors from feedback on material | If work is corrected, errors usually pointed out by teacher |
| Child reinforces learning by repetition and feelings of success | Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rewards |
| Organized program for learning care of self and environment (polishing shoes, cleaning the sink, etc.) | Less emphasis on self-care instruction |
| Child can work where he chooses (yet not disturb work of others); group work is also encouraged | Child usually assigned own chair; encouraged to participate, sit still and listen during group sessions |
Search by ZIP
Take a Virtual Tour
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube