21 Nov Major Difference Between Montessori & Traditional Education

As a parent, you know that the first five years of your child’s life are the most formative. It is essential to provide them with an excellent education and a happy, healthy home life. One type of preschool program that might be worth exploring for your kids is Montessori schools. Children enrolled in Montessori programs have better academic outcomes than they would if they were enrolled in traditional teacher-led programs.

1. Montessori Is Child-Centered Education

Montessori philosophy has a special emphasis on the needs and interests of children. In contrast to traditional education, which follows one set path for every student, Montessori focuses on the individual’s development. It does this by following the child’s interests through observation and different lessons about their successes.

2. The Curriculum Is Adaptable

The Montessori curriculum offers a unique, personalized approach for each child. This means the children can go at their own pace and learn how they want to learn. Unlike traditional schools, every age range has different objectives. Whereas some students may prefer to learn from tactile means, such as touch and moving, others might prefer an auditory approach. With these options, the students can choose what lesson they want to follow – with frequent visits from the teacher to check in on their progress. 

Traditional schooling requires all students to follow one pathway and adhere to its rigid schedule; there is no room for individualized learning or development among its pupils.

3. Organized Décor Calms the Montessori Classroom

In a Montessori preschool classroom, the room is divided into five subject areas: practical life, language, mathematics, sensory development, and culture and sciences. They are all designed to stimulate children’s minds and develop their education skills. Instead of colorful posters and decorations that might distract children, teaching tools in these classrooms try to keep things low-key.

4. Montessori Teachers Follow the Children

Rather than preparing the child for the classroom in the traditional education system, Montessori teachers begin by preparing the classroom for their unique students. In this way, Montessori teachers discover a child’s strengths and needs, setting them up for success. Teachers record these findings daily so they can more easily plan the curriculum at each individual’s pace.

5. Respect & Mindfulness Are Modeled

Montessori teachers teach children to be mindful of others’ feelings and act respectfully in all situations. They model good behavior and never command children, only to say “please” or “thank you.” Their lessons also encourage the use of those polite expressions. Beyond teaching these words, Montessori teachers discuss children’s feelings and their own emotions to help kids develop emotional intelligence. 

6. Montessori Benefits kids having ADHD or Autism Spectrum

Environments with established schedules are ideal for kids with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders. The Montessori curriculum is flexible, and their schedule is quite steady. A Montessori classroom is more orderly and less distracting than a traditional preschool setting. Kids with ADHD or autism will benefit from the Montessori curriculum of modeling behavior. Because empathy and social skills are inherent in de facto education, they will be better prepared to communicate in social settings.

7. Outdoor Time Is for Learning, Too!

Outdoor time is called “recess” in traditional schools because it is a lesson break. But in the Montessori education system, instead of looking at outdoor time as an escape from their learning, Montessori kids will see it as another opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills. Gardening, reading areas, and math activities are just some of the many things they can do outside in a safe, environmentally-conscious setting.

8. The Lessons Are Hands-On

Rather than sitting inactive during a lesson, students in Montessori classes actively participate in their education. They are responsible for approaching subjects that interest them, so they are rather engaged when a lesson is going on. Lessons often consist of physical materials—kids will be hands-on with math and language skills.

9. Interruptions Are Minimal

In the Montessori education model, teachers respect the child’s concentration. For example, if a student is working on something and engaged in their lesson, the teacher will allow them to finish that activity. Traditional classrooms where students are directed through each assignment regardless of interest level are avoided in Montessori classrooms.

10. Montessori Encourages Children to Love Learning

According to the traditional model, children are taught how to pass tests. In Montessori schools, however, students develop a lifelong love of learning. Therefore, they don’t learn by rote memorization and mimicry; they explore topics that interest them to value their education. By doing this, we can tap into their innate curiosity and offer them wide-ranging options for independent study. Teachers will guide them through various subjects and help inspire creativity through personal autonomy.