MONTESSORI EDUCATION

  TRADITIONAL EDUCATION

• The adult has an unobtrusive role in the classroom, guiding children through activities.

• The teacher is at the center of the classroom and acts as a controller.

• Self-discipline is encouraged through the method and the environment.
   

• Discipline is external, with the teacher as the primary enforcer.

• Children reinforce their own learning through repetition of work and internal feelings of success.
   

• Learning is reinforced externally through praise and rewards.

• Children are free to choose their own work.
   

• The teacher chooses the work for the whole class.

• Children learn through interacting with the environment and working with each other.
   

• The teacher does most of the instructing.

• Children are given the freedom to move and explore.
   

• Children are encouraged to sit still in their own seats.

• The environment is calm, orderly, and peaceful.
   

• The classroom may be messy, chaotic, and noisy.

• The adult guides the children in child-led exploration, allowing them to follow their own interests at their own pace.
   

• The teacher plans a few group activities for the whole class.

• Teachers have received rigorous Montessori training and are experts in guiding each child along his or her natural path of development.
   

• Montessori classrooms follow a scientifically proven method of education.

• Many traditional preschools and day cares have a revolving door of untrained childcare providers.
  
   

• Many day cares and preschools have all day, unstructured play time.