The
Montessori Difference
The Montessori method
utilizes a unique approach to teaching children. Its methods teach children
to trust
themselves,
to enjoy learning and to fully explore
their own potential. This Method is based on the observations
and work of Maria Montessori (1870-1952), who was a certified engineer, and
the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree. Maria Montessori
won a Nobel Peace prize for her work. In 1907, Maria Montessori astounded the
world with her educational approach for children. One
hundred years later doctors, scientists, and educators are still affirming
the validity of her approach. Dr.
Montessori spent many years working with and observing the nature of the child.
Montessori’s observations
revealed that the small child is a lover of work, when spontaneously chosen
where it is then carried out with profound joy. In a Montessori classroom, the child’s whole personality is addressed, not merely his or her intellectual capabilities. The child learns to function positively in a community of cooperation and respect. By living as a member of a social community, each child is trained in basic social qualities that eventually form the basis of good citizenship.
Each child has a need to learn by manipulating
and exploring their environment in a meaningful way. Thus, each child is
able to grow and develop corresponding to his or her own readiness and inner
drive. This is based on a profound respect for each child’s personality
and willingness to learn. Through the method's
self-driven and self-motivated methods, children learn self-respect, and personal integrity. The child learns to function positively in a community of cooperation
and respect. If we remove the adult-imposed expectations so common in today’s world, and give children an environment specifically prepared for their learning, each child is free to explore that which interests him at his or her own pace. Hence, the child is allowed a large measure of liberty, which forms the basis of true independence and self-discipline. The Montessori teacher “follows the child” in his areas of his interest and introduces new “work” when the child shows he or she is ready for it. This method enables the teacher to guide each child individually in each subject, thus satisfying the child’s requirements for learning. Each child learns and works at his or her own pace, which empowers the child.
The Montessori
Curriculum
Montessori offers
a rigorous and innovative academic program. The curriculum is organized into
a spiral of integrated studies, rather than a traditional
model in which the curriculum is compartmentalized into separate subjects,
with given topics considered only once at a specific grade level. In the early
years, lessons are introduced simply and concretely and are reintroduced several
times per succeeding years at increasing degrees of abstraction and complexity. The
course of study uses an integrated thematic approach that ties the separate
disciplines of the curriculum together into studies of the physical universe,
the world of nature, and the human experience. Literature, the arts, history,
social issues, political science, economics, science, and the study of technology
all complement one another. This integrated
approach is one of Montessori’s great strengths.
Montessori vs Traditional
|
|
Emphasis on cognitive and social development |
Emphasis on social development
|
Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration |
Fewer materials for sensory development |
Environment and method encourage self-discipline |
Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline |
Mixed age grouping |
Same age grouping |
Grouping encourages children to teach and help each other |
Most teaching is done by the teacher |
Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom |
Teacher is center of classroom as "controller" |
Mainly individual instruction |
Group and individual instruction |
Child chooses own work |
Curriculum is structured for the child |
Child can work where he chooses; group work is voluntary |
Child usually assigned own chair; encouraged to participate |
Child discovers own concepts from self teaching materials |
Child is guided to concepts by the teacher |
Child sets own learning pace |
Instruction pace usually set by group norm |
Child works as long as he wishes on chosen project |
Child is generally alotted specific time for work |
Child reinforces own learning by internal feelings of success |
Learning is reinforced externally by rewards |
Child spots own errors from feedback of material |
If work is corrected, errors are usually pointed out by teacher |
Organized program for learning care of self and environment |
Less Emphasis on self-care instruction |
Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning process |
Voluntary parent involvment |
Montessori School of Woodstock History
Montessori School of Woodstock was opened in October 2000 by Mrs. Patricia Shahbazi. Mrs. Shahbazi is an AMI certified teacher with 27 years of experience. She has taught at various Montessori schools in the metro Atlanta area including well-respected Casa dei Bambini. In addition, Mrs. Shahbazi holds the following degrees and certifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
- GA State teaching Certificate for K-5
- AMI Montessori Primary and Elementary certification
Still excited about
the Montessori Method after 27 years, Mrs. Shahbazi continues to teach Montessori
because she loves to watch young minds absorb. She continues in the Montessori tradition of encouraging both self-confidence and a life-long love of learning in the children attending Montessori School of Woodstock.
Montessori School of Woodstock
3899 NE Canton road
Marietta, GA 30066
770 - 928 - 2515