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 FAQ's
Are all schools using the name 'Montessori' the same?
As there is no copyright of the word Montessori it may be used by anyone. However, the educational standards, teacher training and materials may vary widely. The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to protect the integrity of her work and to maintain standards, propagate and further her ideas and principles for the full development of the human being. AMI authorises training courses all over the world. Although Montessori schools may differ from one another from place to place and culture to culture, the schools run by AMI diploma holders operate on the same true Montessori philosophical principles.
Montessori - isn't that where they let the children do what they like?
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the concept of freedom in the Montessori approach to teaching and plenty of schools misinterpret it as mindless permissiveness. In a true Montessori school the concept of freedom is a freedom within limits - learning to consider and respect what your peers are doing in a specially prepared classroom. The children are free to choose among options of positive value not given licence to run riot!
What should I look for in a Montessori classroom?
A Montessori classroom should consist of mixed aged children in 3 year spans 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 . The children are free to move about while pursuing disciplined activity either individually or in small groups. The classroom is specially prepared for the child to help promote his/her independence.
The four main curriculum areas are Practical Life activities, which reflect every day life (care of oneself, others and the environment) Sensorial Materials which give the child a chance to explore and experience the physical properties of our world using his senses (touching, seeing, tasting, smelling and listening). Language Development is vital to human development therefore a Montessori classroom should be rich in oral language such as poetry, stories, songs and conversations. The sandpaper letters help the child to relate the symbols for the sounds that he knows which will encourage the development of written expression and reading skills. Mathematical activities help the children learn and understand the concepts of mathematics by manipulating concrete materials which will give the child a sound understanding of the basic mathematical principles. These activities will prepare him/her for later abstract reasoning and help develop problem solving capabilities.
How does this kind of teaching prepare children for traditional schools?
With their confidence, enthusiasm and skills, Montessori children can adapt to anything. The children's curiosity and love of learning is being developed in a positive way.
Why are mixed aged children in the same classroom together?
Children of 2½ - 6 years all working/playing together in the same classroom allows everybody to learn at their own pace. The older children help the younger ones and sharing what they have learned reinforces their knowledge and skill at the same time. The children in this fairly large group of mixed ages learn to function as a community (a healthy community consists of a mix of ages and abilities); they learn how to get along together, to respect each other's rights and to share the environment and its resources. When you have a classroom of one age, all the children want the same things and there are no role models. In the Montessori environment the emphasis is on co-operation, not competition.
To learn at 2½ years? Isn't that pushing it?
Children learn; it's what they do naturally. With enviable ease they manage to learn to walk, talk and feed themselves all on their own. In a Montessori classroom, children learn practical skills as well as basic maths and literacy in the same way as they have learned to speak and move: through exploration and play.
How do I find Montessori schools in my area?
The Montessori Society AMI (UK) publishes a list of schools, which are run by AMI trained teaching staff. Look under Montessori Schools UK to find the school closest to you.
Are all Montessori schools private?
Yes, most of them are but the government's new initiative called the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative should enable Montessori schools to get funding to be able to offer discounted fees. In addition, every 3 and 4 year old child receives a nursery grant towards the cost of fees. For further details, contact the Society.
Where can I find out more about Montessori training?
The only Diploma Course in the UK recognised by AMI is held at the Maria Montessori Institute located in Hampstead, London. For more details click on the Montessori Training UK link in this website. For courses outside the UK contact the AMI headquarters. You might also like to take a look at our Useful Montessori Links.