Nursery choices - what is Montessori?

Montessori is the world’s largest education movement. There are 22,000 schools worldwide and 600 here in the UK. It was inspired by an Italian doctor, Maria Montessori (1870-1952). She was a true pioneer of child-centred education. She innovated classroom practices and ideas which have had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over.The Montessori approach is holistic and aims to develop the whole child. Fundamental to the approach is the belief that a child’s early years – from birth to six – are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn.

Typically, a Montessori class has children aged between 2½ and 6 years old: the older ones help the younger ones, which assists social, emotional, and intellectual development. Classes last for a minimum of three hours, with no fixed schedule. This enables the children to spend as much (or as little) time as they wish on any one activity. Equipment is stored around the classroom, and the children are taught that they must return one set of materials before taking another.
Montessori classrooms are often noted for special pieces of equipment, many of which were created by Maria Montessori. These are designed specifically to provide concrete representations of abstract concepts. For example, mathematical concepts are established using number rods, golden beads and spindle boxes, all designed to be interesting, fun and self-correcting, so that the child can see immediately if they make a mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between Montessori and traditional methods of teaching?

In Montessori schools the child is seen as a dynamic learner, full of creative potential and in need of the maximum possible freedom to be allowed to develop as a happy, confident individual.

Is Montessori only for nursery children?

Although most Montessori school in the UK are for children between the age of three to six years, there are a small number of Montessori primary schools. There is more in the way of a curriculum structure, but the children continue to have developmental freedom. And these schools frequently achieve consistently excellent reports and subsequent entrance results.

How is discipline dealt with in a Montessori school?

Montessori schools believe that discipline is something that should come from inside rather than something that is always imposed by others. They do not rely on rewards and punishments. By being allowed to be free in the environment, and learning to love and care for other people, the child develops confidence and control over his own behaviour. So Montessori teachers only step in when a child’s behaviour is upsetting or disruptive to others.

How will my child fit in with a more traditional system after leaving Montessori nursery?

Montessori children tend to be very socially comfortable. Because they have been encouraged to problem-solve and think independently they are also happy, confident and resourceful. So they normally settle into very quickly and easily into new schools. In fact primary school teachers are often delighted to hear that you child has been in a Montessori school!

Are Montessori classrooms too structured?

Montessori discovered that structure was really important to help children feel safe and secure. She did a lot of experimentation to find out which, and how many, materials best suited the needs of the children. What she realised was that too much information was as bad as too little, and that children needed to be able to successfully build on their previous experiences. They could be overwhelmed with too many changing toys and options. So she carefully structured what was available.

Is Montessori still relevant?

Research shows us that, far from being old-fashioned and obsolete, Montessori’s ideas are now being recognised by educationalists, cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists worldwide. Her emphasis on holistic learning with the importance of structure, intrinsic motivation, sociality and emotional intelligence were all ideas ahead of their time.

For more information on Montessori or to find a school in your local area, visit:
www.montessori.org.uk