MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Listening to educators discuss different educational methods (Inquiry-based Learning, Play based learning, Nature School, Project-based learning, Charter School, Classical Education, Parochial School, etc…) can sound like mechanics different types of automobiles (Sedan, SVU, V6 vs V12, automatic or manual, diesel or gas, etc…).
I may not really understand the specific differences between a V6 and v12 engine, and I haven’t driven a manual transmission in years, but I have a basic idea of what to expect from the “car experience”. I fill the tank with gas, some cars are faster and some are more fuel efficient, older cars may burn oil, but any car will get me from point A to B.
In the same way, you may not really understand the differences between Classical education and Play based learning but you have a basic idea of what to expect from the “school experience”. There will be a teacher who manages a group of children who are close to the same age through thematic units or other teacher managed curriculum schedule.
Montessori education is not what you expect. In my little metaphor, Montessori education is a pure Electric Vehicle. It still gets us from Point A to B (children learn) but it is built on very different principles and works in unexpected and exciting ways.
If you approach an electric car expecting the same things you find in an internal combustion car it may be confusing; where are the spark plugs? why is there no transmission? what happened to the exhaust system? where do I put the fuel?
In the same way, when you approach a Montessori learning environment expect that things will be different. We realize that all children are individuals and we do not expect them to be interested in the same things at the same time, so we do not use thematic units or a teacher directed curriculum.
We can’t possibly explain all the unique characteristics of Montessori education on a web page, but we can tell you that we get to know individual children so that we can help them connect to a rich and varied curriculum of independent activities. We can tell you that the Montessori method is a breath of fresh air.
We invite you to watch the videos and read the articles provided here learn more.
Please contact us to ask questions and schedule a tour of the school.
VIDEOS
Dr. Silvia Dubovoy, Ph.D., on the personality of the child.
Observe three children ages 3-6 during a typical morning.
Dr Steve Hughes: Montessori and the Future of Education.
ARTICLES
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How to Realize Preschool Dreams – New York Times editorial
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Montessori as a charter school alternative, New York Times letter to the editor
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Don’t stop classroom chatter; it’s good for learning, The Times of London
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Montessori, Now 100, Goes Mainstream, Washington Post
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Students Prosper with Montessori Method, Scientific American
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Montessori Schools Hit the Century Mark in Stride, National Assoc. of Independent Schools
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Montessori education turns 100, Minnesota Public Radio
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Don’t just stand here, think! Boston Globe
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Montessori Schools Foster Social and Academic Skills, AAAS News
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Montessori Students Go Their Way, Patriot Ledger
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Study Shows Improved Test Scores for Students in Montessori Schools, Fox News
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Test-free system ‘gives children a better start in life’? — The Times, London
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Children at Montessori schools are better educated — Daily Mail
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Inner-City Montessori School Creates Model Citizens, HealthDay News
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Montessori teaching ‘better than traditional schooling’, Daily Telegraph, London
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Research shows benefits of Montessori education, Education Guardian, UK
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A bright spot for city’s schools — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
BOOKS
The best-selling parent education book on the Montessori method, Montessori Madness! is widely used by schools, teacher training centers, and parents as an accessible introduction to Montessori. This book traces the journey of our family as we wrestle with questions of how best to educate our children. It explores why we eventually chose Montessori school and what we have since discovered.
Also available now in e-book format: iBook, Nook, and Kindle!
The book The Secret of Childhood is divided in three sections, dealing in turn with early childhood development, the author’s educational method, and the relation of the child to society. Also available online free from Archive.org
Current scientific research provides astounding support for her major insights. Lillard presents the research concerning eight insights that are foundational to Montessori education and describes how each of these insights is applied in the Montessori classroom. In reading this book, parents and teachers alike will develop a clear understanding of what happens in a Montessori classroom and, more important, why it happens and why it works. Chapter One: Free Download (PDF)