I started the Montessori pre-school 2 years ago, one of the frustrations of running a pre school and trying to follow the Montessori way is : there is so little understanding of what Montessori education is about, yet there is so much misconception about what Montessori education is.
I also could understand many people whom I met wasn’t really impressed with Montessori schools, because they have not seen an authentic Montessori schools, I myself wasn’t impressed with the “Montessori” schools here that I visited. I would say some have the Montessori apparatus, some have the name “Montessori”, but none is close to the basic ingredients of an authentic Montessori school.
One of my ex-colleagues said: “Yeah, Montessori, the kind of school where kids play only”
1)Are Montessori schools just play only?
To the untrained eyes, maybe.
2) Montessori is just for preschool children.
While the majority of Montessori schools in the world are preschools, Montessori programs exist at age levels from Birth to eighteen.
3). Montessori is just for special learners: the gifted or the learning-disabled.
The methods used in Montessori schools are highly effective with both learning-disabled and gifted learners; the reason for their effectiveness, however, is that the learning environments have been designed to ensure success for all children.
4). Children in Montessori classrooms are relatively unsupervised and can “do whatever they want.”
Montessori is based on the principle of free choice of purposeful activity. If the child is being destructive or is using materials in an aimless way, the teacher will intervene and gently re-direct the child either to more appropriate materials or to a more appropriate use of the material. The freedom is within a safety boundary . Children are allowed to walk freely in the classroom, but not outside the school compound! Many schools have fences that keep the children safe and to prevent intruders.
5). Montessori is a cult.
Montessori is not part of the educational mainstream locally, but it’s growing over the last 100 years all over the world, as evidenced by growing number of graduate-level programs in Montessori education and the increasing popularity of Montessori in the public school system in some countries.
6). Montessori classrooms are too structured.
Although the teacher is careful to make clear the specific purpose of each material and to present activities in a clear, step-by-step order, the child is free to choose from a vast array of activities and to discover new possibilities.
7). Montessori is against fantasy; therefore, it stifles creativity.
The fact is that the freedom of the prepared environment encourages creative approaches to problem-solving. And while teacher-directed fantasy is discouraged, fantasy play initiated by the child is viewed as healthy and purposeful. In addition, art and music activities are integral parts of the Montessori classroom.
8). Montessori classrooms push children too far too fast.
Central to the Montessori philosophy is the idea of allowing each child to develop at his or her own, individual pace. The “miracle” stories of Montessori children far ahead of traditional expectations for their age level reflect not artificial acceleration but the possibilities open when children are allowed to learn at their own pace in a scientifically prepared environment.
9). Montessori is out of date.
While appropriate changes have been made to the original Montessori curriculum (including the introduction of computers and modifications to the Practical Life exercises to keep them culturally relevant), the basic pedagogy has not changed much since Dr Montessori’s lifetime. Contemporary research and evaluation, advancement in the neurology and brain research, however, seem to be confirming Montessori’s insights.
10. Montessori is only for the rich.
Not so! Although the authentic Montessori materials are costly, and the environment relies on aesthetics, there are thousands of Montessori schools in existence in poverty-stricken areas. These schools rely on home-made materials but you will find the true spirit of Montessori shines like a beacon. Philosophy doesn’t cost a cent.
