COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE MONTESSORI METHOD – EDMONTON, ALBERTA
West End and Highlands Montessori in Edmonton, Alberta, busts some common misconceptions about the Montessori Method. If you’re unfamiliar with the Montessori approach to education, you should consider consulting us before making any decision. As the Montessori Method is a complex educational framework, it is important for you to have the right information. In the following paragraphs, we’ve have explained some of the common misconception people have about this form of education. Call us now to know more about our schools.
Montessori Is Too Structured:
The Montessori environment is one in which a child has the freedom to work with materials of their personal choices in a respectful way that prompts learning. In West End and Highlands Montessori entry is gradual and totally dependent on the child ability and needs. Part of our slow entry allows the child to gradually grow into the classroom by watching and learning how elder children self-sooth and self-regulate. This is mentored under the personal guidance of our Director and staff in a small group setting or one on one with the parent if needed. Such intimate, personalized and gentle support establishes the framework for loving school!
Montessori Is Not Structured Enough:
The Montessori Method is focused on the child and their capacities. The children are allowed to choose what materials they work with and work at their own pace. Although the role of the director is not to coddle the child, they will provide a child with the correct amount of patience, kindness and individual direction needed to learn. This direction is gentle, and observation based using open-ended questions or cues that support the empowerment of the child.
Montessori Lets Kids Do Whatever They Want:
Montessori students are gradually given many safe appropriate opportunities for inquiry, exploration and freedom within carefully prepared environments. The children are not permitted to run around carelessly and they are only given as much freedom as they can handle. This encourages healthy self-concepts including confidence, problem-solving skills, endurance and an excellent work ethic!
Montessori Doesn't Allow the Children to Play, Only Work:
The children in the preschool age group do not really distinguish between work and play - their work in the classroom is considered play to them because they are enjoying themselves. These children are learning through their interactions with other students and the equipment and they are having fun!
Montessori Discourages Children from Working Together:
At the preschool level, children often crave independence and will frequently enjoy working on their own. The Montessori Method does not intend for the children to isolate themselves. Depending on the child, they can choose to work in groups or alone depending on the project as well as their individual choice. Agitating for attention or disrupting others work is handled kindly and immediately with discussion or redirection to a more interesting project and often a much-needed tickle, giggle and hug!
Montessori Pushes Academics on Children Before They Are Ready:
Any facility and director that is truly adhering to the basics of Montessori Methods would never push a child towards something. Children of the preschool age are ready (and generally very curious) to begin an exploration of science and culture in addition to stepping towards reading, writing, and appreciating mathematics with concrete materials gradually. What critical is the appropriate development modifications made by expert staff based on the interests of the children and their capabilities.
Why Teach Life Skills to Young Children?
There are many misconceptions about the Practical Life portion of the curriculum. It should be made clear that children participate in these activities because they want to; in fact, most demand it! Any parent knows from experience that children love to imitate and often wish to participate in household chores with their parents and the Montessori Method gives them a chance to.
