A. Montessori Method
Montessori places emphasis on cognitive development at an early age…which is also fun!
The teacher has an unobtrusive role in the classroom.
The environment and methodology have been developed to encourage self discipline and build self confidence.
Mainly the emphasis is on individual guidance but mixed aged groups. This encourages children to teach and help each other.
Children are allowed to choose their own work. We follow their activities to ensure the full curriculum is achieved.
Through these self teaching methods the children discover concepts themselves. The children can work as long as they wish on any chosen project. And they set their own pace.
They can develop and understand errors as they go along i.e. “why doesn’t this fit in here?”
They reinforce through repetition as the exercises are fun and it feels good to get something right!
Multi sensory materials are used to enable physical exploration of a range of products.
There is an organised system for care of self and the environment. They collect the equipment they want to use…and when they are finished they put it back again.
The children are free to work where they choose, moving freely within the classroom.
B. Traditional
Emphasis is on social development.
The teacher is the centre.
Mainly group instruction and of the same ages.
The teacher is the primary enforcer of discipline.
Most teaching is done by the teacher and in a structured curriculum.
The children are guided to concepts by the teacher.
And generally allotted specific time for work.
Instruction pace is set by the norm within the group.
If work is incorrect, errors are pointed out by the teacher.
Few materials for sensory development.
No organised systems for self-care which is left to parents
The children are usually assigned their own chair and required to participate, sit, listen…learn!
