” Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core. ” -Maria Montessori
A successful Montessori Program is based on how children learn and develop. Freedom of choice, hands-on learning, communication skills and cooperative activities; optimize a child’s individual potential and instills in him a love for learning. Montessori students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly.
| Conventional | Montessori |
| Textbooks, pencil, paper and worksheets where teacher correct errors | Prepared kinesthetic materials that are self-correcting |
| Working and learning without emphasis on social development | Working and learning matched to the social development of the child |
| Group oriented, at groups pace or teachers pace | Individualized, at a level consistent with the child’s abilities |
| Teacher motivated | Motivated by self-development |
| Individual subjects | Integrated subjects and learning based on developmental psychology |
| Activity cycles determined by set time | Uninterrupted work cycles completed within child’s time |
| Single-graded classrooms | Multi-age classrooms (3 year age span) |
| All children treated alike | Recognition of individual sensitive periods |
| Teacher sets curriculum | Child chooses materials |
| Students fit mold of school | School meets needs of students |
| Teacher lectures | Hands-on learning: manipulating objects |
| Product-focused | Process-focused |