What You Need to Know About Montessori Preschools

Montessori Preschools began in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori in Italy. Montessori education has become popular in the United States and there are more than 4,000 Montessori schools in the US and thousands more across the world. 

Montessori schools can focus on infants through high school and may be found in public schools, private schools as well as large daycare chains. How does Montessori education differ from other early childhood programs? Is a Montessori Preschool a good choice for your child? Recognizing some of the distinguishing features of the classrooms, materials, methods and teachers may help you determine if Montessori would be a good fit for your child.

Montessori Classrooms

Montessori classrooms are known for their beauty, organization and child sized furnishings. “Upon entering an authentic Montessori classroom the observer will first be struck by the quiet hum,” says Sally Wallace, former Montessori Preschool Director. “It will appear to be a busy workshop where each child is working independently.”   

• Maria Montessori is known for creating the first child sized furnishings in early childhood classrooms.
• Montessori classrooms are equipped with low sinks, chairs and tables, and perhaps even a child sized couch.
• Materials in a Montessori classroom are kept on open shelves that are easily accessible to children. 
• Natural light and beautiful furnishings are important. You may see “homey” items such as rugs, lamps, framed artwork and plants throughout the room which adds to its beauty. 
• There are large open spaces where children can spread out to do their work as well as places for large groups and independent work.  
• Montessori classrooms also have quiet places where children can read or think.
• A Montessori environment allows the children to make independent choices and work at their own pace. 
• Classrooms are decorated with artwork created by the children.

Montessori Materials 

Montessori education is known for being hands-on. Learning materials are designed specifically for manipulation. 

• Learning materials are arranged on the shelf from left to right and easiest to hardest.
• Activities are designed to be completed in a specific sequence.
• Materials are self-correcting to allow children to work independently. 
• Colorful and inviting, the materials lend themselves to exploration. 
• Many activities are designed to help children with fine motor control. 
• As children master a task, they return the materials and move on to the next (more difficult) activity.

Montessori Methods

“Montessori method provides a unique educational approach to meet the individual needs of each child,” says Wallace. “The Montessori method allows for unrestricted growth of every child.”

• A child is allowed to work independently at her own pace and to choose which activities she would like to pursue from many choices. 
• There is an emphasis on learning through all five senses rather than the traditional listening, watching and reading. 
• There is a focus on learning that leads to concentration, self-discipline and a love of learning in Montessori programs.