MONTESSCHOOL AT HILLCREST

This page attempts to answer the most common questions people have concerning this type of learning environment. 

Please feel free to e-mail Director or call

(972) 931-3774  if you have other questions.

Q.  Where did Montessori come from?

A.  Montessori  education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. In her work with children, she observed that they naturally absorb knowledge and information from the world around them, and are anxious to practice their growing skills. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a prepared environment in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Montessori created a rich curriculum based on her findings. She introduced what are now universally accepted teaching materials. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first casa dei bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence. 

Q.  Who is Maria Montessori?

A.  Born in Italy in 1870, Maria Montessori , the first woman in Italy to become a physician, was an educator and a humanitarian.  She devoted her life to the study and observation of children and became profoundly interested in the development of young children.  She revolutionized our understanding of the way children learn.

Q.  How relevant are Montessori methods in today's world?

A.  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 concepts have not changed much since Dr. Montessori's lifetime because the developmental stages of humans have not changed. Meanwhile, contemporary research and evaluation seem to be confirming Montessori's insights.

Q. Who benefits from a Montessori education?

A.  The Montessori classroom environment has been designed to ensure success for all children. The methods used in Montessori schools are highly effective with both learning-disabled and gifted learners. Children with learning disabilities can work progressively and prosper in a Montessori environment.

Q. How does Montessori differ from traditional education?

A. Montessori education differs from traditional education in many ways but probably the most fundamental difference is that Montessori is child-centered whereas traditional education is teacher-centered.  Please see the list of comparison below that has been adapted from the American Montessori Society:

Montessori                                                                                  Conventional

early start in school (2-3)                                                late start in school (5-6)

3-year age range per class                                                      one age per class

freedom to move about & choose work                                       seated at desks

community atmosphere                                                                little socialization

individual lessons                                                                   large group lessons

self-correcting materials                                       teacher as source of answers

natural, logical consequences                                     rewards and punishments

longer free work periods                                                     frequent interruptions

enhanced curriculum                                                                  limited curriculum

progress of student as test                                            peer comparison as test

emphasis on learning                                                             emphasis on grades

emphasis on individuality                                                 emphasis on conformity

progress at individual rate                                                          annual promotion

emphasis on "self" control                                              teacher as disciplinarian

peace  in education                                                               corporal punishment

strong school/home ties                                                   little parent involvement

observation based progress reports                                     graded report cards

child centered schedule                                                 adult centered education

Q. What is the level of structure, supervision and responsibility in a Montessori classroom?

A.  A Montessori classroom is comprised of children with an age span covering 3 years.  Typically,  they form groups of mixed ages and abilities and in this way, children are supported academically and socially.  The classroom bustles with activity and children find it natural and pleasant to work in these groups.  There is a wide range of activities available to children at all age and maturity levels, which reinforces and makes possible the Montessori ideas of individualized work, progress and independence. The combination of different age levels allows the children the opportunity to learn from each other and permits the older children to reinforce their knowledge by sharing their skills with the younger, less advanced children. Montessori is based on the principle of free choice of purposeful activity.  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.   Each activity a child is participating in serves as a learning tool.  If the child is using materials in an aimless way, the teacher will intervene and gently redirect the child either to more appropriate materials or to a more appropriate use of the material.  Central to the Montessori philosophy is the idea of allowing each child to develop at his or her own, individual pace.  The children are free to work as long as necessary, to repeat work as much as necessary. Montessori school teaches the child to her potential, not her age level.

Q. How does the teacher keep track of so many students who are working independently?

A. The teacher keeps a record of every student's lessons and projects. Daily observation is another tool that teachers use to evaluate each student. This helps students learn how to evaluate their work and progress and communicate with their teacher their strengths and weaknesses.

Q. How do teachers deal with discipline?

A. Conflicts arise naturally out of interaction between different people. The balance of freedom and responsibilities found in the Montessori classroom teaches each child to have respect for self, for others, for the classroom, and for the materials. In addition, with guidance from teachers and staff, children at each level are taught conflict resolution skills. They begin the life-long process of learning to respect others' opinions and to search for win-win solutions for conflicts.

Q. How will I know how my child is doing?

A.Twice a year, teachers meet with parents for an in-depth conference. Parents are strongly urged to educate themselves about Montessori philosophy and the curriculum. Parents are also encouraged to schedule visits with their child in the classroom, and to contact teachers with questions or concerns.

Q. Are all Montessori schools the same?

A. Montessori is not a trademark name and simply refers to the Montessori method of teaching. Though different Montessori schools will share similarities, from a few to many, each school is independent.

Q. How do children fare in the transition from Montessori to traditional schools?

A. The transfer from Montessori is generally quite smooth. There is, of course, an initial adjustment period, just as there is in any transfer between schools. Academic success is not affected by the transition from Montessori to a traditional school.

Q. Are Montessori children successful later in life?

A. Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

Common Misconceptions about Montessori Education 

1. Montessori is just for preschool children.

While the majority of Montessori schools in the United States are preschools, Montessori programs exist at age levels from birth to fourteen.

2. 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.

3. Montessori schools are religious.

Montesschool At Hillcrest does not have a religious orientation or denomination and honors and respects all religions. Montessori is not religiously oriented and finds itself quite at home in public settings where religious instruction is inappropriate.

4. Montessori is only for the rich.

This misconception is due to the fact that the American Montessori movement that began in the 1950s was primarily a private preschool movement, supported by tuition. Now, however, Montessori education is available at approximately 200 public schools in the U.S. in addition to about 3,000 private schools.

5. 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.

6. Montessori is a cult.

Montessori is part of the educational mainstream, as evidenced by growing numbers of graduate-level programs in Montessori education (such as those at Cleveland State University and New York University) and the increasing popularity of Montessori in the public schools.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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, however, seem to be confirming Montessori's insights. 

This list was adapted from information contained on the North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) web site. www.montessori-namta.org.

MONTESSCHOOL AT HILLCREST

6950 McCallum Boulevard

Dallas, TX 75252.

TEL : (972) 931 - 3774

Director@Montesschool.com