At Triangle Montessori Academy (TMA), we proudly represent true Montessori education and all its benefits. While scores of parents and students speak the praises of the Montessori method, there are some common misconceptions about this form of education. The following will clarify some of the confusion.
Montessori Misconception 1: Montessori classrooms are unstructured
Montessori education is a child-centered approach to learning where independence and freedom within limits are emphasized. A casual observer might view a Montessori classroom as unstructured, but that’s not true. Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with developmentally appropriate learning materials. The belief is that when children are given the flexibility and independence to explore what interests them, they are more motivated to learn. Thus, teachers act as guides in the classroom; they observe, help students delve deeper into topics that interest them, provide assistance when needed, and redirect when necessary.
Montessori Misconception 2: The Montessori curriculum is not academic
Actually, children who receive a Montessori education often reach higher academic levels than their counterparts who attend traditional schools. The Montessori approach respects that children can grasp complex subject matter when introduced in a concrete way. Montessori students are also allowed to study areas that they find personally interesting leading to more motivation.
Montessori Misconception 3: Montessori is only effective for some students
In fact, Montessori schools are effective for many different types of learners. The instruction in Montessori schools is designed to reach all types of learners, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Moreover, when working with small groups, Montessori teachers are able to determine the unique strengths and weaknesses of each learner.
Montessori Misconception 4: Older classmates can intimidate younger children
Traditional schools typically place students in classrooms with same-age peers. The Montessori approach, on the other hand, places children in multi-age classrooms. Older students are often role models for their younger classmates. Both the older and younger students learn through peer teaching and working with mixed-age groups. Because competition is minimized in multi-age classrooms, students feel comfortable sharing their knowledge and experience with their classmates.
Montessori Misconception 5: The Montessori method is outdated
It’s been over 100 years since Italian educator Maria Montessori introduced her approach that focused on children’s natural inclination to learn. The Montessori method is far from outdated. In fact, there are currently over four thousand Montessori schools operating in the United States– a number that continues to grow. After all, allowing children’s natural curiosity to transform them into self-motivated learners is a timeless approach to education.
Triangle Montessori Academy is a Cary preschool emphasizing art, mathematics, practical life, Spanish, yoga, meditation, and music. The private, year-round school was founded in 2008 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. The school is a member of the American Montessori Society and all teachers are AMS-certified. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity.
For more information, call 919.463.7770, or visit our Website at www.trianglemontessori.org.
