Five Things Montessori Teachers Do Differently

The teacher, when she begins to work in our schools, must have a kind of faith that the child will reveal himself through work.
~ Dr. Maria Montessori

Montessori education is very different from the traditional curriculum, here are five things that Montessori teachers tend to do differently.

1. Have Faith

Montessori teachers understand that with attentive observation and a carefully prepared environment, adults can remain “in the know” without having to be in the lead.

2. Refocus

Montessori teachers are not the focal point of the classroom. Instead, the focus is on the child having the right activities and opportunities to maximize his own learning. In a Montessori classroom, it is understood and accepted that every child can, and will settle down and concentrate when he finds the right “work.”

3. Give Guidance

This is not to say that the Montessori teacher does not play an active part in the child’s education. On the contrary, the teacher’s role as a guide is key.

4. Observe

The Montessori teacher prepares the environment (i.e., the classroom) based on careful and continual observations of each child. Thus, the classroom provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that interest the child. When the children are engaged in their activity of choice, the teacher may step back and allow them to learn at their own pace. There is no need for the teacher to provide motivation at this point. The children are driven by their own inner need for discovery.

5. Refrain

Montessori teachers give individual or small group lessons as they move around the classroom, not one lesson in front of the whole class. Lessons are hands-on, straightforward, and intended to engage the child so that she will want to continue the discovery on her own. Once the child is engaged, the Montessori teacher steps back, and refrains from correcting, complimenting, or otherwise interfering in any way.

If you would like your kid to attend a Montessori classroom, please contact us, we would love to chat more with you about our curriculums and different programs.

At iKids Montessori Academy, we profoundly believe that all children are competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. We desire to ensure that each and every child in our care is successful by fostering these areas in their daily experiences. We will guide and nurture every single one of them to find joy in learning, and support them in building self-esteem and a strong sense of purpose that will last a lifetime.