25 characteristics of montessori

Montessori Method and History

Multi-Age Grouping

25 Characteristics of Montessori

Roles in the Montessori Environment

Comparison of Montessori vs Traditional

MULTI-AGE GROUPING

a child’s place classes are grouped according to the Montessori philosophy of mixed ages. Our communities are structured as follows:

Infants and young toddlers:		8 weeks - 18 months
Toddlers:		18 months - 3 years
Pre-Primary:		3-6 years (includes kindergarten)
Elementary:		6-9 years (1st through 3rd grade)

Both social and intellectual development are enhanced by this method of age grouping. Learning within this diverse group stimulates greater interest and encourages cooperation.

The Montessori program is designed to allow development at a child’s own pace. It provides for a wide range of developmental needs among students. Montessori teachers are child development specialists with training that enables them to present the curriculum in a manner that best fits each student, rather than making the student fit the curriculum. The Montessori curriculum is a sequential program designed for independent learning.

Each year holds a special significance for the student. The younger child learns through observation of the older children. In addition, the older student becomes a leader and reinforces his knowledge as they help younger friends. Helping others is a heritage of responsibility passed down year to year.

From the moment a child enters a child's place, we are attentive to the ongoing development of the whole child; intellectual, physical, emotional and social. Occasionally the pre-primary level is incorrectly viewed only as preparation for kindergarten. Actually the entire three-year span is considered kindergarten. We stress that this cycle is completed upon approaching age six, not age five.

In the third year of the Montessori pre-primary classroom there is an explosion of learning and intense working knowledge of the advanced materials. The five year old leads the class with dignity, self esteem and self confidence; three qualities which enable a child to approach new social challenges in life. If the child leaves before age six, he has not received the full benefit of our program nor has he had time to complete his cycle of learning in our curriculum.

Children gain confidence that comes with being in the same social and physical environment and being able to predict their routine.
Long-term relationships allow a directress to fully understand child and family.
Children continue to learn through the time that is normally taken in transitioning to a new classroom.

The Elementary program especially demonstrates the unique advantages to multi-age grouping. Children learn and grow as fast as their ability allows. A child’s birthdate is not the determiner of what a child will learn. In a Montessori classroom, a child’s development, ability, and motivation determine what a child will learn.