Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montessori Education right for all children?

The Montessori system has been successfully utilised with children from the age of 2 ½ to 12 years old. It responds to the needs of children from all socio-economic backgrounds and caters to learners of varying intellectual abilities from gifted children to those of average intelligence. It is also appropriate for classes in which the student/teacher ratio is high, because the children learn at an early age to work independently.

Is The Child Free To Do What He / She Chooses In The Classroom?

The child is free to move about the classroom at will, to talk to other children, to work with any equipment he or she understands, or to ask the teacher to introduce new material to him or her. The child is not free to disturb other children at work or to abuse the equipment which is crucial to the child's development.

What Does The Teacher Do?

The teacher works with individual children, introducing materials and giving guidance where needed. A primary task is the careful observation of each child to gain the knowledge required to align the environment in accordance with the needs of each individual. This is an indirect method of teaching, as it neither imposes upon the child as in direct teaching, nor abandons the child as in a non-directive permissive approach. Rather, the teacher is constantly alert to the direction in which the child has indicated he or she wishes to go, and as such actively works to help the child achieve his or her goals.

What Happens When Children Go From A Montessori Class To A Traditional Class?

Most children appear to adjust readily to new classroom situations. In all likelihood this is because they have developed a high degree of self-discipline and independence in the Montessori environment, and because of the adaptability of young children in general.

How Can Parents Help At Home?

To give the child the best opportunity for development, the Montessori principles and philosophy should be implemented in the home from birth. Parents need to read books as well as attend workshops, lectures and courses, if possible, on implementing the Montessori philosophy in the home. If the home and school environments complement each other, the child will receive the maximum benefit.