MontessoriNon-graded (two or three year age span) Students “work” at tables, group lessons on floor with freedom of movement Children pursue their own self-paced curriculum, individually or in small groups, in various parts of environment Child centered Children work independently Non-competitive Purposeful and self-selected work provides internal self-discipline Through observation, teacher adjusts instruction to child’s learning style. Most lessons given on a one to one basis. Practical life skills are central to overall curriculum Child can work where he/she is comfortable, moves around and talks at will (yet disturbs not the work of others |
TraditionalChildren grouped chronologically Class seated at desks much of the time Class, as a group, studies one subject at a time Teacher centered Children are dependent on the teacher Competitive Discipline is external to child via the authority of the teacher Instruction, both individual and group, is adapted to adult’s teaching style. Most lessons given in small to large group. Child expected to have acquired self-care skills prior to entering school Child assigned own chair and expected to spend most of the school day stationary. |
