Are you curious about Montessori education? Do you want to know how it differs from a public education or other private programs? A peek into the design and structure of the Montessori classroom can provide you with a lot of insight into what you can expect from a Montessori program. And, once you have a general idea of how the Montessori classroom operates, you can schedule a time for an in-person observation of a class to see the differences in person.

Designed around the students

Montessori classrooms are designed around the students. This means that everything in the classroom the students may need is stored within their reach. There is not a huge desk in the back of the room where the teacher sits while students finish worksheet after worksheet. The teacher spends class time interacting with students individually and providing guidance when needed. Students feel at home in the Montessori classroom because it is specifically designed to meet their needs.

Designed for movement

The Montessori classroom is designed for movement. As mentioned above, students in the Montessori classroom do not spend their time working on an endless pile of worksheets. Instead, they move around to various stations throughout the classroom. The teacher designs stations throughout the room for individual and small group work. When you look at a Montessori classroom in action you will see that it involves movement throughout the room and all throughout the day.

Hands-on learning opportunities

The Montessori Method of education is dedicated to providing hands-on learning whenever possible. Hands-on learning helps students engage several senses while learning. This design makes learning more fun, more memorable, and helps students with retention. Inside the Montessori classroom you will find various items that are used as tools for hands-on learning.

Provides students with choices

Students are presented with options for learning in the Montessori classroom to create engagement and a sense of personal responsibility. It is much easier to get students to engage in learning when they are provided with options. For example, one student may learn about addition by drawing shapes while another needs to use physical items to truly grasp the concept. Both options provide the desired results which are learning and comprehension. In the Montessori classroom, students have the freedom to choose the style of learning that best helps them comprehend a topic or idea. Providing students with choices inside the Montessori classroom also helps them develop a sense of personal responsibility because they get to be involved in how and what they learn.

The descriptions above provide you with a small peek into the Montessori classroom. Understanding the concepts on an intellectual level will help you decide if you want to continue exploring a Montessori education for your child. If you want to take your understanding of the Montessori classroom to the next level, you need to schedule a time to observe a class.