Many might shrug their shoulders and say to themselves, “Preschool is preschool is preschool.” While it may appear that simple on the surface, a deeper dive will reveal significant differences between traditional and Montessori preschools.
You know the adage about not judging any book its cover—it applies when comparing preschool learning environments. While all preschool classrooms might appear to be similar, with brightly colored toys, area rugs defining learning and play zones, and smiling children busy at play.
However, a scratch below the surface shows a critical differentiating factor—the intent and learning methodology between the traditional Montessori preschool environment.
An Overview of the Montessori Movement
Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, and doctor opened a childcare center in San Lorenzo, one of Rome’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, on January 6, 1907. The first children who came to her school, Casa Dei Bambini (Children’s House), were disinterested in learning and unruly—at least at first.
Society had written off these children of various ages as uneducable. But Dr. Montessori used her knowledge of psychology to formulate a plan to help them learn the life skills they needed.
Dr. Montessori used scientific methods to observe and track the children as they engaged in self-guided learning. She noted how they took an interest in learning how to cook, clean the classroom, work on puzzles, and complete other learning tasks.
Based on the data she collected about the learning habits of these earliest students, Dr. Montessori developed interactive learning media and suggested a classroom environment that would pique the curious minds of children, empowering them to take charge of learning what interests them.
By the end of 1907, Montessori had three schools in Rome. Educators from around Europe heard of this transformational concept and traveled to Italy to meet her and observe. The movement spread throughout Europe and arrived on American shores in 1911.
The Montessori Method had some bumps in its growth in the United States, notably World Wars I and II, which almost eliminated it altogether. But in the 1950s, the methodology came back into the American educational system as people sought alternatives for their children.
Today, over 5,000 Montessori schools exist in the United States, serving about a million children from preschool through twelfth grade.
A final note on Dr. Montessori—she might have been the original modern-day social justice warrior. After witnessing the atrocities of two World Wars in Europe, she wanted to educate youngsters to understand the importance of peace, acceptance, and advocacy.
Key Differences: Traditional Versus Montessori Preschools
Now that you have a glimpse into the Montessori movement’s history, let’s compare and contrast traditional versus Montessori preschools.
1 – The teacher dictates learning in a traditional versus facilitating learning in a Montessori program
In a traditional preschool, the teacher creates a lesson plan. Throughout the day, the teacher implements this plan in a methodical, highly scheduled manner, attempting to differentiate learning to address various needs. However, they primarily “teach to the middle,” leaving some students behind and other students wanting more.
Teachers leave little room for deviation from this schedule, and all preschoolers follow the same routine.
However, a Montessori teacher allows preschoolers to direct their learning. Students work on learning activities independently and interact with others when they need to ask for help. Planned differentiation becomes unnecessary because the children challenge themselves to try new things. Conversely, they naturally gravitate to their strengths and build upon those, as well.
Teachers guide this process rather than teaching in a structured manner.
2 – Montessori students engage in more social activities than their peers enrolled in traditional schools
Because they work independently much of their day, Montessori students can interact with each other during their learning activities.
Due to the open environment, Montessori children learn to develop the following skills in preschool:
Learning to advocate for themselves: Children in this program will learn how to ask for their turn and often explain why they need a specific item.
Taking turns: Conversely to asking, youngsters learn that they must share the media with the other children in the classroom.
Working collaboratively with other students: Besides the give-and-take, children often decide to collaborate and share learning materials.
Asking for help: Montessori children learn how to ask for help when they need it. They will approach teachers or their peers for assistance without shame.
Resolving conflicts and differences: When collaboration is not an option, small squabbles might erupt in the Montessori classroom. Teachers provide support and guide children as they resolve their differences.
Advocating for others: If one particular child becomes overbearing to another, bystanders frequently speak up for their peers and explain that they are causing harm. More impressively, they will express why. Of course, teachers step in and encourage a peaceful resolution. But usually, the children iron out the injustice on their own.
On the other hand, traditional preschools leave less time for social-emotional learning via these organic interactions because of the more structured nature of their philosophy.
3 – Traditional preschools teach by subject matter versus Montessori preschools taking a holistic approach
Teachers in traditional preschools present concepts to children by grouping like subject matter together. For example, they might teach colors, or shapes, or numbers—but not all at one time.
However, the child-focused approach of Montessori teachers means that children can soak up multiple concepts in a more holistic way. Using the prior example, they can play with a puzzle, naming the shapes and colors and counting how many pieces they handle all at the same time.
This holistic learning helps children stay engaged in learning and retain the concepts by being hands-on in the process.
The Takeaway: Knowing the Differences Between a Traditional Versus Montessori Preschool Can Help You Decide the Best Educational Path
If you have considered Montessori but were unclear on how it differs from a traditional preschool classroom, we hope this article cleared up your lingering questions. Montessori preschools empower your child to thrive in a way that is rarely possible in traditional schools. If you’d like to gain more information about the Montessori preschool at Montessori School of Sugar Land, we invite you to schedule a tour online via this form due to our safety protocols. We promise to respond to you soon.
