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How is Montessori
Different

There are many differences between Montessori early education and play-based childcare. The core differences stem from the Montessori Curriculum, Montessori Materials, educator roles, and the Prepared Environment. Montessori Education is designed to provide children with the optimal learning environment to nurture their full potential.

What is the Montessori Difference

Unlike traditional preschools and childcare centres, Montessori early learning centres are designed to nurture children’s complete development by providing them with the optimal learning environment, educational materials, and teaching guidance to discover their potential.

Montessori learning is largely active, individually paced, often self-correcting, and tailored to the needs and interests of each individual child. The ultimate goal of Montessori Education is to prepare children with the knowledge and skills to become confident, independent, and courageous life-long learners.

A child learning independently in a Montessori environment

Key Differences

Montessori EducationTraditional Education
Individualised learning tailored to each child’s stage of development, interests, and needsEducation Programs solely based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the transfer of the National Curriculum
All learning styles addressedGroup paced lessons
Montessori materials encourage hands-on learningLargely play based and project based learning
Montessori Curriculum focuses on educating the whole childChildren learn by playing with available resources
Prepared classroom environmentsThe classroom offers play-based learnings experiences
Montessori Work CycleChildren’s learning is assessed against developmental milestones and EYLF
Freedom of movement and choiceClassroom structure changes
Emphasis on learning through repetition and practiceFocus on praise and external motivation
Focus on intrinsic motivationClassroom rules

Individualised Curriculum

Montessori learning programs are personalised to each child based on their unique stage of development, interests, and needs.

Lessons with the Montessori Materials are presented one-on-one based on each child’s academic progress. Educators track each child’s progress and support them as they progress through the Montessori Curriculum.

Individualised Montessori learning

Prepared Environment

The Montessori classroom is referred to as the ‘Prepared Environment’ because it is purposefully arranged by a trained Montessori educator to create the optimal learning environment for children.

The environment is characterised by beauty, order and accessibility. Furniture, learning materials, and sinks are child-sized to support children’s independence. Shelves are open and accessible to invite interest and exploration. Everything has a purpose and a place.

A prepared Montessori classroom environment

Montessori Materials

Montessori Materials are hands-on learning tools that guide children to discover key learning outcomes through repetition and practice.

Montessori Materials isolate one concept or skill and are designed with an in-built control of error. This allows children to discover the outcome of the material through independent exploration at their own pace. As children progress through the curriculum, the Montessori Materials increase in complexity, providing opportunities to extend on learning.

A child using Montessori learning materials

Educating the Whole Child

Montessori Education is focused on nurturing each child’s potential by providing learning experiences that support their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development.

In addition to language and mathematics, the Montessori Curriculum also covers practical life, sensorial, and culture. All aspects of children’s development and learning are intertwined and viewed as equally important.

Freedom of Movement and Choice

Doctor Maria Montessori observed that children learn best when they are free to move, free to choose their own work, and follow their interests.

In a Montessori classroom, children are free to move around the Prepared Environment, work where they feel they will learn best, and discover learning outcomes through hands-on experience. Montessori learning is largely active, individually paced, often self-correcting, and tailored to the needs and interests of each individual child.

Intrinsic Motivation

The Montessori approach takes the view that learning is it’s own reward.

In the Montessori classroom there aren’t any gold stars to reward children’s learning. Instead, children derive a sense of accomplishment from completing an activity and learning to do it for themselves.

Work Cycle

The Montessori Work Cycle is an extended period of “free choice” when children explore the Prepared Environment and work with intuitive Montessori Materials without interruption.

The Montessori Work Cycle encourages students to deeply engage in their own learning process.

Auto-Education

One of the core principles of the Montessori Method is the concept of auto-education.

It’s based on the belief that children are capable and willing to teach themselves if they are provided with interesting learning stimulus. Montessori materials were developed to meet this need and empower children with the ability to direct their own education. Montessori educators provide the Prepared Environment, guidance, and the encouragement for children to educate themselves.

Freedom Within Limits

Freedom within limits refers to the ground rules of the Montessori classroom.

Children have the freedom to follow their own interests, move freely, and choose their work, as long as their behaviour is reasonable and acceptable.

Teacher Roles

The role of the Montessori educator is to observe, track, and guide each child’s learning progress.

They observe children’s interests, direct them towards activities suited to their stage of development, and create a positive atmosphere for learning. They present individual lessons that are brief and precise, and allow children to discover learning outcomes on their own, and in their own time.

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