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At its most basic
level, a Montessori education is a mode of thinking and problem-solving. The
Montessori education fosters independent thinking and interdependent
problem-solving, encouraging creativity and curiosity. Traditional education standardizes
the way of thinking, stifling creativity, curiosity, and problem solving
abilities. A Montessori curriculum uses a prepared and stimulating environment
where intelligence and skills can grow. Here are some of the most
differentiating features of Montessori and Traditional modes of education.
| Montessori
Education |
Traditional
Education |
| Student Driven |
Teacher directed |
| Prepared Environment |
Teach to the test |
| Internal Rewards |
External rewards |
| Concentration |
30-minute increments |
| Responsibility for
self and environment |
Most responsibilities
are external of self |
| Freedom and Choices of
Lessons |
Work at the lowest
common denominator |
| A Comfort with Error |
Fear of Error (Grading
and Testing) |
Overview of Lower
Elementary Curriculum at Morey
- Language Arts
(Reading, Writing, Spelling, Dictionary Skills, Poetry, Penmanship, Parts
of Speech)
- Math (Geometry,
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Fractions, Factors and
Multiples, Word Problem Application)
- Social Studies –
following the Michigan Core Curriculum
- Science – following
the Michigan core curriculum
Additional
Components of the Montessori Program
Maria Montessori
believed that a healthy mind, body, and spirit are essential for success.
She also believed in children learning to be peaceful, contributing
members of their community. Other goals of her method of education include:
- Altruism – caring for
others, community, and the common good
- Self-control – patience,
graciousness, internalized reward
- Power of choice – personal
satisfaction
- Art of Diplomacy/Conflict
resolution – handling relationships and peaceful resolutions
- Problem-solving – ability
to solve problems from different ways
Here lies the
secret ingredients of Montessori education. It is being labeled by
researchers, as EQ (Emotional Intelligence) or the Executive Function, the
ability to adapt, problem-solve, reason, and possess social responsibility.
This is for those
looking for something more than just a traditional education. In the historical time line, just as we as
a society have moved from Agricultural to Industrial to Technological Eras in
years past, we are now transitioning from the Technological Era to the
Enlightened Era, A traditional education will be insufficient, if not obsolete,
for the leaders of tomorrow.
Blending Montessori with State Curriculum
Requirements
At Morey Public School Academy, we also have a responsibility to prepare
our students to meet all state curriculum outcome expectations, and perform
well on standardized assessment tools (MEAP and others). Some instruction does
come in a more traditional format, with small and large group presentations,
practice, and assessment. Our goal is to provide the best of both worlds,
combining the strengths of a Montessori program, with the strengths of the
State Curriculum and the Center for Charter Schools’ resources and guidelines.
Click here for more information.
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Student SpotlightJillian (1-3 Year)