Montessori vs. Traditional

Montessori Method

Traditional Method

Sensory-rich environment because children learn through their senses Sensory-deficient environment
Curriculum is individualized for each child depending on their own strengths and weaknesses Curriculum is class-based so that each child does what the whole class is doing regardless of individual strengths and weaknesses
Child chooses what they will work with Teacher chooses child’s work based on a schedule
Peers and guide encourage self-discipline to happen Teacher disciplines each child and class
Child understands mistakes made on their own through socialization and error-controlled materials Teacher points out mistakes to child
Different ages grouped together Same ages grouped together
Socialization is encouraged so that children feel they are a part of a community Socialization is discouraged during class work
Children teach themselves and solidify their learning through working with others and the materials Teacher directs the class and delivers content
Child works with a material for as long as they need so that concentration can develop and the concept can be understood The time limit for learning a concept or working with a material has a scheduled time limit
Child is free to move around the classroom and find work that interests them, sit where they would like, and work on their own or with others Child is assigned a seat and generally asked to stay there for the day
Children are the centre of the classroom (the teacher fades into the background) Teacher is the centre of the classroom
Learning is reinforced through the child’s repetition of work and positive self-esteem Learning is reinforced through teacher repetition and rewards