Classroom design. You won’t see rows of desks,
instead, there are study centers for different subject areas, clusters of
student-sized tables, and open areas for work on the floor. Students will move
freely around the room, choosing their own resources to pursue their work.
They will work independently or in small groups for long uninterrupted periods
of time
Montessori materials. In addition to books, art
supplies, maps, and other resource materials, the Montessori materials include
specially designed manipulatives, each of which focuses on a particular
concept or skill. These materials are designed to be self-correcting so
students receive immediate feedback about their understanding and proficiency.
Teacher’s role. The teacher will rarely be found
talking to the whole class, but will be circulating among the students
assessing their progress, or introducing them individually or in small groups
to a project or task. The teacher is always looking for the moment to direct
students to the next level of an activity that will enhance mastery of a
particular skill or concept. Behind the scenes, the teacher is responsible for
setting up the classroom environment in such a way as to challenge and entice
the students, and for carefully monitoring each student’s progress relative to
the curriculum.
Mastery learning at the individual’s own pace.
Students are not all working on the same topics or skill or moving ahead at
the same rate, but following their own interests at their own pace. No child
is held back to wait for the rest of the class, nor rushed on to the next
concept before an earlier one is mastered. A student can easily work at a
higher grade level in one subject than another.
Mixed grade classrooms. The Montessori classroom is
designed to be a mini-community. The multi-age makeup of the group facilitates
meaningful observation and exposure to advanced lessons, peer modeling,
reduced competition, and the opportunity to solidify one’s understanding of
their material by “tutoring” others. New students enter a class that is
already functioning smoothly and over the years can move up to take leadership
in the group. Teachers develop a strong relationship with each child.
Evaluation of student progress. The method of
assessing student progress in the Montessori classroom does not involve letter
or number grades. Instead, parents, students, and teachers meet together to
set goals and assess progress. Because students are always testing their own
skills as they work and do not proceed to the next level until they are ready,
formal tests are not required.
Specials incorporated into the classroom: The
Montessori approach traditionally incorporates much art and music into the
regular classroom activities.
