Here is something I recently wrote on this topic to add:
Basic Montessori fundamentals:
3 year age span - except in toddler
3 hour work cycle - no interruptions for compulsive circle time or whole group "specials"
well prepared, complete set of Montessori materials and progression of lessons
well trained Directress (I prefer AMI, this is my training. Other training programs have sometimes slight, sometimes significant differences in sensorial, language and math presentations)
Other considerations:
mistakes and their corrections: mistakes should be addressed at neutral moments in a positive, not punitive, lesson
control of error: children should be solving their own problems and correcting errors independently with the didactic materials
The atmosphere should be one of calm, peaceful and productive harmony. The discipline we are seeking is active and spontaneous.
The materials should be kept in good condition with thought put into aesthetically pleasing and natural materials.
You should see the older children working with advanced materials in language and math. They should be challenged and joyfully engaged.
Younger children spend alot of time observing the older children and participating in practical life, music and movement activities.
Respect and care for self, others and the environment is a prominent theme.
The emphasis is not so much on what the children are learning but on how they are learning...are they learning to direct themselves to productive activity, are they learning how to organize their work and how to persist through challenges? These are the points that mark an authentic Montessori environment.
Good luck!
Basic Montessori fundamentals:
3 year age span - except in toddler
3 hour work cycle - no interruptions for compulsive circle time or whole group "specials"
well prepared, complete set of Montessori materials and progression of lessons
well trained Directress (I prefer AMI, this is my training. Other training programs have sometimes slight, sometimes significant differences in sensorial, language and math presentations)
Other considerations:
mistakes and their corrections: mistakes should be addressed at neutral moments in a positive, not punitive, lesson
control of error: children should be solving their own problems and correcting errors independently with the didactic materials
The atmosphere should be one of calm, peaceful and productive harmony. The discipline we are seeking is active and spontaneous.
The materials should be kept in good condition with thought put into aesthetically pleasing and natural materials.
You should see the older children working with advanced materials in language and math. They should be challenged and joyfully engaged.
Younger children spend alot of time observing the older children and participating in practical life, music and movement activities.
Respect and care for self, others and the environment is a prominent theme.
The emphasis is not so much on what the children are learning but on how they are learning...are they learning to direct themselves to productive activity, are they learning how to organize their work and how to persist through challenges? These are the points that mark an authentic Montessori environment.
Good luck!
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