How does a Montessori typical day compare to a traditional?
The Montessori class is full of activity with students working either individually or in small groups. The students individually select their work and have an uninterrupted 3 hours in the morning to focus on their work. The teacher is available for questions and some guidance, but the work is self-directed. The afternoon is available to accommodate Library, PE, Music, and other special needs as requested. Conversely, the traditional day is more broken up, all students work on the same lessons during the same time period each day as directed by the teacher. The students in the Montessori have the choice of working at desks and tables, or on a mat on the floor, whereas the traditional students typically work in their desk. Unlike the traditional classes, there is no competitiveness among the Montessori students as they work to increase knowledge of self and their peers.
