Follows a set curriculum | Follows the natural development of the child |
Children learn the same thing at the same time | Children learn at their own pace |
Educational toys and worksheets support learning | Montessori specially prepared materials support learning |
Set curriculum informs teaching | Dr. Montessori's theories of child development informs teaching |
Teacher directed learning - children are passive participants and learn through listening | Child directed learning - children are active participants and learn through hands on exploration and discovery |
Information given in groups | Information given to individuals or small groups |
Blocks of time for activities | Uninterrupted periods for activities give opportunity for repetition |
Creative activities - group focused and teacher directed - follows a timetable | Creative activities - Children choose between a variety of activities and experiences - available at all times |
Same age groups | Mixed age groups - peer teaching |
Encourages and promotes learning through play/dramatic/pretend | Real life focus- life skills |
Teachers have Early Years Training | Teachers have Montessori Training |