| 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 |
