Montessori and Kindergarten Styles Of Education – Is There Any Significant Difference?

The concepts of Montessori and Kindergarten are very different. Confusion over these two terms has always existed and many parents are left perplexed. This article will define the two concepts and outline the major differences and similarities if any.

Difference In The Concept

The first and foremost difference between the two systems is that kindergarten is a level of education that is present in all schools, while Montessori is a medium of instruction that is very specific and not all schools adopt this method. Montessori is a separate method of instruction that can be used in playschools, nursery schools and in kindergarten. Kindergarten is a part of the education system and some kindergarten schools use the Montessori method through which they instruct their children.

Adapting Montessori In Kindergarten

The Montessori system uses an open approach and children are allowed to be creative and express themselves in all aspects of their education. Some kindergarten schools adopt such a particular method of education, whereas others adopt a structured and centralized method of education for their children. In a Montessori setup, individual attention is
given to children based on their nature. Teachers have to adapt their style of instruction to suit the children. This is not possible in a structured environment and children are the ones who have to adapt.

Age

The kindergarten system is generally for children between the ages of three and five and it forms a basis for their primary education. The Montessori Method is primarily for children up to the age of 6; however it can be used to instruct children who are much older as well. The Montessori Method has been proven to be successful for teenage children a well.

Role Of Teachers

In a Kindergarten setup, the medium of instruction is decided by the teachers and they are responsible for all activities. In the Montessori type of education, teachers have a very limited role and their main job is to observe and supervise the children. Teachers do not necessarily instruct children as to what is right and wrong and children are encouraged to identify different possibilities on their own. Learning through experiments and guidance is the key ideal in a Montessori setup.

Role Of Parents

As with the teachers, the parents also have a very limited role in a Montessori setup. Schools instruct the parents to allow the children to experiment even at home. In a normal kindergarten environment, parents will play a much more important role and they are encouraged to adopt the methods used by the teachers at school, to teach their children at home too.
 

Learning At An Individual Pace

The Montessori Method of instruction encourages children to learn at their own individual pace, whereas in a traditional kindergarten setup children have to adapt to the pace of the classroom, otherwise they might fall behind.
 

Montessori and traditional kindergarten methods are quite different and both have their advantages. It is believed that children who emerge from a Montessori setup have an all round development and that they’ll be able to think in a more independent manner.