back bay montessori
school frequently asked questions
What is a Montessori School?
A Montessori school is a special
place for the child to cultivate his/her own natural desire
to learn. The Montessori philosophy for child development was
first formulated by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician,
during the early 1900's. Dr. Montessori's program for education
focuses on the natural development of the whole child from
birth through maturity. Children 2 to 6 years of age are the
focus of most Montessori educational programs.  The concept
allows children to experience the joy of learning at an early
age and provides an environment in which intellectual, moral,
creative, physical, and social growth flourish.
What is the Child's Work?
Children have a sense of the worth
and value of what they desire. They choose all activities eagerly
and spontaneously, and become totally involved. The work process
involves attaining skills, refining tastes, developing sensitivities,
strengthening concentration, solving problems, building self-esteem,
and achieving new insights.
What are "Sensitive Periods"?
Sensitive age periods
are described as periods when the child shows unusual capabilities
in acquiring specific skills. Another name for this phenomenon
might be "formative
years" in which a child is psychologically attuned to
acquire given ideas or skills more readily than at any other
period.  Examples of the "sensitive periods" are
for acquiring a sense of order, between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years
of age for the average child, for precise movement and coordination,
2 1/2 to 4 years, for writing, 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years and for
reading and numbers, 4 to 5 years of age. Recent studies
show that 80% of a child's mental development is complete
by the age of seven.
What are the Advantages of Ungraded, Mixed Age Classes?
A child
can work with older children in one subject, younger children
in another, and still have social interaction with children
his or her own age. Mixed age groups permit younger children
a graded series of models for imitation, and older children
have the opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge by helping
the younger ones.
Why are Montessori Children Generally More Self Confident,
Outgoing and Self-Reliant?
Montessori is based on a profound
respect for the child's personality. The child works from his
own free choice and is allowed a large measure of independence.
This forms the basis of self-discipline. As each child progresses
at his own pace and successfully completes the self-correcting
exercises, he develops confidence in his ability to understand
his accomplishments.
What is the Montessori Concept of Discipline?
Discipline is
a prerequisite condition for learning. Montessori discipline
is an "inner discipline" and inner control
which the child develops from his or her own behavior and
in conjunction with his or her home environment. Dr. Montessori
noted that many so-called undisciplined children were really
frustrated by the lack of proper stimulation and an inadequate
opportunity to achieve. She noted that young people became
happier and more self-controlled after a period of time in
a Montessori class. They experienced challenging tasks which
not only absorbed their energies, but resulted in a sense
of achievement.
Objectives
The Montessori approach is designed to assist the
child in acquiring the social skills and self-confidence which
are needed to fulfill his own potential. This is accomplished
by building on interests, nurturing enthusiasm and making
activities available to fit individual needs.
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