Frequently Asked Questions

WhaT ARE THE BENEFITS OF mONTESSORI?

Observers have described children educated according to the Montessori system as being self-disciplined, self-confident, independent, and creative. They are said to be enthusiastic about learning, to concentrate well, and to have a good foundation in academic skills and in organized problem solving. Children find joy in learning itself rather than in the teacher’s approval or a gold star. Montessori education provides a framework in which intellectual and social development goes hand in hand.

Are the children free to do what they choose in the classroom?

Children are free to move about the classroom at will, to talk to and work with other children, to work with any equipment whose purpose they understand, or to ask a teacher to introduce new material. They are not free to disturb other children at work or to abuse the environment that is so important to their development. Everything in the Montessori classroom is so arranged that, after some initial help, the children can teach themselves. Children choose freely among activities and materials which are easily available on low, open shelves.

What does the teacher do?

The teacher works with individual children or with children in small groups, introduces materials, gives guidance when needed, and provides affection and emotional support. One primary task is careful observation in order to determine the needs of each child and in order to gain the know ledge necessary to prepare the environment to aid the children’s growth. Montessori teaching is indirect; the teacher neither imposes upon the child as in direct teaching nor abandons her as in a non-directive, permissive approach. Rather, the teacher is constantly alert to the direction in which the child indicates he wishes to go and actively seeks ways to help the child accomplish such goals

What happens when children go from a Montessori class to a traditional class?

Most children adjust readily to new classroom situations. They have developed a high degree of self-discipline and independence in the Montessori environment and adapt well.  Here is what one of our alumni parents has to say about transitioning from Montessori to a traditional education.

Is Montessori for all children?

The Montessori system has been used successfully with children of all ages from all socio-economic levels. Because of its individual approach, Montessori education is uniquely suited to public schools, where children of many backgrounds are grouped together., While RPMS does not special eduation staff, we work with the Milton School District for services under a private school service plan for speech and language.

Road to Independence

The road to independence is not always easy. We want you to know it is okay:

• if your firm limits disappoint, anger, or sadden your child.

• if your child is crying or upset when they come into class. It is helpful that you are confident at this separation. We will call you if needed.

• if your child's clothing is not perfectly matched. It shows that they have been given the opportunity to make their choice independently.

• if your child makes mistakes. It allows them to learn on their own.

• if your child's hair is not perfectly coiffed and/or groomed.

• if your child spills when pouring, drops when carrying, or does not clean up "perfectly."

• if your child misspells words and writes letters and/or numbers backwards.

• if your child forgets his backpack, lunch, folder, etc. on occasion. The natural consequences that occur may keep it from happening in the future. (The teacher will make your child a lunch.)

• if you let your child try to solve their conflicts on their own before intervening.

• if your child is brought to school in their pajamas if you have had a particular difficult time that morning.

• if your child brings leftovers for lunch.

• if your child is not eager to do academic work when they get home.

• if your child does not want to share about the day’s events with you.