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Hello Hello Reader,

Today we've got a snippet of a guest article written by Jenna, founder of @holdingspacemontessori She's good friend and resource for all things Montessori. The full article is on my website.

What are Montessori Elementary Schools Like?

As one of the world’s largest alternative education paths, there are 22,000 Montessori schools and counting – majority of which focus on early and middle childhood, covering ages 3-6 and 6-12. Montessori is increasingly expanding for infant/toddler care as well as high school.

Montessori is known for offering life skills, but this is not a rejection of academic rigor. In fact, this balance is what makes Montessori known as “the third option”— it embraces holistic development while still deeply valuing academic depth. It’s not play-based, nor is it traditional. It’s somewhere in the middle.

Is it still mixed-age?

Yes, Montessori adheres to three-year groupings.

Montessori Lower Elementary houses students in Grades 1, 2 and 3.

Montessori Upper Elementary houses students in Grades 4, 5, and 6.

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​How exactly does Montessori elementary differ from traditional elementary?

The way in which knowledge is exchanged is very different.

• First, the role of the teacher: she is a guide. Instead of commanding the front of the room with scheduled whole-group lessons, she prepares the learning environment with materials that students use independently, either on the floor or at tables.
• While students begin choosing their work during a long, multi-hour work period, the guides (there are usually two) circulate the classroom to observe, assess, and support. It’s important to understand: Montessori Guides still give explicit presentations, but often in small groups or 1:1.

Is it too much freedom to offer students a choice of work? What if they never pick language work?

The Montessori method is not just the materials and the children; It is the materials, the children, and the support of the guides.

It is not just “anything goes,” it is “freedom within limits.” Guides are meticulously trained to inspire learning and to help children make deeper connections, especially in areas where they may need a little boost.

Is it true that there is no quizzing, grading, or testing? How does assessment happen?

Montessori elementary classrooms tend to have minimal homework and quizzing because the structure of the Montessori school day allows for assessment and practice to happen real time. This significantly reduces the need for follow-up work. It's a huge draw for families interested in after school hobbies, extracurriculars, and old-fashioned play.

Schools may have different state requirements for testing. But overall, Montessori schools set the tone that students are more than test scores.

Thank you for this guest post Jenna! You can follow Jenna here and read her full article here​
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