1. Montessori is just for preschool children.
Misconception - Most Montessori
schools in North America are preschools, but programs are
offered at elementary, middle and high school levels.
2. Montessori is just for special learners-the gifted or the
learning-disabled.
Misconception - The methods used in Montessori schools have
been effective with learning-disabled and gifted learners, but
they are designed to ensure success of all children.
3 . All Montessori schools are religious.
Misconception - Maria Montessori was a
religious Catholic and her schools early in the 20th century
reflected her religious sensibility. Today, a few private
Montessori schools in the United States have a religious
orientation but the vast majority of schools are operated in
nonsectarian fashion.
4. Montessori is only for the rich.
Misconception - Montessori began her work
with poor children in the slums of Rome. The American Montessori
movement began in the 1960s as a private pre-school movement,
supported by tuition but it has grown. It has not received the
public support it merits- the support that would allow it to
serve many more poor children but it is offered in more than 250
public-school sites and at several Head Start centers.
5. Children in Montessori classrooms do whatever they want.
Misconception - Montessori education is based on the principle of free choice
within limits of purposeful activity.
6. Montessori is a cult.
Misconception - Occasionally, a few Montessorians
behave in ways that make that charge plausible. They may appeal
to Maria Montessori's writing as a fundamentalist refers to
religious test or speak with a sense of certainty that does not
set well with mainstream American educators- or with fellow
Montessorians. All Montessorians are educated to see subtle
changes in children's behavior, to interpret it in terms of a
complex vision of human development and to respond in
thoughtful, disciplined and effective ways. But the Montessori
community is diverse and most Montessorians see the approach as
expansive and are able to maintain a commitment to their ideals
while being open to new ideas. It is grossly unfair to
characterize their work as cult-like.
7. Montessori classrooms are too structured.
Misconception - Although the
teacher is careful to make clear the specific purpose of each
material and to present activities in a clear, step-by step
order, the child is free to choose from a vast array of
activities and to discover new possibilities.
8. Montessori classrooms discourage fantasy and stifle
creativity.
Misconception - Teacher-directed fantasy play is rare among
Montessori educators, but fantasy play initiated by the child is
viewed by many as healthy and purposeful, depending on the
child's health and stage of development.
9. Montessori classrooms push children too far too fast.
Misconception - Montessori education emphasizes allowing each child to develop
at his or her own pace.
10. Montessori is out of date.
Misconception - Montessori education has
developed in a variety of ways in North America. Some schools
adhere quite closely to the initial specifications, others have
adapted freely. This can lead to heated disputes. But it is
important to recognize that although classrooms that take the
name "Montessori" may look somewhat different, they all may be
quite successful in meeting children's needs and nourishing
their potential.
