top of page

(CaTessa Jones)

CaTessa Jones CMJ Design Studio Montessori Prepared Environment.png

why montessori

"Montessori Education: Building a foundation for brilliance, one child at a time."

-CaTessa Jones

Choosing Montessori education for your child can offer a unique and effective approach to learning. Let's explore an example to illustrate why you might choose Montessori:

Why Montessori?

Montessori

VS

TRADITIONAL

why choose Montessori

Imagine you have a 4-year-old child named Emily, and you're considering different preschool options for her education. You've heard about Montessori and traditional preschools, and you want to make an informed choice.

Montessori:

Unlocking Creativity, Nurturing Montessori Excellence

a

Scenario A: Traditional Preschool

Traditional Preschool You enroll Emily in a traditional preschool where the curriculum is structured, and the teacher directs the activities. In this setting, Emily's day might look like this:

b

Scenario B: Montessori Preschool

Montessori Preschool In contrast, you decide to enroll Emily in a Montessori preschool. Here's what her day might look like:

​

​

Scenario A: Traditional Preschool

​

  1. Circle time: The teacher gathers the children, and they sit in a circle. The teacher leads a discussion about colors and shapes. Emily has to wait her turn to speak and participate.                                                    

  2. Structured activities: The teacher then divides the children into groups and assigns them worksheets to practice coloring within the lines and identifying shapes. Emily is expected to follow the same pace as her peers.                                                                                                    

  3. Recess: After the structured activities, there's a short recess where Emily can play on the playground. She's given limited choices in terms of activities.                                                                                    

  4. Snack time: The class gathers for snack time, and Emily is provided with a pre-selected snack.                                                                               

  5. Naptime: Emily is expected to take a nap at a specific time, even if she's not tired.

a

CaTessa_Jones_Traditional VS Montessori_Image

Scenario B: Montessori Preschool

  1. Free-choice work time: Emily enters a classroom filled with Montessori materials and activities. She's encouraged to choose what interests her. Today, she's drawn to a colorful puzzle and a set of wooden blocks. She's free to work at her own pace, exploring and learning as she goes.                                                                                                                                                                                  

  2. Guided learning: A Montessori teacher observes Emily and notices her interest in puzzles. The teacher provides gentle guidance and introduces more complex puzzles as Emily progresses. Emily feels a sense of accomplishment as she masters each challenge.                                                                        

  3. Outdoor exploration: The Montessori classroom often extends to an outdoor environment, where Emily can engage in nature-based activities, gardening, or exploring the sensory garden.                                                                                                                                                              

  4. Snack time: Emily helps prepare her snack, learning practical life skills like pouring juice or spreading butter on a piece of bread. She eats with her peers, fostering social skills and independence.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  5. Naptime (if needed): If Emily feels tired, she's allowed to rest in a cozy corner with a blanket and a soft pillow, rather than being forced to nap.

b