About Our School

About our School

What is different about a Jewish Montessori classroom?

A classroom using the Montessori Method is a very busy place. It is also quieter than a traditional classroom. Because children choose their own activities, they remain interested and engaged in what they are learning and doing. A Montessori-certified teacher and a Judaic-trained teacher are always close by, observing and preparing to help with the next lesson or question. A Montessori classroom is also a very clean and tidy place. Children treat their materials with care and put them in their proper place once they have completed their work.

The features of the classroom helps to promote the following areas of child growth and education:

Montessori vs. Traditional:

Montessori

Child sets own learning pace to internalize information
Child works as long as he or she wishes on chosen project
Child formulates own concepts from self teaching materials
Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom activities: child is an active participant in learning
Child chooses own work from interest and abilities
Mixed age grouping
Children are encouraged to teach, collaborate and help each other
Child can work where he or she is comfortable, moves around and talks at will (yet disturbs not the work of others); group work is voluntary and negotiable
Child spots own errors through feedback from material
Learning is reinforced internally through a repetition of activity and internal feelings of success
Instruction both individual and group, adapts to each child’s learning style
Environment and method encourage internal self discipline
Emphasis on cognitive structure and social development
Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration
Organized program for learning care of self and environment (brushing teeth, washing dishes after eating, responsible for keeping classroom clean, etc.)
Parental involvement and understanding Montessori learning philosophy encouraged and offered

Why Montessori Works

Traditional

Instruction pace usually set by group norm or teacher
Child generally given specific time period for work
Child is guided to concepts by teacher
Teacher has dominant, active role in classroom activity: child is a passive participant in learning
Curriculum structured for children with little regard to child’s interest
Same age grouping
Most teaching is done by teacher and collaboration is discouraged
Child usually assigned own chair; encouraged to sit still and listen during group sessions
If work is corrected, errors usually pointed out by teacher
Learning is reinforced externally by rote repetition and rewards/discouragements.
Instruction both individual and group conforms to adult’s teaching style
Teacher acts as enforcer of discipline
Emphasis on rote knowledge and social development
Fewer materials for sensory development and concrete manipulation
Less emphasis on self care instruction and classroom maintenance
Parental involvement minimal at outside events like fundraisers and no effort placed on parental understanding of learning process.

Movement optimizes learning.

Active bodies create active minds. Montessori learning materials offer challenging work requiring both the body and the mind.

Interest is key.

Children learn best when they are interested. Children in Montessori classrooms choose their work, so they are able to pursue their interests.

Motivation comes from intrinsic satisfaction.

Montessori teachers avoid extrinsic rewards and competition since motivation is reduced when the rewards are removed. The Montessori method nurtures a child’s love of learning and desire to contribute and help others without rewards and punishments.

Choice and control help children progress.

Montessori students choose their activities and manage their time. Students who have control over their educational experience make better decisions, exercise good judgment, and are more deeply engaged in their work.

Order, beauty, and routine are important.

Montessori environments are aesthetically beautiful, tidy and organized. An attractive and dependable environment allows children to easily select and complete work and participate in maintaining the classroom.

Collaboration inspires learning.

Children in a multi-age environment learn from each other. Young children benefit from the example and guidance of older children. Up to age 6, children often prefer to work individually or in pairs. Montessori classrooms for young children are designed to accommodate this characteristic. After age 6, children are more likely to work in groups, collaborating on projects. Montessori classrooms for older children allow them to learn this way. Students solve problems by interacting with each other and listening to multiple perspectives. Montessori students have a strong sense of self, and are cooperative and supportive of each other.

Each stage of Montessori education builds on the preceding one to form a lasting foundation. An authentic and complete Montessori education, is truly a gift for life!