10 Major Differences Between Montessori Schools and Traditional Preschool

Every parent while choosing the early childhood education program gets one query for sure and that is, “What makes Montessori unique and how are they different from other preschool programs?”

And the answer lies in this article which will help parents like you to understand the difference between the two programs and reasons why you should choose Montessori Schools.

So let’s get straight into the information.

Top reasons to choose the Montessori curriculum in International schools in Kuala Lumpur

Philosophy

Montessori is based on observations of the student's individual needs.

Traditional preschool focuses on the preparation of students for KG 

Learning

Montessori in a  Kuala Lumpur International School is child-directed and the teacher acts as a guide. Students discover and learn by themselves through practical application. They are active learners who follow their instinct in order to explore new concepts and ideas.

Traditional classrooms are teacher-directed. In traditional preschools, teachers impart knowledge and lessons where students only passively listen and memorize them.

Environment

Montessori classrooms are calm, clean, self-regulated and activities based.

Traditional classrooms are noisy, rule-based, and unstructured.

Structure and Design

In Traditional preschools, there is no specific structure or design, children most of the time fill out worksheets or do various activities scheduled for them in a robotic manner.

In Montessori Kuala Lumpur International School you will notice dedicated shelves with work materials. These activities are guided by the teacher who introduces age appropriate tasks and learning models to children who are free to select that material at any point throughout the day.

Time

In the Montessori Schools, children are given enough time to learn at their pace and they are not interrupted during this time.

In  a traditional preschool, teachers have limitations of time in order to complete the lesson as scheduled. So children do not get enough time to understand and learn some lessons and activities. 

Teacher-Student ratio

In Kuala Lumpur International School Montessori classrooms, you will find less Teacher-Student ratio, which helps teachers to give personalized attention to each child.

In Traditional preschool classrooms, the students are more in number in each class and teachers often find it difficult to handle kids. So they generally stand in the middle and instruct rather than providing personalized attention.

Observation

In Montessori, teachers observe each child, know their strengths and weaknesses which help them to make customized activities for children, guide them and support them in their learning.

Traditional preschool teachers are not very aware of any child’s interests, strengths or weaknesses. As the curriculum is predetermined, they cannot customize it for any child, so they deliver the same lesson to everyone at the same pace irrespective of the child’s learning curve or style.

Age Groups 

In Montessori Schools, you will find children of different age groups from 3 to 6 years.

In traditional preschools, you will find children of the same age group. 

Self-Esteem

In Montessori, teachers understand that the child’s self-esteem is built when they accomplish on their own. So they are given activities to do on their own.

In traditional preschools, teachers believe self-esteem is built from external judgment and validations.

Love of Learning

Montessori curriculum develops a love for learning in them from childhood and instills an innate hunger for knowledge. 

While traditional curricula focus on the preparation of solely academics, tests, exams, and grades, there is no love for learning but just a compulsion for learning.

Conclusion

Children's initial years are crucial where their minds absorb incredible amounts of information so they need to be given the right environment in the form of Montessori Schools where precise techniques are used to promote children's overall development. 

The goal of the Montessori educational program is to foster love, self-confidence, independence in children and make them all-rounders. So choose wisely based on your child’s interests, needs and personality.

If you have any queries regarding the Montessori program of Kuala Lumpur International School, then leave your queries and feedback below!