A Montessori School |
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A Traditional Preschool |
| Child is the center of the classroom and teacher serves as facilitator |
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Teacher is the center of the classroom and directs the classroom activities |
| Child sets own learning pace |
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Instruction pace designed to meet group norm |
| Mixed age grouping provides a student with multiple years in the same classroom with a consistent teacher |
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Same age grouping with new classroom and teacher each year |
| Method focuses on self-discipline |
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Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline |
| Mainly individual instruction |
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Mainly group instruction |
| Child chooses own work within a prepared environment |
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Teacher tells the child what to do and when |
| Child works as long as he or she wishes on chosen project within a given work cycle |
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Child generally allotted specific time for work |
| Child reinforces own learning by repetition of work and internal feelings of success |
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Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rewards |
| Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration |
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Fewer materials for sensory development |
| Organized program for learning care-of-self and environment (tying shoes, washing dishes, etc.) |
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Less emphasis of independent, self care |
