For parts of the United States, the 2020-2021 school year is gearing up to begin starting on Tuesday, September 8th. Across the country, the decision to conduct classes in-person, by distance/remote learning, or a hybrid has been a highly controversial argument for both K-12 schools and colleges & universities.
While those attending traditional school will have to adjust and get used to an online class format, Montessori students will have a more difficult time transitioning to an online format.
In a Montessori program a student develops math, reading, writing, geography, and practical life skills by working with tangible items & material at in individual pace with one on one attention from their teachers.
This is unlike traditional schools where most of the development comes from textbooks & worksheets, as well as the teacher conducting lessons and pacing the curriculum based on the collective group, no matter the range in skill sets of the students.
Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia offer Montessori programs at a few select elementary schools in the district. For the upcoming school year, the Montessori program will follow the district wide distance learning model by conducting synchronous/asynchronous teaching.
However, since the program is individually paced, not all students will be learning the same lessons at a given time.
This means Montessori teachers will have to conduct multiple synchronous instruction times with different children per day, unlike traditional schools where all students are required to be in the same lesson with their peers on zoom.
Additionally, Montessori teachers have been required to create at home versions of all the materials the students will need throughout the school year. Teachers will have to prepare the materials and also schedule a pickup time at the school with parents every 2-3 weeks.
All teachers, students, and parents will have to adjust to a new way of online learning. It will only be a matter of time until schools/classrooms will reopen. Whether you are a student or a newly appointed teacher-parent, just remember: Teacher Appreciation week is May 2-8, 2021, Mother’s Day is May 9, 2021, and Father’s Day is June 20, 2021…so, make sure to show each other support and appreciation during these trying times!
Comments