Student Work
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Practice. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
The Uninterrupted Work Period
Philosophy of Work
As stated by the American Montessori Society, the uninterrupted work period is fundamental to the Montessori approach, which recognizes and respects individual variations in the learning process. Within the Montessori environment, the children need to have time to work through various tasks and responsibilities at their own pace. This uninterrupted work period is vitally important, as that is when the building of coordination, concentration, independence and order, and the assimilation of information are able to occur.
During a work period, the teacher observes the students and presents lessons to individuals or to small groups of students. The students choose work that meets their interest and ability level and they are welcome to use that material for as long as they would like.
American Montessori Society. (2018). The Montessori uninterrupted work period. Retrieved from
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Polish. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Discover. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Homework
Homework is not assigned in Montessori schools for multiple reasons. First off, the students work very hard during the school day and extra work at home is generally not needed. Additionally, the students can become confused if multiple approaches to academics are introduced at the same time but in different formats. Finally, the time spent at home should be about family, fun, and making memories. For additional information regarding homework and the Montessori approach, please click on the article below.
Attached is a link that provides additional facts and background information regarding the Montessori approach to not assigning homework. Within this article, additional information on the use of textbooks and grading are also included.
Want to Learn More?
Age of Montessori. (2010-2018). FAQ: I've heard that Montessori schools don't have textbooks, homework, or even grades. Can this be true? Retrieved from
Montessori at Home
If you have ever seen a Montessori classroom in action and wondered how you can create a space like that at home, here are a few simple things you can do to support your child's learning.
* Create an ordered environment
-Have a place for everything
-Include child-sized furniture and materials
-Make things accessible to the child to encourage independence
-Use trays or baskets so the child can carry and store the items properly
*Promote Concentration
-Observe what sparks their interest
-Do not interrupt the child when they are working
*Nurture Inner Motivation
-Do not reward or punish the child for their work
-Encourage effort
-Nourish the child's personal sense of accomplishment.
*Give Your time and Attention to the Child
-Read to your child often
-Participate in family activities
-Talk with your child often and use proper language
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Planets. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Bubbles. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Story Time. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Sun Game. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.