Montessori Parent Guide: 6-12 Years

Parents frequently ask: ‘So, how do I know it is really Montessori?’
What are the essential elements of Montessori education?
What should you be looking for when you are considering a Montessori primary (6-12) education for your tamariki?

Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand has produced a Parent Guide to help you better understand Montessori education and to find answers to your questions about Montessori for six to 12 year olds.

You can read your Parent Guide online or download a print version.

Your Parent Guide is in three sections:

• Montessori Learning Community
• Montessori Learning Environment
• Montessori Adults

In each section we have identified the following:

Essential Elements … are provided to help you better understand what Montessori can offer your tamariki.
What it looks like … examples are given of how the essential element may ‘look’ in practice.
Questions to ask Montessori teachers …. some questions are provided that you could ask the Montessori kaiako (teachers).
Questions to ask yourself … by observing in a Montessori classroom you can answer some of your own questions.

Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand recommends visiting a Montessori primary class, as you make your choice for your tamariki.
Take time to observe the community of tamariki.
Visit the classroom more than once.
Deepen your understanding of what the Montessori primary class has to offer your tamariki.

You could also visit some state primary school classes to understand how Montessori primary communities offer a different experience for tamariki in the primary years.

This Parent Guide may help you answer the question ‘Can Montessori primary education establish a profound emotional, spiritual and academic base for my child’s future?’