FAQs for Junior Elementary (French Immersion)

1.  Why Parkdale Montessori does not assign homework?

In a Montessori classroom, children develop skills needed to work independently, to manage their time, and to use resources effectively.  In most systems, the only time left for acquiring these skills, is at home doing homework after a highly demanding school day.  Montessori supports the idea that when the school day is structured differently, work can be completed during school hours and not at home.  However, there might be small exceptions when special circumstances arise (e.g. line memorization for drama, reading etc.) or when children with special challenges need to spend some extra time in the evening to go over some tasks.  Children are encouraged to pursue their interests in the evenings and doing activities with family and friends. These activities can be as important as schoolwork in developing responsibility and independence in children.  Further, parents are encouraged to participate in activities with their child(en), which contributes to the well-being of the family.

2. How do elementary students transition to other school settings at the end of the program?

Montessori children are extremely well prepared to succeed to their greatest potential in other settings.  Studies show that Montessori children score high on standardized tests and are ranked above average in terms of responsibility, self-motivation, listening skills, adapting to new situations, questioning, and showing enthusiasm for learning.  Transition time is expected with any changes but the children graduating from the Montessori elementary program are well prepared academically, socially and personally for the future. 

3. How does the Montessori environment prepare a child to go into “the real world”?

Very well.  In fact, in the Montessori program, the children plan their day, execute their responsibilities, work in collaboration with others during the day, and they are faced with choices, decisions and consequences.  The real world is not just about challenges; it is about developing the skills to deal with challenges.  The Montessori program has given each child the tools to do so, not just in terms of academic foundation but also in terms of social skills, interpersonal skills, confidence, creativity, and the knowledge that he/ she can contribute positively and actively to society.  Each child has been prepared to the best of his / her potential to succeed in the real world of ideas, enterprise, and challenging perspectives.

4. How is the Montessori Elementary different than other systems of education at this age level?

In Montessori, the children literally “learn how to learn”.  They are encouraged to do their own research, analyze their findings, come to their own conclusions, to think and not simply to memorize, to question and not simply to reproduce and quickly forget.  The children are asked the right answers which will then trigger exploration, questioning, and the challenges to find the answer, as opposed to be giving the answer. This is a key element of the Montessori elementary program.  Learning the right answers may get children through a test, but learning how to learn will get them successfully through life.

5. Do elementary students typically work alone?

No. Much of the lessons and projects are done in small group.  This is the age where children are very social and therefore much of the work is done in collaboration with others.  Not only do research show that learning is effective when done with other children, but also social interactions offer many opportunities for personal and social growth. 

6. How is competition handled in Montessori?

In Montessori, children are strongly encouraged to focus on the joy of learning and collaboration rather than on competition.  In this type of atmosphere where children can learn at their own pace, they realize that it is all right to make mistakes and that they can try again without inhibition, fear of embarrassment or external judgment.  Competition being an ineffective tool to motivate students, in Montessori, we do not create artificial motivation to get the children to achieve.  However, we do allow for competition to evolve naturally among children both in the classroom and during sport activities, without adult interference. The key is to have the child’s voluntary decision to compete rather than having it imposed on him/her.

7. Do students in junior elementary take any test?

Students do not have weekly tests or quiz as in a traditional educational system.  At the end of grade 3, the junior elementary students take the EQAO test.  For those who are not familiar with EQAO: it is an independent agency of the Ontario government which develops and implements provincial assessment programs for primary, junior and secondary school students in Ontario.  EQAO assesses all students in grade 3 in reading, writing and mathematics.  Parents of our grade 3 students receive an Individual Student Report (ISR) from EQAO containing their child’s test results and the average test score in Ontario.  Parents can opt out if they do not wish their child to participate. 

8. Is the Ministry of Education curriculum followed?

The Ministry of Education curriculum is covered in conjunction with and in addition to the Montessori curriculum.  Children complete Ministry curriculum material but at their own pace through self-directed studies based on ability and interest.  Some children receive extra time, attention and accommodations in areas of difficulty. Typically, Montessori students work well beyond the Ministry guidelines. 

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