Reading Comprehension - The Montessori Method

​The Montessori Learning Method

​ Most educational specialists believe that early schooling should provide an awareness of their own abilities. One approach recognized by many experts as promoting these qualities is the Montessori method, first practiced by Maria Montessori of Italy in the late 1900's.

​ Nancy McCormick Rambuusch is credited with popularizing the Montessori method in the United States, where now millions of preschools and primary schools practice it. They chose to use this sensory integrated method because it helps children learn through direct experiences. The method focuses on providing learners with instructional materials and tasks that facilitate acts of discovery and manipulation of toys and instructional objects.

​ Through such exploration, children develop their senses. By touching, changing and and moving objects with their body they often learn how to do many tasks inductively without assistance. Other benefits of this method include improvements in expressive language skills because they students discuss and share experiences.

​ Other benefits of the Montessori instructional method is that it acquaints learners with many discipline elements which will later help them understand and continue to learn science, music and art. Thus , many educational psychologists and educators still value this experiential method , especially in an ever - growing digital learning world in which students are expected to learn primarily virtually.

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of the passage?

• To explain why early childhood education is best in schools.

• To describe the ways which this instructional method evolved.

• To explain the need for preschools in America.

• To describe the role of play, exploration and discovery with a learning method.

Multiple Choice

According to the passage, who was the pioneer of the Montessori Method in America?

• Maria Montessori

• The US Department of Education

• Nancy McCormick Rambusch

Multiple Choice

" This method facilitates the act of discovery and manipulation. " What word below would best replace facilitates as a synonym?

• educates

• requires

• determines

• assists

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of the Montessori Method?

• Development of the tactile senses.

• Knowledge of arts and sciences.

• Capacity to perform complex multi - step tasks.

• Improvement of language aquisition.

Multiple Choice

The author who wrote this summary probably feels that the Montessori method:

• Is an effective means of education.

• Has few lasting benefits for learners.

• Has lost popularity in the United States.

• Does not accomplish the means it claims to achieve.

Multiple Choice

The paragraphs above primarily discuss:

• Another educational approach to instruct children thorough sensory exploration.

• The fascinating details about the life of Maria Montessori.

• Elements of science, art and music.

• The ways different children can learn indirectly.