Authentic Montessori vs Typical Play School: Why the Difference Matters

sketchesmontessori
Jun 27
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

By Sketches Montessori, Noida

As a parent, choosing your child’s first school can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of “play schools” around—colourful, fun, and full of activity. But then you hear about Montessori education—quietly confident, deeply respectful of children, and very different in its approach.

While many play schools today borrow Montessori language or materials, true Montessori education is rooted in a complete developmental philosophy—not just a set of activities or shelf work.

So how does Montessori stand apart—and why is it not just another early years option?

Let’s break it down.

🎨 Typical Play School: Entertainment with a Touch of Learning

Most play schools focus on keeping children engaged through adult-led group activities and theme-based exposure. Their environments are often bright and toy-filled, with an emphasis on fun and general readiness for school.

Children may participate in:

Group singing or story sessions
Art and craft based on the day’s theme
Movement games or activities
Worksheets or pre-literacy drills
Seasonal or event-based projects

However, these activities are usually structured and timed by adults. The intent is often short-term engagement or external output—rather than internal development or mastery.

🧠 Montessori: A Thoughtful Foundation for Life

Montessori education—developed by Dr. Maria Montessori—is rooted in science and observation. It’s not "school prep"—it’s life preparation.

At Sketches Montessori, here’s what your child experiences:

🔍 A Prepared Environment

Everything is child-sized, purposeful, and real—no loud plastic toys or cartoon chaos. The space invites calm, curiosity, and confidence.

At Sketches, the environment is not just beautiful—it’s functional and empowering. Children confidently choose their work..

👉 See this in action: Watch how independence unfolds in our Montessori space

🧑‍🏫 Adults are Guides, Not Instructors

Our trained Montessori adults don’t “teach”—they guide. They observe the child and introduce materials based on readiness and interest, never pressure.

🧩 Individualised Learning

Each child chooses their activity, repeats it, and moves at their own pace. No forced group lessons. No racing to finish.

🕊 Real Freedom with Responsibility

Children develop deep focus, clean up after themselves, and care for their environment and friends—all as part of daily life.

🎵 Art, Music & Movement—with Purpose

Montessori includes music, cutting, sticking, painting, sports, and creative expression. But here, it’s presented as a developmental aid—not just fun. Children use real tools, learn self-expression at their pace, and refine coordination and concentration.

🎥 Watch it in action

👶 What Does This Look Like for a 3-Year-Old?

Feature	Play School	Montessori (Sketches Montessori)
Curriculum	Theme-based, adult-led	Scientific, child-led
Activities	Group craft, Worksheets	Practical life, sensorial, real work
Adult's Role	Instructor	Observer and guide
Classroom	Bright, cartoon-themed	Calm, beautiful, purposeful
Learning Pace	One-size-fits-all	Individualised
Discipline	Rewards & rules	Grace, courtesy, inner discipline

It’s important to note that Montessori is not a play school alternative—it is a structured, scientifically designed approach that supports the full development of the child from early childhood into the elementary years.

🎯 So, What’s Right for Your Child?

If you're looking for a few fun hours where your child stays busy, a play school may be suitable.

But if you want your child to:

Develop independence
Build confidence and concentration
Be treated as a capable, thinking individual

Then Montessori is the right choice.

🎥 Watch this parent testimonial on YouTube to hear why they chose Montessori over a traditional preschool.

🏫 Sketches Montessori – Montessori in Action

At Sketches Montessori, we don’t offer play school—we offer a complete school experience. From age 2 through 12, children grow within a thoughtfully prepared, authentic Montessori environment. Our Casa / Primary Program (2.5/3–6 years) and Elementary Program (6–12 years) are led by trained adults who understand the child’s developmental journey. With real materials, meaningful freedom, and respect for each child’s pace, we help them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.