Originally Posted by Willow:
That is not my understanding of Montessori *at all.*
Can I ask where you got that impression?
Hoping BC will see this thread and give her two cents 
Yes, I have LOTS to say so I will come back and post more but I did just want to say quickly that the entire basis for the Montessori method is UNINTERUPTED play and play that is solely based on each individual child's developmental stage/age within the context of mixed age groups.
Everyone gets to be the leader, middle and follower at one stage or another.
Play IS work and ALL elements of academic education happens within play.
The child leads the adult in what areas/topics they are ready to learn about.
The site Silver posted is one of my faves to recommend to anyone interested in Montessori