6. But, let's talk about 6 significant reasons why your child will thrive in a quality Montessori program: 1. Youve just entered the wide, quiet world of Montessori. The word 'Montessori' is often assumed as a label for wooden toys, and although natural resources and materials are part of the method, the concept is so much more than just 'things'. Beauty and harmony, cleanliness of the environment. Montessori schools focus on independent learning, and they encourage each child to be the guide of their educational journey. The most important outcome for my child is to: Be prepared to achieve in elementary school and beyond, Be a happy, well-adjusted, and self-motivated human being. They are often living away from home for the first time, and use this time to figure out where they fit into their society. In determining which school is the best match, you will need to trust your eyes, ears, and gut instincts. 7. The main disadvantage of Montessori schools is how much they differ from traditional schools and the way that most people view academic education and success. Instead of stickers or other prizes, the reward a child gets from the Montessori classroom is the self-assuredness that comes from reaching a new level of independence or learning a new skill. It is important to note that children develop a sense of moral justice at this time. Step 1: Show Respect for Your Child. But the transition from home to school and back home again can be difficult. They are very concerned with what is fair, and creating the rules to a new game is often as important (if not more so) than playing the actual game itself. Most classrooms are multi-age and include kids in a two- to three-year age range. Montessori at home and positive parenting training, e-courses and webinars for busy parents with an AMI teacher, I getasked a lot, Is Montessori right for my child? Is it only for kids who can plan well and are super independent? Or only for kids that can sit quietly and work and not run about?. Back. Even though there are boundaries to independence in a Montessori school for the sake of focus and mutual respect, children will receive the utmost opportunity to cultivate who they were meant to be on their terms inside of a Montessori classroom. The encouragement of the cultivation of peace within their lives and in the world around them. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC, Source: David Veksler/Flickr/Creative Commons. 4. Even if your child is the only one attending Montessori school, they will bring what they have learned into your home, and this can prove to be a very beneficial experience for the entire family. Children under the age of 4 are continually building their foundation for what will determine the rest of their life. Honestly, they are the best." Carolyn K, at Hoagies Gifted Education Page, discusses the Montessori option in How Can I Choose a School for My Gifted Child. She emphasizes the variability across schools using the Montessori name, and writes that A gifted-friendly Montessori classroom would allow above-grade-level work in any subject, bringing in materials from the next level., Laura Markham, at AHA Parenting, provides a thoughtful discussion of many of the important criteria for parents to consider in her article, Choosing Preschool: Montessori vs. The most important outcome for my child is to:Be prepared to achieve in elementary school and beyondBe a happy, well-adjusted, and self-motivated human beingAgain, the Montessori method of education places a greater emphasis on self-paced, independent learning over making sure children advance to the next grade or academic level.We believe learning should be an enjoyable experience that encourages children to work beside and respect one another while at the same time developing their individual personalities and unique talents.6. Prepare my child for a traditional kindergarten, Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life. Intelligence is not rare among human beings. Your child thrives when moving around and exploring. Each child deserves the time and freedom to grow in all aspects of their being, instead of being forced to focus on rigorous academics for 8 hours each day. Some children need more guidance than others, but a good Montessori teacher should be able to guide children who need more assistance to organise their work. During the second plane there is a sudden and marked period of physical growth. What is the right age to start Montessori? When I became a foster mother, I started researching different parenting and education ideas. Montessori schools focus on every aspect of a childs development: emotional, academic, physical, social, and spiritual. Next. Gifted? by Laura Markham, Montessori and Gifted Children, by The Montessori Observer. 10. Related: What Makes a Montessori Classroom Different? This can prove to be very beneficial, especially when your child is under the age of five. The Montessori approach is adaptable and beneficial to all children, no matter how they learn. They suddenly develop a strong desire to form peer groups. Some ways to use Montessori at home include: Montessori methods can prove to be very beneficial within your own family. 15. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Children in the third plane tend to require more sleep, and they sleep later than when they were younger. Committing to your childs education is never an easy process, let alone having your child attend a Montessori school where they learn a way of education and learning that most of the world will not understand. The largest age group of children who attend Montessori schools are 3- to 6-years-old. 6. As a result, the Montessori method could easily have a positive impact on every single child who experiences it. Children who are consistently waiting for adult direction and those who have difficulty choosing and staying engaged in activities may have some initial difficulty transitioning into a Montessori class, but usually, they learn to trust themselves and gradually strengthen their concentration as they meet with successful learning experiences and develop independence. If you want to encourage the development of your childs creativity and imagination, ask about opportunities for play-based learning and imaginary play. A competitive classroom environment stifles creativity. 4. 2. It is helpful for children to work together on learning as well as school projects. So, it is challenging for them to keep tuition costs low. Our family plans to stay in Montessori for a year or so to give our children a good start, and then we plan to transfer them to the local public schools (or another private or religious school). Montessori For Today was started to provide answers to my own questions, which will hopefully become a great resource for others to learn about the Montessori Method, Montessori Schools, and how you can incorporate elements of Montessori into your own home and lifestyle. Here are some of the things we're asked about most often. Do teachers respond to childrens needs? Academic competition prepares students for the real world. Be sure to check the mission statement and curriculum of your Montessori school. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? 4-WEEK E-COURSE Setting up your home Montessori-style, 2-WEEK BOOTCAMP Setting up a Montessori playgroup, 1. See also: How much do Montessori schools cost? 30 minutes each day for Math, 30 minutes each day for Reading, etc.) It is important that your child completes worksheets and memorizes facts at school. In the second plane, a child is compelled to actually work with their friends. I want my child to be in an environment that:Encourages them to explore their interests, without interruptionHas an external curriculum taught at specific intervals each dayWhile traditional classrooms are very structured in terms of time (e.g. Is a Montessori school right for your child? Like we shared above, showing respect for the child is one of the most important aspects of the Montessori method. - NOW AVAILABLE IN AMAZON AND ANY BOOKSELLER -. 4. The first plane is a time in which children proclaim, I can do it myself; it is a time of physical independence. Country Montessori School in Poway provides a rich learning environment for children ages 2.6 to 11 years in its Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten), for Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) and . Montessori education is a "whole child" approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child developmentcognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Can Humans Detect Text by AI Chatbot GPT? are incorporated into every lesson. Engage Team Feb 17, 2017. Maria Montessori, MD, an Italian teacher, doctor, and scientist, founded the first Montessori school in 1906, in a poor, struggling district in Rome, Italy. * Get rid of the chaos and set up cosy spaces at home Some parents prefer the structure and familiarity of a traditional classroom setting. One of the primary goals of the Montessori method is to teach children to think and do things for themselves instead of relying on adults for everything. Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs. Children learn best when they are: * . The Journey School admits students of any race, color, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It is always at the ready to learn something new. The Montessori Method is built on core beliefs and practices that may be new to you. No one has quite as much energy or curiosity as a 2-year-old! However, a Montessori program could be challenging and frustrating for children who want to do things their own way, who dont easily follow instructions, who like to switch activities frequently, or who prefer more free-form or imagination-based play. 9. And while teachers guide learning, they aren't . If you are feeling overwhelmed by chaos at your house, I'll help you to set up your home Montessori-style. Testing helps to ensure accountability for children, teachers, and schools. Older students are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found . Even though early childhood education is the most popular age group for Montessori schools, there are a few high schools around the country that offer Montessori education. Montessori education is more about preparing children to become thoughtful and well-adjusted adults and less about making sure they advance to the next grade or academic level. Montessori schools promote rigorous, self-motivated learning through manipulating and exploring the world around them. The Third Plane: 12-18 The third plane of development encompasses the adolescent years. Connected with internal motivation and interests, Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life, Am open to learning about all methods and want to find one that is the best match for my child, Believe traditional methods are the best option. The student-teacher ratio tends to be high, so children are usually working on their own or with other children. Although it is the perfect fit for many families, it is not the perfect fit for all families.If you are interested in learning more about Montessori education and its unique benefits, we encourage you to This means that children will be allowed to explore and experiment inside the classroom, as long as they remain respectful and are engaging in a task that has the opportunity for growth. Children who grow up learning independence and creativity will have an easier time becoming their own person and caring for themselves as they grow into adolescence. (pp 163-4), Montessori Education in Canada, by Glen Hoffman, How Can I Choose a School for My Gifted Child, by Carolyn K, Choosing Preschool: Montessori vs. the Montessori classroom is not. If you have a curious child who loves to learn rapidly, will. We believe children learn more effectively through hands-on experience and independent exploration rather than regurgitating facts onto a sheet of paper. This approach, developed by Maria Montessori in Rome in the early 1900s, is child-centered, with teachers serving as guides. With the right stimulation, it is possible to nurture the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills in young children. 18. Each Montessori school does its best to meet each child exactly where they are within their development. Human beings have a natural desire to learn. Is Montessori school right for your child? 30 minutes each day for Math, 30 minutes each day for Reading, etc.) I am choosing a school to: Prepare my child for a traditional kindergarten Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life 10. schedule a tour learn more. The Montessori classroom is a great example. Montessori takes a child-centered approach to learning. You want your child to:Learn at their own pace and be challenged according to their unique abilityLearn according to a curriculum based upon their ageIn a traditional education setting, parents are often told that a child is not reading at their level or that they should be further along by now in a certain subject or task because of their age.In the Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and given the time and space necessary to fully understand each concept. This is absolutely fine. Because of this, these formative years are very crucial, and what children learn and are exposed to could dictate their adolescence and adulthood. Tour the school and ask questions. This is where it all begins. But Montessori believed in these children and decided to experiment with . Therefore, it does not make sense to enroll your child in a Montessori Primary program, for example, if you intend to transfer them to a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year. Am open to learning about all methods and want to find one that is the best match for my child, Believe traditional methods are the best option. The idea that those who learn quickly are more talented misses a basic truth about how children really learn. The ten foundational Montessori school principles are: Maria believed that the future of the world depended on childrens ability to live at peace with one another. Children who are loud learn to use their indoor voices, and those who are messy learn to put away their work neatly. We also believe that the current emphasis on testing and a state-established curriculum ignores common sense and the true nature of how children learn. Montessori programs are especially good for children who are self-directed, can work independently for extended lengths of time, and work well alone or in small groups. Montessori schools have various expectations regarding parental involvement. For a Montessori-certified program, make sure that the school is affiliated either with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI or AMI/USA) or the American Montessori Society (AMS). This will give you a better understanding of the Montessori classroom so you can decide if it is right for your child. A guide to background checking Need More Help With Your Marketing? 3. The Montessori classroom is a great example.A parent whose child may thrive in a Montessori school setting is one who believes in giving their child the freedom to make choices and guide their own learning journey in an environment that fosters imagination and independent thinking.4. Children move at their own pace throughout the classroom, and teachers are there primarily to ensure children are engaged and learning.Second, because quieter environments have been shown to foster quality learning, Montessori students are encouraged to speak softly with each other and with their teachers. (So in preschool, a Montessori classroom might have kids from ages 2 to 5.) There is a great deal of play that becomes learning-centered because of the age-appropriate goals of each group. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to . 9. Be aware of your schools expectations and strive to be as involved as possible. She observed child development and created a method of education based on their development style, rather than the conventional style of education that fights against natural child instincts. There is a place for everything, and everything is generally in its place! This is not right or wrong; it is simply a different way of encouraging children to learn, and one that may or may not be the ideal fit for your family.Lets look at the questions from our quiz and which answers resonate most with Montessori parents. If you are laissez-faire at home where your child can do what they like, eat what they want and go to bed as they wish, they may find the limits of the Montessori classroom too constraining. The Montessori pathway to getting there, however, can be heavily prescribed, such that a child is not allowed to proceed to the next level up without authorization from the teacher. The ideal school schedule for my child would be: 7. Montessori education is a whole child approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child developmentcognitive, emotional, social, and physical. For children who live in a household that doesnt have guidance or rules, they may find the boundaries of a Montessori school to be restricting. Five things to look for when touring a childcare program Will your child be safe? So, it's completely understandable to question the efficacy of something so new for your own child! The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. Teaching the whole child involves addressing emotional, physical, social, and cognitive growth. If you enter a Montessori classroom, it can indeed be quite quiet. There are many different reasons why Montessori school could be perfect for your child. However, the children are also allowed to get up and move around the classroom so it can be ideal for children who need to move. Get the lowdown on this child-centered approach to education. Ruby Red LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. This is achieved by creating a consistent pathway for learning that begins as early as infancy and carries through to elementary education and even beyond. 13. While some children thrive with this approach, others do better with more teacher direction. To the child, the hands-on learning in a Montessori preschool or kindergarten might seem more like playing and or having fun, but it is purposeful. Focusing on all types of development is one thing that Montessori teachers pride themselves on! Child-centered. It absorbs everything. So, in her educational method, she chose to promote a more natural learning environment that proved to be very conducive for children as they learn. How Can I Choose a School for My Gifted Child, Why Fights With Your Spouse Are Making Your Teenager Anxious, Positive Parenting and Children's Cognitive Development, 7 Ticking Time Bombs That Destroy Loving Relationships, The Single Best (and Hardest) Thing to Give Up, 3 Ways to Reclaim Your Hope and Happiness. When considering education, I: * Am open to learning about all methods and want to find one that is the best match for my child Believe traditional methods are the best option. School should be a joyful experience for children. A Montessori program is run more like a preschool than daycare, and most accept children from ages 2 to 3 years old up to age 5 or 6. Montessori schools share the belief that children are born with a passion for learning. Planning their day is something Montessori children learn. The room is silent, the mood serious. Because they cultivate a love for learning, teach the whole child, and respect each student and teacher equally, Montessori schools are a fantastic alternative to traditional school settings. I love this course. Some things you will find in a Montessori classroom include: For those households that are more strict and disciplined, your child may find the freedom and flexibility of guiding their learning to be a foreign concept and difficult at first. Some advantages to Montessori school are: People are trained by todays society to push toward goals to avoid punishment and to prove their success. Sometimes one partner prefers to delegate preschool decisions to the other, which can lead to conflict later when one of the partners concludes that the time has come for their child to move on to a real school, or if one objects to continuing to spend money for private-school tuition once their child is old enough to enter free public kindergarten. Learning about the Montessori Method has been intriguing and fascinating, and I have enjoyed watching the little ones in my life learn and grow from incorporating Montessori elements into our family's lifestyle.Montessori For Today was started to provide answers to my own questions, which will hopefully become a great resource for others to learn about the Montessori Method, Montessori Schools, and how you can incorporate elements of Montessori into your own home and lifestyle. Through exploration and imagination, they can be encouraged to learn outside of the box instead of through paperwork and strict instruction. Traditional education. Some reasons to keep your child in Montessori school throughout their entire education are: There is not one cut and dry answer to decide when your child should leave the Montessori school system. 14. Parents want a school that will stimulate and encourage their childs curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Therefore, you must do what is best for you and your child, and try not to let the social pressure of the outside world affect your decision making when it comes to your childs best interest. The world bases progress on tangible success, such as: Therefore, a Montessori school may not be for every single family.