Education should be a transition from one level of independence, competency, and self-reliance to the next rather than a process of passing exams and completing assignments. Children learn in different ways and at different paces. The idea that those who learn quickly are more talented misses a basic truth about how children really learn. Children learn best through hands-on experience, real-world application, and problem-solving.
Students should be treated with profound respect, in partnership rather than with condescension, external control, and domination. The family assumes that their children will do well, and are fairly relaxed about academic issues. They want school to be exciting and fun, not demanding and stressful in the name of high standards!
The family would like to stay in Montessori at least for the elementary program, and perhaps beyond. Sending a child to a Montessori program and then transferring to a traditional classroom at kindergarten is truly illogical.
They look forward to this and want to participate in as many school activities and events as possible. School is basically like army boot camp, a place to earn a degree. It is not supposed to be fun. Our family places a very high priority on achievement. We have high expectations for our children and are looking for a school that will provide them with a high level of challenge. Our family is able to attend some functions, but we have other commitments.
It will depend on the event or function. Montessori schools normally look for a high level of parent involvement. Or your child may love it. So I recommend that parents become as informed as they can, and then try it! The vast majority of children love the Montessori method and thrive in Montessori. Other times there the child has a behavioral or learning issue that is causing a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, there is bullying. Perhaps there is something they can change in the classroom to help your child adjust.
Perhaps there is something you can change at home. The aim is to form a family-like community in which children choose activities at their own pace, and older kids gain confidence by helping teach younger kids. Montessori learning is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms, children choose what materials they want to work with, and the teacher guides the process by offering age-appropriate activities. Children may work in groups or individually while they discover and explore.
Although schools differ on how strict they follow the methods, most Montessori preschool classrooms are clean, well-organized, and uncluttered spaces. This inviting space helps children to feel focused and calm. There are spaces for group activities as well as rugs and couches where a child can sit and relax. Every item in the classroom is easily accessible to the children so as to promote independence.
The room has well-defined areas for different parts of the curriculum, including:. Our place within the natural world is also a central theme in Montessori education, with many Montessori classrooms maintaining some kind of nature aspects such as flowers or other live plants, a rock garden, or seashells.
Deciding what educational approach fits best with your child's personality and needs is a personal decision. Knowing your child is the first and most important step to figuring out if a Montessori school will be your best match.
Because there is self-directed learning, some may think Montessori won't work well for a more rambunctious child, but the order and calmness may actually impose some stability for a kid who otherwise has trouble slowing down. Kids with special needs, such as learning or physical disabilities, often thrive in a Montessori setting.
Students are free to move about the classroom, which is an advantage for those children who require a lot of physical activity. Each child learns at their own pace and there is no pressure to meet formal standards by a predetermined time. On any school tour , it is important to notice the atmosphere of the classroom and how the teachers and students are behaving toward each other.
Do the students seem engaged? Do the teachers look bored? Ask if there is an outdoor area and take a look at it. The inside scoop on Montessori schools Is a Montessori school right for your child?
Get the lowdown on this child-centered approach to education. What you might find in a Montessori school or classroom Calm, not chaos: Forget the chaos and cacophony of traditional early-childhood programs.
Quiet and calm are the rule. Cleanliness, not clutter: Simple, uncluttered furnishings, neatly stacked bins of learning materials — everything has its place in a Montessori classroom. Children sort, stack, and manipulate these materials, which are often from nature or made of wood, fabric, or enameled metal.
Many learning tools are carefully designed to teach specific skills e. Mixed ages: Students within a three-year age range often share a classroom, and children are encouraged to help each other learn. The idea is to create a flexible, non-competitive peer learning environment. Most Montessori schools have a primary program ages 3 to 6 and sometimes a lower elementary program ages 6 to 9 ; programs for upper elementary ages 9 to 12 are less common. Montessori-based programs for middle and high school do exist, but they are even harder to find.
No grades, rewards, or punishments: Although some parents worry about the lack of traditional homework and letter-grade report cards, a study published in the journal Science found that Montessori students tend to show advanced social skills and creativity, and perform better on reading and math tests than peers in traditional programs. Kids older than age six might do independent research, arrange field trips to gather information, interview specialists, and create group presentations of drama, art exhibits, musical productions, and science projects.
What to look out for A school may use the Montessori name without being a true Montessori program. What supporters say Children advance quickly. Parents who love the Montessori approach rave about how quickly even young children advance in terms of self-esteem and academic abilities.
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