Early childhood is the absolute best time to send your child to a Montessori school. 3. Maria Montessori created the Montessori method with the idea that children deserve to learn at their own pace and thrive in their own unique way; therefore, Montessori schools could arguably be perfect for every child. 16. As far as the fit for the child, Hewetson believes that Montessori is the way children learn best, but states, "children who have high needs for specialized services can often be better served by schools who have a more robust learning support staff. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which school will best meet your child's needs and support their growth and development. Here are some instances where Montessori school could be a perfect match for your child: Because Montessori schools encourage each student to guide their learning and academic exploration, it is flexible and moldable to many different personality types. 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. 1. 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. Each Montessori school does its best to meet each child exactly where they are within their development. Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs. Finding the right school for mom and dad is as important as finding the right school for a child. 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. 5. There is a direct link between childrens sense of self-worth, empowerment, self-mastery, and their ability to learn and retain new skills and information. Watch THIS video. In the early 20th century in Italy, she developed the first school in what would become a global phenomenon, with thousands of schools today that use the Montessori name. The Montessori Method is built on core beliefs and practices that may be new to you. Montessori principles are built around helping children form and thrive in natural interests instead of traditional educational principles where learning occurs from prescribed methods. And if you are strict at home, and your child is used to cooperating via rewards, stickers and time outs, they could find it difficult to control themselves with the freedom in the Montessori classroom. Children naturally want to learn and understand things, and giving them the freedom and the opportunity to do so is the key to helping them achieve their learning goals.9. 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. Montessori schools believe that children are normally born intelligent, curious, and creative and that all too often, parents and schools make the process of learning stressful rather than natural. Your work period is ending, says a woman whos clearly in charge. To that end, the emphasis is on allowing children to learn from their own mistakes and to figure out how to do things on their own rather than relying on an adult to tell them. What Makes a Montessori Classroom Different? 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. It affirms the possibilities each child has to learn and grow, and recognizes that children develop in unique ways, according to their own unique abilities, backgrounds, interests, and schedules. Multi-age classrooms are another component of Montessori. 8. 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. 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. In most cases, parents and teachers work together between home and school to help them develop these new habits. In 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. Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade. 3 Many of Montessori's students had never been to school before and were thought to be difficult to teach. Many Montessori schools offer a year-round program, enabling children to keep the same consistent routine throughout the year without disruption. The First Plane: birth-6 years During this stage children absorb everything like sponges. The program is carefully structured to provide optimal learning opportunities for children. My child learns best when in an environment that is: You will notice that Montessori classrooms have a calm, inviting atmosphere that tends to be quieter than walking into, say, a typical elementary school classroom; there are a couple reasons for this. In 1907, Dr. Montessori opened a school based on these theories in the working-class Rome neighborhood of San Lorenzo, for children aged 3 to 6. They suddenly develop a strong desire to form peer groups. The focus on individual learning allows students to work at their own pace and can also provide a healthy environment for special needs children. 11. If your child is curious and enjoys independent play, then Montessori school may be exactly what your child needs! When the programming follows a true Montessori philosophy, or is adapted in a way that is consistent with this approach, it nurtures childrens developing independence, autonomy, competence, and self-confidence. Children learn best when they are:Given rewards, like stickersConnected with internal motivation and interestsWe believe learning should be an exciting and joyful experience for childrensomething they choose to do without the expectation of rewards for academic outcome, participation, or cooperation.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.2. Montessori school can significantly benefit children who: Each child offers different qualities and requires different things in their daily life. The teacher prepares and connects the child to the environment which is full of beautiful materials to explore and the children learn through discovery. The decision to enroll a child in a particular school should be based on the parents and schools mutual belief that this will be a good fit for the childs personality and learning style, as well as with the familys values and goals. Montessori FAQs. 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. However, when correctly implemented, it can allow our children to thrive and cultivate the love for learning that was born inside of them. School is basically like army boot camp, a place to earn a degree. Related: What Makes a Montessori Classroom Different? The student-teacher ratio tends to be high, so children are usually working on their own or with other children. Montessori may be the right choice if your child is a kinesthetic learner, or if your child needs to improve their self-learning and critical thinking skills. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Rather than presenting students with the right answers, Montessori educators lead students to ask their own questions and to discover how to find the answers for themselves. Known for individually paced learning and fostering independence, the Montessori Method also encourages empathy, a passion for social justice, and a joy in lifelong learning. As a family, it is necessary to sit down and discuss your childs needs, what you can afford, and if you feel like you can also promote Montessori ideologies within your own home. 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. I want my child to be in an environment that: Encourages them to explore their interests, without interruption, Has an external curriculum taught at specific intervals each day. The majority of Montessori schools end at age five because their main focus is early childhood. Connected with internal motivation and interests. This way, children have more opportunities to learn and grow at their own pace! The types of development that Montessori schools focus on are: Teaching the whole child instead of just the academic aspects of a childs development is the most fundamental aspect of the Montessori method. It is important to note that children develop a sense of moral justice at this time. During the first three years of a childs life, they create a cognitive foundation regarding: When Montessori educators can work with children from a very young age, they can more easily teach them what it is to have a strong love of learning. Every family functions differently, and each child will thrive in different environments. If you have an active, energetic child, ask about opportunities for physical and outdoor play. Call and schedule a visit. The post QUIZ: Is a Montessori School Right for Your Child? See also: How much do Montessori schools cost? When adults can help children dig deeper into those specific interests and passions, they can help them cultivate their love of learning instead of diminishing this love with assignments and grades. Being a Montessori family comes with struggles and sacrifices, just like any new and innovative learning style might bring. Through exploration and imagination, they can be encouraged to learn outside of the box instead of through paperwork and strict instruction. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in designing educational techniques that helped children with a variety of learning challenges. Is Montessori Right for your Child? Previously, during the first plane, a child would be content to focus on their own work while sitting near others. 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). During this time, children have a wonderful sense of order. The family assumes that their children will do well, and are fairly relaxed about academic issues. The result is all too often students who are more stressed and apathetic about their educations than ever. Montessori is a unique learning method, and children will have an easier time adapting to it when they are younger and havent learned the styles of conventional school settings yet. The Second Plane: 6-12 years During the elementary years children begin to look outside themselves. This is absolutely fine.However, because children tend to learn in different ways and at different paces, they often benefit from being in an environment that allows them to learn in the way that works best for them. It will depend on the event or function. Bring your child along and let them explore the room and all of its areas. Children learn best through hands-on experience, real-world application, and problem-solving. Teaching and learning method. While each child is different, there are typical patterns that emerge in regards to brain development and general readiness to learn particular skills. Your child thrives when moving around and exploring. It also doesnt force all children to be on the same page of the same textbook at the same time. 2. While this was particularly valuable for the cognitively impaired children she was working with, most children feel good about mastering practical skillssweeping the floor, pouring liquids, etc.and this is an approach that can help all children develop competence and confidence. The idea that those who learn quickly are more talented misses a basic truth about how children really learn. The Montessori classroom is a great example. The most important questions to answer, of course, are: Would your child enjoy this environment, could your child thrive in this setting, and is this the right learning environment for your child? They learn by using their hands, and specialized materials in the Montessori classroom were developed with this consideration. Montessori education is a whole child approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child developmentcognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Your Child Will Learn by Doing: Your child will be . Contact Us Today! 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'. Children learn best when they are: Given rewards, like stickers. You want your child to learn mutual respect and unity towards all. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Montessori schools promote rigorous, self-motivated learning through manipulating and exploring the world around them. Enjoys interacting with other kids of different ages. They feel a strong desire to remain independent from adults, although they are not quite ready to do this entirely. Is a Montessori school right for your child? The ideal school schedule for my child would be: 7. Tour the school and ask questions. Her ideas of Erdkinder (children of the earth) led her to contemplate a school setting that would support childrens development during this time. Again, 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. Five things to look for when touring a childcare program Will your child be safe? * Create beautiful Montessori activities for their age Children learn to respect nature and each other while getting a foundation in reading, writing, math, science and geography. Toddlerhood is arguably the perfect time of your childs life to expose them to the core values and beliefs of Montessori schools. PostedJanuary 16, 2017 They want school to be exciting and fun, not demanding and stressful in the name of high standards! This will look different for each child, and that is why it is so important to allow each child to discover what this love is in their way, on their own time. Children under the age of 4 are continually building their foundation for what will determine the rest of their life. There are many different reasons why Montessori school could be perfect for your child. One of the strengths of Montessori is the atmosphere of cooperation and respect, as children with a variety of personalities and learning styles find joy in learning. 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. 14. So, it's completely understandable to question the efficacy of something so new for your own child! 4. *** Enroll Now for 2023 - 2024: Montessori Elementary and Middle School READ MORE ***, The Journey School Montessori Middle School They do it with the best intentions, but it should be common sense that children who are educated in one consistent approach, and who grow up within one school community, tend to be more grounded and tend to get more long-term value from their school experience than children who have had to adjust to several different schools. It is important that your child completes worksheets and memorizes facts at school. One of my children learns a lot from observing the other children he watches and watches others doing an activity, then after some time tries it himself and has generally already mastered it. I am choosing a school to:Prepare my child for a traditional kindergartenPrepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and lifeMontessori 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. They long for authentic learning experiences, and Dr. Montessori imagined just that. Practicing the same principles at home that your child practices at their Montessori school can significantly benefit your child as well as the other members in your household. Next. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? This approach, developed by Maria Montessori in Rome in the early 1900s, is child-centered, with teachers serving as guides. The organization of the works on their classroom shelves is intentional, which appeals again to this sense of order. 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. Children who are loud learn to use their indoor voices, and those who are messy learn to put away their work neatly. 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. 3. Montessori schools focus on every aspect of a childs development: emotional, academic, physical, social, and spiritual. Quizzes. Another reason that Montessori may be considered to be a disadvantage is the financial responsibility that it entails. 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. Learn at their own pace and be challenged according to their unique ability, Learn according to a curriculum based upon their age. Maria Montessori believed that children best develop when they are allowed to make decisions and act freely within an environment that emphasizes the following qualities: An arrangement that facilitates movement and activity. The Montessori method is a style of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago and is still going strong until today. 4-WEEK E-COURSE Setting up your home Montessori-style, 2-WEEK BOOTCAMP Setting up a Montessori playgroup, 1. You also shouldn't baby your child. Montessori views childrens play as work and respects their independence and natural curiosity. 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. 18. She believed in cultivating the entire child through exploration and independence. Understanding your childs development can help at home, too. Maria Montessori recognized how much children gained from practical achievements and concrete life skills. Their sense of order and neatness tend to fade a bit during this plane. 15. 7. As children get older and begin learning common academic subjects, more structure is added. While traditional classrooms are very structured in terms of time (e.g. School decision-making is all about individual differences, both across schools, and across children and families. 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. Decentralized. Throughout the second plane, childrens imaginations are ignited. Research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between parental involvement and overall student achievement. Parents want a school that will stimulate and encourage their childs curiosity, creativity, and imagination. We hope that these guidelines will assist in your decision to enroll or not to enroll your child in a Montessori program! 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. 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. Why your neighborhood school closes for good and what to do when it does, 5 things for Black families to consider when choosing a school. Gifted? by Laura Markham, Montessori and Gifted Children, by The Montessori Observer. 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. 7. We do not believe that most children need external or artificial structure and pressure to make them learn. Our family is able to attend some functions, but we have other commitments. Montessori takes a child-centered approach to learning. A Montessori classroom is thoughtfully designed to offer children opportunities to develop their own capabilities, whether it is learning how to dress themselves independently, multiply a multi-digit equation, communicate their needs effectively, or problem solve with others. Sending a child to a Montessori program and then transferring to a traditional classroom at kindergarten is truly illogical. * Get rid of the chaos and set up cosy spaces at home A Montessori school can be a great choice for supporting the development of your childs giftedness, creativity, and talent, but a Montessori education can also work to suppress your childs abilities and enthusiasms. Back. The largest age group of children who attend Montessori schools are 3- to 6-years-old. Teachers rarely teach to the entire class, and children do a lot of self-directed work. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. Gifted?. Prepare my child for a traditional kindergarten, Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life. Deciding when to place your child in Montessori school and when to take them out will be up to each familys personal preference. Dr. Maria Montessori, an educator, and physician from Italy set up the Montessori technique.As a parent, choosing the right preschool for your child can be a daunting task. Because of this, the Montessori method is a confusing and counter-productive concept to some. With the right environment, it is possible to nurture that curiosity and desire to learn throughout a person's lifetime. 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. In the Montessori school, play is a child's work, says Wana. Academic competition and accountability are not effective ways to motivate students to become well educated. The Montessori method encourages children to explore their environment, develop their senses, and learn at their own pace. So, it is challenging for them to keep tuition costs low. Some do, and some dont. Montessori-specific play and learning materials, Association Montessori Internationale (AMI or AMI/USA), How families of color can fight for fair discipline in school. Find a school that you love, and once you do, remember the old adage: It is not a good idea to try fix something that is already working. Some parents try different schools out for a year or two, and then move on to another. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC, Source: David Veksler/Flickr/Creative Commons. 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. Our family places a very high priority on achievement. Some of these adhere rigidly to Dr. Montessoris original practices, and others follow the spirit of her philosophy much more loosely. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to . 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. At its most rigid, howeverand as occurs in some traditional Montessori schoolsthe focus on practical life skills leads to a prohibition against play-based learning and imagination, and can also mean little or no time allocated to physical and outdoor play. Montessori education is good for young children. It is during the fourth plane that people begin to develop a truer sense of who they are as individuals. It depends on your childtheir age, temperament, interests, abilities, and moreas well as on the specific school. During the second plane there is a sudden and marked period of physical growth. Specialties: Founded in 1978, M.C.D.C. When I became a foster mother, I started researching different parenting and education ideas. On the other hand, if you find yourself concerned, then you may be more comfortable selecting a more conventional school for your child. The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. Although they emphasize the positive aspects of Montessori schools, they also include reasons for caution and concern, criteria that parents should consider in making a decision for their child. However, all children can adapt and blossom within a Montessori school! Children in the second plane have a voracious appetite for information, and are often drawn strongly to what we in Montessori call the cultural subjects: science, history, and geography. While I believe Montessori is suitable for all children, Montessori is not for all families. 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. Here are some of the things we're asked about most often.