It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was. – Maria Montessori
The Montessori system of education, developed one hundred years ago by an inspirational educator, Dr. Maria Montessori, is one of the most progressive methods we have today. It is a unique approach which fosters children’s love and motivation for learning, encourages independence and forms a base for lifelong learning. This system offers a number of other unique benefits which can help children, not only to in this very moment, reach their potentials, but also to improve their odds for further academic experiences.
Focusing on Developmental Milestones
Children have different needs and capabilities at different ages. It is important that educational systems focus on those specific developmental stages, but still, have in perspective that some children can reach those milestones prior to others. This approach focuses on those key stages and work, for instance, with younger children on developing muscles and language, with four-year olds on fine motor skills and with older preschoolers on broadening their learning experience.
Encouraging Cooperation
Through play, kids learn valuable life skills. Cooperative play encourages working together to solve a problem, which encourages tolerance, compassion and improves relationship skills. This method enables children to guide the activities in the classroom, to cooperatively explore and build a sense of community. The teacher does not run the classroom, instead, he/she is a part of community.
Child-Centered Learning
Montessori educational method is designed around the specific needs and capabilities of the children, and thus allows each child to learn at his/her own pace and explore on his/her own terms. The system is individualized for each child and it does not inflict the same learning pace for all students. The environment is adapted to the children’s needs – furniture is sized for the kids, everything is within their own reach, etc.
Learning Self-Discipline
Though it may seem that this approach lacks discipline, because it allows children to choose their activities and design the learning process, that is far from being true. In fact, instead of preaching discipline, Montessori Method teaches kids self-discipline by setting specific ground rules which naturally refines skills like self-control, motivation and concentration.
Inspiring Creativity
The very fact that children are allowed to choose, change and create their activities, encourages creativity. Children work at some specific task because they want to do that and they learn to love learning itself, not because of the end result, but because of the process. This is a natural way to develop creative thinking and broaden interests. If the children are, during their education, exposed to wide variety of cultures and different ways of thinking, they are more likely to grow up to be tolerant and respective persons.
Focusing on Hands-On Learning
For children, learning abstract concepts can be extremely difficult and complicated. Montessori curriculum is, because of that, focused on concrete learning and activities which are helping kids learn math, culture, language and practical life lessons. The students are encouraged to concentrate on the specific task and understand it.
Research Supports the Benefits of this Method
A research published in 2006 in the Journal of Science examined the abilities of children who have been thought in schools where Montessori Method is applied. A professor of psychology, Dr. Angeline Lillard, found that five-year olds in Montessori schools have higher reading and math skills than their peers in public schools.
A child’s early education greatly impacts his/her entire educational process. A good start offered by Montessori Method will create a firm base for successful lifelong learning.
Have you ever considered this type of education for your kids?
Some people are coordinated and graceful; others are clumsy. Being able to work well with your hands gives you a huge advantage in life. If the hands-on nature of Montessori schools enables them to help uncoordinated children become more dexterous, then that is certainly something to be said for them.
I probably fit in on the more clumsy side. I def wouldn’t call myself graceful LOL.
There is a Montessori school in our district. I live in a town with a magnet school system and we had 5 elementary schools to choose from. We did not choose the Montessori school, but that was because my son in very interested in music and art and one of the magnet schools specializes in that. As you describe it, the key part of the Montessori approach is the individualization. I think this addresses what is a problem in our schools. The kids who need a bigger challenge don’t get it and the kids who need more help don’t always get it either. Education in the U.S. is not the priority that it should be when it comes to funding and as class size grows I think you find a lot of teachers who are teachiong at a level that is below average in order to try to accommodate everyone.
We had magnet schools in our area too but never got the chance to try them. I’ve heard great things about them too. I know what you mean. The middle ground isn’t always the best when it comes to teaching groups. It’s a rock and a hard place.
I did not put my daughter into a Montessori school, but I know others whose did (primarily as a pre-school option) and were very happy with it.
I wanted to put my kids in a Montessori preschool but it wasn’t in the budget.
I have heard great things about the Montessori schools. The school environment should focus on fun activities as well as academic, children thrive when they enjoy their “work”.
A montessori school is not too far from home – I have considered it.
I enjoy kids have to enjoy it otherwise they block it out and don’t pay attention.
I’ve always heard such great things about Montessori schools. Any learning that centers around the child and moves at their pace and teaches self discipline has a lot going for it. No wonder the students do so well.
I’ve always heard great things too. I just wish I could afford it.