My daughter has been attending an accredited Montessori school since she was eighteen months old, and now at five, I can confidently say that her experience has been transformative. The school not only teaches her fundamental academic skills but also enhances her motor, communication, problem-solving, and social skills. Importantly, it reinforces the core values I’ve been instilling in her since birth—creativity, courage, honesty, respect, curiosity, and appreciation. As a single parent, finding an institution that aligned with these values was crucial, and the outcome has exceeded my expectations. She has blossomed into an incredibly bright, independent, artistic, and loving child who is well-adjusted and self-regulating. The emphasis on holistic education in her Montessori environment has truly nurtured her development, allowing her to thrive in a way that fills me with pride and joy.
THE EDUCATION
Montessori education is a method of teaching that focuses on a child’s natural interests and development through hands-on learning, collaboration, and self-direction. The method was developed by Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori, who believed that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. She developed her theories through scientific experimentation with her students and the method has since been used in many parts of the world, both in public and private schools alike.
THE CLASSROOM
Montessori classrooms are different from traditional classrooms in that they are beautiful, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged. Instead structuring the day with blocks of various subjects where student sit at desks with the teachers at the front of the class, the classroom environment is decentralized and orderly, with children moving around and working independently or in small groups. They are also multi-aged (children of different ages participate in activities together, learning from each other and developing at their own pace), and generally emphasize calm, muted colors and items that reflect real-world, natural beauty. Why? For the same reason that we focus best when our workspace is calm and uncluttered – we learn best in spaces that promote calm and concentration.
THE SCHOOL
Montessori schools are typically more expensive than other types of private schools due to the high-quality teaching materials used, extensive teacher training, and most notably, they address the individual needs of the child (they teach each child, not the class). It is common to see aesthetically pleasing materials made of wood, thermic tiles, counting beads, movable maps, and real life materials among others. Children are encouraged to solve problems on their own and develop a sense of independence. This helps children become confident and capable problem-solvers. They also provide a language-rich environment that help children develop strong language skills. Teachers are credentialed and have a thorough understanding of Montessori philosophy, curriculum, classroom management, and child development.
BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS
There are many benefits of Montessori education and while I am partial to this method of learning, I would be remiss to not mention the drawbacks as well.
BENEFITS
-
Encourages independence and self-motivation
-
Develops critical thinking skills
-
Improves social skills
-
Supports emotional development
-
Enhances creativity and imagination
-
Fosters a love of learning
-
Develops fine motor skills
-
Encourages problem-solving
-
Supports language development
-
Prepares children for future success
DRAWBACKS
-
Limited structure
-
Lack of standardized assessment
-
Limited availability
-
Difficulty transitioning to higher education
-
High tuition
Overall Montessori education has worked well for our family. It is a unique and effective method of education that provides numerous benefits for children, providing the tools needed to succeed in school and in life. Many children who go to Montessori school tend to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attend the other schools. Nonetheless education is not one-size-fits-all and not all Montessori schools are created equal. Do your own research and pick whatever method of education or school that works best for your family. You got this mama!
To learn more about the Montessori method of learning we encourage you to visit:
https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/Inside-the-Montessori-Classroom