Step 1: Show Respect for Your Child. Montessori schools share the belief that children are born with a passion for learning. The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. It is helpful for children to work together on learning as well as school projects. 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. In Beyond Intelligence: Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids, Joanne Foster and I wrote, Montessori schools are designed to ensure that childrens individual learning needs are well met so that each child experiences continuous challenge in his areas of interest. During the third plane children are refining their moral compass while developing a stronger sense of responsibility. are incorporated into every lesson. Children learn best when they are: Given rewards, like stickers. Montessori: A Good School Choice for Smart Kids? But, let's talk about 6 significant reasons why your child will thrive in a quality Montessori program: 1. 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. 13. Every child can benefit from a Montessori education. 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. Watch THIS video. Because of this, the Montessori method is a confusing and counter-productive concept to some. Most classrooms are multi-age and include kids in a two- to three-year age range. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Is Montessori school right for your child? Prepare my child for a traditional kindergarten, Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life. Both my children gradually learned the planning process during their time at Montessori preschool and primary school. 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. Teachers rarely teach to the entire class, and children do a lot of self-directed work. Those of us who choose Montessori for our children generally agree on a few things. My child learns best when in an environment that is:Orderly, bright, and peacefulNoisy and full of visual stimulation 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.First, because Montessori students are given the freedom to choose their own activities, they are more likely to be fully engrossed in those activities and less likely to be asking the teacher for direction. 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 also doesnt force all children to be on the same page of the same textbook at the same time. Human beings have a natural desire to learn. Your child's mind is like a sponge. They look forward to this and want to participate in as many school activities and events as possible. Finding the right school for mom and dad is as important as finding the right school for a child. 6. Montessori schools focus on independent learning, and they encourage each child to be the guide of their educational journey. The most important question in selecting a Montessori school is to consider how well it matches your sense of what kind of education you want for your children. 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. Montessori schools typically cater to younger kids mostly preschoolers, but youll sometimes find Montessori-based elementary schools, and in rare cases youll find Montessori middle and high schools, too. 17. 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. The Journey School: Is Montessori Right for My Child? The authors include suggestions for Montessori homeschooling and public school options, as well as information on private schools that offer Montessori-based instruction. 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. However, when correctly implemented, it can allow our children to thrive and cultivate the love for learning that was born inside of them. 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. If you are feeling overwhelmed by chaos at your house, I'll help you to set up your home Montessori-style. 3. 3. If you enter a Montessori classroom, it can indeed be quite quiet. Toddlerhood is arguably the perfect time of your childs life to expose them to the core values and beliefs of Montessori schools. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Its also important to ask about the program and visit the school; within the Montessori category, theres a fair amount of diversity, so programs dont all look alike from school to school. 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. While some children thrive with this approach, others do better with more teacher direction. It is critically important to allow children to develop a high degree of independence, autonomy, an inner sense of order, and self-motivation. Montessori is different than traditional schools in that: All in all, Montessori schools want children to cultivate a strong love of learning. Your Child Will Learn by Doing: Your child will be . The Montessori Approach is a method of education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, and is based on child-led, self-directed, and hands-on learning. Montessori teachers believe it is their job to assist children in maturing and growing in all aspects of their development, not just academically. Students should be treated with profound respect, in partnership rather than with condescension, external control, and domination. A Montessori classroom will have curated and carefully chosen toys, like Pikler triangles and wooden blocks, available for the children to choose to play with at their own pace. Click here for the AMI comparison of Montessori vs. The Montessori approach is child-centered encouraging children to be independent and learn at their own pace. Each Montessori school does its best to meet each child exactly where they are within their development. * Create beautiful Montessori activities for their age We hope that these guidelines will assist in your decision to enroll or not to enroll your child in a Montessori program! 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. 1. Montessori children never seem to lose the joy of learning! 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.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. 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. Maria Montessori recognized how much children gained from practical achievements and concrete life skills. 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. Get rid of the clutter and set up beautiful, engaging spaces for your children. To continue the love of learning they have cultivated, To keep your childs focus on personal growth, instead of exterior achievements, To avoid a potentially difficult transition into a traditional school, The encouragement of healthy emotional and social skills from a young age, Freedom for the toddler to let it known when they are ready to learn something new, Aid in creating a more profound sense of respect for all. We want to ensure that our child gets into the best schools and colleges. 9. Sending a child to a Montessori program and then transferring to a traditional classroom at kindergarten is truly illogical. (So in preschool, a Montessori classroom might have kids from ages 2 to 5.) At school and home, I want my child to learn to be:Independent and do things for themselvesTo rely on adults for everyday life skillsOne 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.In the words of the American Montessori Society, Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community.Montessori students learn at their own pace through observation, exploration, and experimentation. If you visit a school and find yourself in love with the look and feel of the schools atmosphere if you can clearly see your child happy and successful in this atmosphere than that school is more likely to be a good fit than one that leaves you confused and uncertain. 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. The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. 2430 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 240-324-6160. While we support their rapid language and mathematical growth during this time, we are also responsible for providing them with a variety of rich cultural lessons and experiences. The Second Plane: 6-12 years During the elementary years children begin to look outside themselves. Teachers must maintain strict discipline in the classroom. However, it is never too late to begin Montessori school, and Montessori teachers will do their best to meet each child where they are both academically and emotionally. Is Montessori right for my child? - The Montessori Notebook Montessori is right for families with a range of communication styles and learning expectations; however, families who are generally disorganized (arrive late in the morning, pick up children at varying times, and have difficulty reading and responding to school correspondence with consistency), may experience frustration in a Montessori setting. Choosing a Montessori environment for your child has many benefits. The ideal school schedule for my child would be:A few hours a couple of days a weekA consistent schedule 5 days a week The Montessori program is thoughtfully structured to help children maximize their potential in an environment where they feel content and well adjusted, and a big part of that comes from consistency.Children thrive on routines and knowing what to expect each day, which is why families who can commit to a consistent, 5-day-a-week schedule are those who benefit most from a Montessori education.7. Some children will only thrive in Montessori schools for their early childhood career, whereas others may continue to succeed and enjoy this learning method throughout their entire educational lifespan. 4. While traditional classrooms are very structured in terms of time (e.g. But Montessori believed in these children and decided to experiment with . Daycare vs Montessori: The Difference for Your Child If your child is curious and enjoys independent play, then Montessori school may be exactly what your child needs! 9. Montessori school is said to be perfect for every child, but every family may not be perfect for Montessori. As a result, the Montessori method could easily have a positive impact on every single child who experiences it. It focuses on the whole child not just academics. This is why the primary goal of a Montessori education is to help your child reach her full potential. Related: What Makes a Montessori Classroom Different? There is a great deal of play that becomes learning-centered because of the age-appropriate goals of each group. * And more 2015new Date().getFullYear()>2008&&document.write("-"+new Date().getFullYear()); The Montessori Notebook for Jacaranda Tree Montessori B.V. 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. School should be a joyful experience for children. Montessori teachers allow freedom within limits. PostedJanuary 16, 2017 Beauty and harmony, cleanliness of the environment. A Montessori approach to toilet training, 4. Get overwhelmed by disorder in their environment, Have a difficult time sitting for long periods. Engage Team Feb 17, 2017. Montessori is an education philosophy and approach to learning that begins at a child's birth and continues through young adulthood. 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. She imagined a farm school, in which children would work to keep the farm operational, but also contribute to planning and decision making while doing so. In the words of the American Montessori Society, Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community.. While I believe Montessori is suitable for all children, Montessori is not for all families. Yes! 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. Today, Montessori has grown to be among the most popular forms of early childhood education. Gifted?. Is Montessori Right for your Child? - form.jotform.com 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. In general, our world does not function under the fundamentals of the Montessori method. 6. Montessori strives to develop happy, engaged learners who exhibit passion and an internalized drive to learn -- a valuable life skill. 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. It is found in children at birth. Because of this, Montessori teachers do their best to assist each child individually and holistically. School decision-making is all about individual differences, both across schools, and across children and families. * Get rid of the chaos and set up cosy spaces at home Many make choices to further their education and/or explore career paths. Brilla Toys on Instagram: ""Discover the joy of learning with The student-teacher ratio tends to be high, so children are usually working on their own or with other children. With the right stimulation, it is possible to nurture the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills in young children. With the right environment, it is possible to nurture that curiosity and desire to learn throughout a person's lifetime. Each plane of development should be mindfully nurtured. I can't say enough positive things about Sunrise Montessori. They learn by using their hands, and specialized materials in the Montessori classroom were developed with this consideration. It is during this time that children are ready to learn about collaboration. 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. Next. Now, you can eat your lunch. Is this a rare glimpse inside a factory powered by child labor? Do teachers respond to childrens needs? We believe learning should be an exciting and joyful experience for childrensomething they choose to do . is an authentic Montessori Program for children 3 years old through Kindergarten. Students are also more likely to retain important concepts when they are able to apply them to different situations and test their validity for themselves. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to . Child-centered. Some advantages to Montessori school are: People are trained by todays society to push toward goals to avoid punishment and to prove their success. Specialties: Founded in 1978, M.C.D.C. Montessori Child Development Center - Yelp Teaching to mastery is key. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school administered programs. 12. While Her says any child can excel in a Montessori skill, she points to motivation as giving students a boost. In the second plane, a child is compelled to actually work with their friends. Get the lowdown on this child-centered approach to education. 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. 5 Lead Generators To Market Your Montessori School Take time to let your child share their opinions with you. 10. Students are also more likely to retain important concepts when they are able to apply them to different situations and test their validity for themselves.8. Your child thrives when moving around and exploring. This lesson is fascinating for children in the way it is presented, but gives them basic information about the solar system, states of matter, and other important concepts. Instead, children can choose which activities they want to participate in and for how long, so as not to interrupt the learning and exploration process.10. 14. The focus on individual learning allows students to work at their own pace and can also provide a healthy environment for special needs children. 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. This can be ideal, and is in fact the objective of most educators today. Some parents prefer the structure and familiarity of a traditional classroom setting. Because of their responsiveness to individual learning needs and interests, Montessori schools can be particularly good for highly capable young children. The Fourth Plane: 18-24 The final plane is a time in which young adults are striving for financial independence. Gifted? by Laura Markham, Montessori and Gifted Children, by The Montessori Observer. If you enter a Montessori classroom, it can indeed be quite quiet. Here are some of the things we're asked about most often. At school and home, I want my child to learn to be: To rely on adults for everyday life skills. As children get older and begin learning common academic subjects, more structure is added. The Montessori method is all about learning through experience. 21 Likes, 3 Comments - Brilla Toys (@brillatoys) on Instagram: ""Discover the joy of learning with Montessori" What are you waiting for? The family assumes that their children will do well, and are fairly relaxed about academic issues. * Find alternatives to time out and help them become responsible humans Ruby Red LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Parents who are particularly concerned about high standards and achievement may find Montessori difficult to understand and support. 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. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. 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. Through exploration and imagination, they can be encouraged to learn outside of the box instead of through paperwork and strict instruction. the Montessori classroom is not. This is the period of time in which children are striving for intellectual independence. Montessori classrooms are inherently suited for serving diverse needs and differentiating to . 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. Montessori education is a "whole child" approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child developmentcognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Is Montessori right for my child? | Lupine Montessori School Intelligence is not rare among human beings. Children are born curious, creative, and motivated to observe and learn things. Physical activity is a large part of a Montessori curriculum, with moving and learning being innately linked; there is also a strong focus on multisensory learning. The post QUIZ: Is a Montessori School Right for Your Child? Montessori schools share the belief that children are born with a passion for learning. Montessori schools have various expectations regarding parental involvement. 4. 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. 30 minutes each day for Math, 30 minutes each day for Reading, etc.) Each child learns at their pace. | In most cases, parents and teachers work together between home and school to help them develop these new habits.