While I believe Montessori is suitable for all children, Montessori is not for all families. Montessori school is said to be perfect for every child, but every family may not be perfect for Montessori. Country Montessori School in Poway provides a rich learning environment for children ages 2.6 to 11 years in its Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten), for Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) and . Therefore, you must do what is best for you and your child, and try not to let the social pressure of the outside world affect your decision making when it comes to your childs best interest. However, the children are also allowed to get up and move around the classroom so it can be ideal for children who need to move. There are an infinite number of reasons why Montessori will work for your child. 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). Montessori high schools are scarce in our country because of a lack of interest. 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. Research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between parental involvement and overall student achievement. This approach, developed by Maria Montessori in Rome in the early 1900s, is child-centered, with teachers serving as guides. It will depend on the event or function. Montessori is right for a wide range of personalities, temperaments and learning styles. 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. Sending a child to a Montessori program and then transferring to a traditional classroom at kindergarten is truly illogical. No one has quite as much energy or curiosity as a 2-year-old! Ideally, parents should seek out the best fit, not only between their child and a particular school but also between their familys values and goals for their childrens education and what given schools realistically offer. Even if your child is the only one attending Montessori school, they will bring what they have learned into your home, and this can prove to be a very beneficial experience for the entire family. Marshdale North6989 Highway 73, Evergreen. 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. 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. Children begin to lose their teeth around this time as well. It is important that your child completes worksheets and memorizes facts at school.TrueFalseAlthough often used in traditional school settings, worksheets and similar memorization and repetition tools are rarely (if ever) used in the Montessori classroom.We believe children learn more effectively through hands-on experience and independent exploration rather than regurgitating facts onto a sheet of paper. 3. What Makes a Montessori Classroom Different? In the Montessori school, play is a child's work, says Wana. 9. Some things you will find in a Montessori classroom include: For those households that are more strict and disciplined, your child may find the freedom and flexibility of guiding their learning to be a foreign concept and difficult at first. When a child shows interest and preparedness in a particular new task or educational piece, the teachers facilitate their learning toward whatever way works best for them. The organization of the works on their classroom shelves is intentional, which appeals again to this sense of order. *** Enroll Now for 2023 - 2024: Montessori Elementary and Middle School READ MORE ***, The Journey School Montessori Middle School 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. During the second half of the plane, from about 3-6 years, children enter the conscious stage of learning. 30 minutes each day for Math, 30 minutes each day for Reading, etc.) When seeking an early education program for your child, there are a variety of program choices that adopt traditional methods to nontraditional experiences. 9. It is always at the ready to learn something new. Intelligence is not rare among human beings. by: Leslie Crawford | Updated: February 12, 2016. 9. They learn by exploring their senses and interacting with their environment. The Second Plane: 6-12 years During the elementary years children begin to look outside themselves. 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. Is Montessori right for your child? 3. Each Montessori school does its best to meet each child exactly where they are within their development. 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. Call and schedule a visit. A Montessori program is run more like a preschool than daycare, and most accept children from ages 2 to 3 years old up to age 5 or 6. 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. They are methodical and can appreciate the many steps involved in practical life lessons in their classrooms. Next. Montessori teachers believe it is their job to assist children in maturing and growing in all aspects of their development, not just academically. Young children sit on the floor, bent over their toy screws, each deeply focused on executing the same simple task. I can't say enough positive things about Sunrise Montessori. 6. Both my children gradually learned the planning process during their time at Montessori preschool and primary school. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in designing educational techniques that helped children with a variety of learning challenges. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. Not at all. Older students are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found . She observed child development and created a method of education based on their development style, rather than the conventional style of education that fights against natural child instincts. Connected with internal motivation and interests. Children learn best when they are: * . It is found in children at birth. 5. Children learn more when they are pushed. 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? are incorporated into every lesson. Quizzes. Back. 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. In determining which school is the best match, you will need to trust your eyes, ears, and gut instincts. Learning about the planes of development isnt just for Montessori educators. Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade. Human beings have a natural desire to learn. 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. 7. Although Montessori schools adhere to a basic philosophy, each will be different. When considering education, I:Am open to learning about all methods and want to find one that is the best match for my childBelieve traditional methods are the best optionSome parents prefer the structure and familiarity of a traditional classroom setting. The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. link to The 12 Best Montessori Activities For 3-Year-Olds, link to Best Montessori Activities For 2-Year-Olds, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toys for Babies 0-12 Months, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toys for 1 Year Olds, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toy Ideas for 18 Month Olds, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toy Ideas for 2 Year olds, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toy Ideas for 3 Year Olds, Gift Guide: Best Montessori Gift Ideas for Preschoolers 4 and 5 Years Old, Montessori ideologies within your own home. Get your free Montessori routine cards, 2. Most early childhood programs work on motor skill development as well as emotional development. Montessori school is fantastic for learners who learn: All children can benefit from a Montessori education, especially if they thrive on independence and exploration. It focuses on the whole child not just academics. appeared first on Eden Prairie Montessori. However, the children are also allowed to get up and move around the classroom so it can be ideal for children who need to move. Five things to look for when touring a childcare program Will your child be safe? the Montessori classroom is not. 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. Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs. Like we shared above, showing respect for the child is one of the most important aspects of the Montessori method. In the end, the selection of a Montessori school comes down to a matter of personal preference. 7. 6. Gifted?. 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. 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. Since Montessori education is based in reality, we find ways to deliver real information to children through storytelling and other similar methods. While traditional classrooms are very structured in terms of time (e.g. 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. 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. * Learn to understand your toddler better Because of this, Montessori teachers do their best to assist each child individually and holistically. The family would like to be involved with their childrens school. | We do not believe that most children need external or artificial structure and pressure to make them learn. To get into most colleges, children need to take tests such as the SAT and ACT; therefore, parents often want their children in conventional schools by the time they are of high school age. 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. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to . 1. 10. While some children thrive with this approach, others do better with more teacher direction. Some traditional Montessori. They long for authentic learning experiences, and Dr. Montessori imagined just that. We believe learning should be an exciting and joyful experience for childrensomething they choose to do . 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. Children are capable of making choices to guide their own learning. Families who treasure mutual respect, independence, unique personal differences, and creativity will likely thrive in a Montessori environment. We also believe that the current emphasis on testing and a state-established curriculum ignores common sense and the true nature of how children learn. This way, children have more opportunities to learn and grow at their own pace! Consistency is required in any childs life, so it is encouraged to participate in the same belief system at home, as your child does in school. 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. 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.