Also, certified Montessori instructors graduate from a special training program. 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. Montessori education is good for young children. Because of this, Montessori teachers do their best to assist each child individually and holistically. 5. Montessori classrooms are inherently suited for serving diverse needs and differentiating to . They are often living away from home for the first time, and use this time to figure out where they fit into their society. Montessori high schools are scarce in our country because of a lack of interest. The children seem focussed on their activities without the teacher having to yell to calm them down. 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. The First Plane: birth-6 years During this stage children absorb everything like sponges. 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. 13. 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. How can I determine if Montessori is right for my child. And this was mastered in upper primary (the bovenbouw). Back. There is a place for everything, and everything is generally in its place! comprehensive and thoughtful resource for parents who are considering Montessori, How Can I Choose a School for My Gifted Child, Choosing Preschool: Montessori vs. How Psychologically Conditioned Rats Are Defusing Landmines, The Innate Intelligence Observed in the Dying Process. 6. Teachers rarely teach to the entire class, and children do a lot of self-directed work. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in designing educational techniques that helped children with a variety of learning challenges. Montessori schools share the belief that children are born with a passion for learning. 14. This can prove to be very beneficial, especially when your child is under the age of five. Sending a child to a Montessori program and then transferring to a traditional classroom at kindergarten is truly illogical. If you have an active, energetic child, ask about opportunities for physical and outdoor play. This will give you a better understanding of the Montessori classroom so you can decide if it is right for your child. 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. - NOW AVAILABLE IN AMAZON AND ANY BOOKSELLER -. The ideal school schedule for my child would be: 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. For example, when teaching children about the beginnings of our universe, Montessori schools use what is called a Great Lesson. Be sure to check the mission statement and curriculum of your Montessori school. Specialties: Founded in 1978, M.C.D.C. Montessori school can significantly benefit children who: Each child offers different qualities and requires different things in their daily life. 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. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. 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. (pp 163-4), Montessori Education in Canada, by Glen Hoffman, How Can I Choose a School for My Gifted Child, by Carolyn K, Choosing Preschool: Montessori vs. The authors include suggestions for Montessori homeschooling and public school options, as well as information on private schools that offer Montessori-based instruction. When considering education, I: * 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. The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. 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. Copyright 2022| The Montessori Foundation | 19600 State Road 64 East, Bradenton, FL 34212, (800) 655-5843 / 1 (941) 729-9565 | Fax 1-941-745-3111, Register for Montessori Family Life Webinars, MLI Course: Building a World-Class Montessori School, MLI Course: Recruiting & Retaining Your Perfect Enrollment, MLI Course: An Overview of Montessori Principles and Curriculum / Infant-Toddler through High School. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? 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. 4-WEEK E-COURSE Setting up your home Montessori-style, 2-WEEK BOOTCAMP Setting up a Montessori playgroup, 1. At school and home, I want my child to learn to be: To rely on adults for everyday life skills. It is during the fourth plane that people begin to develop a truer sense of who they are as individuals. Do teachers respond to childrens needs? You believe in cultivating all areas of your childs development and not just their academic success. Because of this, these formative years are very crucial, and what children learn and are exposed to could dictate their adolescence and adulthood. 12. Montessori Middle school offers an academically rigorous curriculum using integrated, student-led projects grounded in real-world application to foster critical and analytical thinking skills. Maria Montessori was the first Italian female doctor in the early twentieth century. 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.Lets look at the questions from our quiz and which answers resonate most with Montessori parents. Get your child The Hands" 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. The room is silent, the mood serious. Montessori schools share the belief that children are born with a passion for learning. School is basically like army boot camp, a place to earn a degree. "We don't want the child to feel the weight of our help. A guide to background checking Need More Help With Your Marketing? During this time, children have a wonderful sense of order. Sorry for the inconvenience. With the right environment, it is possible to nurture that curiosity and desire to learn throughout a person's lifetime. 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. This is the period of time in which children are striving for intellectual independence. It is helpful for children to work together on learning as well as school projects. Most early childhood programs work on motor skill development as well as emotional development. This will give you a better understanding of the Montessori classroom so you can decide if it is right for your child. 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. This approach, developed by Maria Montessori in Rome in the early 1900s, is child-centered, with teachers serving as guides. Take our short quiz to find out! 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. Parents want a school that will stimulate and encourage their childs curiosity, creativity, and imagination. So, it's completely understandable to question the efficacy of something so new for your own child! They also focus on teaching organization, strategy, and good habits. 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. Academic competition and accountability are not effective ways to motivate students to become well educated. Montessori is different than traditional schools in that: All in all, Montessori schools want children to cultivate a strong love of learning. During the second plane, children become aware of social connections, but in the third plane they are critical. There are an infinite number of reasons why Montessori will work for your child. Support the Journey School when you shop AmazonSmile. 9. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. 11. The most important years of a childs education are not high school and college, but the first six years of life. Gifted?. The majority of Montessori schools end at age five because their main focus is early childhood. If you enter a Montessori classroom, it can indeed be quite quiet. 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. Your child thrives in an atmosphere where they can direct their learning. Next. A wonderful learning environment in a farm-like setting. Montessori education is a "whole child" approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child developmentcognitive, emotional, social, and physical. The family would like to stay in Montessori at least for the elementary program, and perhaps beyond. 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. 4. 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. There are numerous advantages to placing your child in a Montessori school, especially from a young age, before conventional schools have laid a foundation on goal-oriented success. Once these issues have been discussed, you can confidently try out Montessori and see how your child adapts and thrives within their new lifestyle! 7. They are, indeed, excellent examples if what Montessori called The Absorbent Mind. This is a time in which we are able to utilize what Montessori called sensitive periods of learning. This is absolutely fine. 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. Also, these programs tend to be ideal for children easily overwhelmed by noise, chaos, and disorder. However, all children can adapt and blossom within a Montessori school! They want school to be exciting and fun, not demanding and stressful in the name of high standards! It is critically important to allow children to develop a high degree of independence, autonomy, an inner sense of order, and self-motivation. In this way, they learn to respect those around them and promote a positive learning environment. During the third plane children are refining their moral compass while developing a stronger sense of responsibility. Parents must understand what is offered at a Montessori school to make an informed decision about whether it is right for their children. Finding the right school for mom and dad is as important as finding the right school for a child. Another reason that Montessori may be considered to be a disadvantage is the financial responsibility that it entails. 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. Child-centered. 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. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to . Children who are young and impressionable will be able to start their Montessori journey with a clean slate, without any preconceived notions or expectations of what it will be like or what will be expected of them as a student. 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. 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. Because of their responsiveness to individual learning needs and interests, Montessori schools can be particularly good for highly capable young children. 1. Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs. 4. 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.. Students learn more effectively when school is seen as a safe, exciting, and joyful experience. Families who treasure mutual respect, independence, unique personal differences, and creativity will likely thrive in a Montessori environment. 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.