During her years as an educator and physician, Dr. Maria Montessori observed how children best learn and grow in academic settings. Her findings are the basis on which Montessori education is founded. Authentic Montesori schools such as Little Wonders Montessori One, a Montessori preschool in Chatsworth, CA, center their curriculum on Dr. Montessori’s basic principles. Some of the proven principles of an authentic Montessori education are:
1. Children need hands-on experiences You’ve likely heard of the different teaching methods, and that children might gravitate toward one or the other. But one method that is universal among all children is hands-on learning. Regardless of how acclimated a child is to learning through hearing or reading, one of the best ways to master a skill is by applying it. The Montessori method puts children in a prepared environment designed to teach them through tangible activities. A child studying the lifecycle of a plant will do more than read about it on a worksheet. An authentic Montessori education will give them a real plant to grow from seed to maturity, let them care for an already grown plant, or study different plant specimens. In a traditional classroom, children are usually disciplined by a teacher in a lecture format. They might be taught mediation skills in a presentation, but not given the opportunity to exercise them when during an actual disagreement with a classmate. The Montessori preschool in Winnetka, CA has a Peace Table where students can sit and use their mediation skills. Each Montessori school has their own methods of hands-on learning, but only authentic Montessori schools make it a priority in their curriculum. 2. Children can drive their own education Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of letting children take control of their education, rather than giving them the pre-decided lesson plans of traditional schools. At Montessori schools, children determine how they explore the curriculum. They can explore on their own, in small groups, and with assistance from a teacher. When students demonstrate interest in a new topic, Montessori teachers introduce them to relevant activities. Teachers are trained to recognize when a student is interested in working with other students, but needs a little encouragement to initiate a study group. Montessori teachers guide children through their curiosities while helping them discover their learning preferences. By the time a Montessori student begins traditional education—be it elementary, middle, or high school—they’ll have a solid foundation in self-motivated learning. Their confidence might even give them an inclination to help their future classmates. 3. Children master skills in mixed-aged groups The benefits of teaching children in mixed age groups including development of social skills and respect. Little Wonders Montessori One offers a preschool program for children ages 2 to 5, which offers students a dynamic environment in which their social skills will undergo continuous testing. Younger students will learn respect by looking up to older students as role models, while older students will learn respect by helping younger students. Younger and older students will learn to change their communication styles to be understood by each other. This helps them outside of the classroom, when they interact with people of different backgrounds and ages. Older students have the unique task of teaching curriculum to younger students, building up their confidence and skill mastery. When your child learns in a mixed-aged group, they’ll advance their social skills beyond those of children in traditional schools. When they transition to traditional schools, they’ll have an easier time understanding their schoolmates, and making friends won’t be as difficult. 4. Montessori schools benefit the whole child By educating a child’s whole self, from their academics to life skills, Montessori schools provide a holistic experience. Authentic Montessori schools can change your child’s life, setting them up for lifelong success by instilling self-confidence and self-regulation into their early formative years, when their minds are the most absorbent. When you’re ready to send your child to school, keep authentic Montessori schools on your mind. Check them out in person and see how they can benefit your child with solid foundational skills. Comments are closed.
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