As you prepare for your child to start their school career, you may be wondering if Montessori is a better path for them. You may have a child that is struggling in school, perhaps due to distraction or an inability to engage in learning. Could a new way of learning help them? Is Montessori for every child? That’s not the case. There are many benefits to this method of learning, but it’s impossible to know if every child out there will thrive in this environment.
As a parent, then, you may be wondering how to know if your child is the right fit for this type of education. Often, people who have not experienced Montessori themselves have no real understanding of what it is, how it works, or if it could be a better choice for their child. However, you can learn a great deal about it and even test the experience to see how your child may do in this environment.
What Are Montessori Requirements?
To help you determine if your child is a good fit for the Montessori process, consider a few of the basic ideas about learning that this philosophy teaches and uses.
- Intelligence isn’t rare but something all children have at the time of birth. However, they need the right type and level of stimulation to develop it.
- The most important years of a child’s educational development are from birth to six years of age.
- Children need to develop skills of independence, an inner sense of order, autonomy, and self-motivation.
- Motivating children through competition and accountability is not enough. Students need school to be safe and exciting for them. A competitive environment limits creativity.
- Children who have high self-worth, self-mastery, and empowerment are more likely to learn and retain new skills and information when they receive it.
- All children are born creative, curious, and desire to observe and learn.
- Passing exams and completing homework isn’t a fair way to progress. Rather, it should be based on independence, self-reliance, and competency.
Consider these statements for a moment. Do you believe they are true? If so, you may want to consider what the Montessori philosophy can offer to you.
Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori philosophy is built on the educational process developed by Maria Montessori. It was founded in 1907. She believed in the importance of early education for students. She believed that from birth through age 6 is the most important period of life for learning. More so, she believed that during this time, a person's intelligence is being formed at a more profound rate than any other point.
How, then, does Montessori work? In short, in this type of educational environment, there are specifically designed tools and manipulative materials that encourage, engage and support the child’s natural learning process. These materials help to invite children to learn not from a textbook or lecture but at their own pace and process to gain valuable skills. Each person learns a bit differently, but in this environment, it is possible for children of all learning methods to have the tools they need to thrive.
In a practical sense, Montessori creates activities in which children move from one area to the next to engage in a variety of experiences. The goal is for a child to follow what they enjoy and to focus on areas and topics that interest them the most.
The philosophy believes that to reach the child’s highest level of potential, they need to be stimulated spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. To achieve this, teachers do not instruct but lead and guide. They create a curriculum that involves creative invention and thoughtful analysis. It’s not just about facts but about the way a child learns. Encouraging children to learn through discovery, especially at an early age, may help them to become life-long learners who are inspired.
How to Determine If Montessori Is for Your Child
After reviewing this information, you may not be sure if Montessori is right for your child. Some children may initially struggle in this environment. For example, children who are not willing to make choices or have trouble staying engaged in activities could struggle initially. Over time, they will learn to trust themselves and gain more ability to concentrate as they follow learning areas that interest them.
Some children have habits that may not seem ideal for this environment. They may be messy or may struggle with using indoor voices. Parents and teachers can work together to overcome these challenges in school and at home, allowing them to still benefit from this environment.
Some parents may find this type of education not ideal. If you are focused on achievement and getting good grades, there is far more to learn and study about Montessori to see how your child is progressing.
The best way for individuals to gain insight into whether this type of educational path is best for them is to visit. Take some time to come in and learn about the program and the way it works. Learn about alumni and find out what types of centers are present. The more you know, the better you’ll see how fitting this environment can be.
Finding the Right Program Matters
Not all schools that call themselves a Montessori program offer a true form of this educational path. However, at Mansio Montessori, we are passionate about providing your child with the very best tools and resources to thrive in this environment. We encourage you to contact us and even come see us to learn more about how Montessori works. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or a visitation with our team.
