As a parent, it’s natural to desire a high-quality early education for your child. To decide which type of early learning facility you should send your child to, you should assess what kind of education you want them to receive. There are a variety of daycares, preschools, and kindergartens, so it can get confusing trying to decide which is best for your child.
Before you decide, you need to ask yourself some important questions.
- Do I believe my child should be independent, polite, and self-motivated?
- Do I believe that my child can benefit greatly from learning practical life skills like gardening or even cooking?
- Would I want my child to be guided by older peers?
- Would I want my child to develop interests and choose the activities that would interest them?
If you have answered yes to any or all of the above questions, you might like to consider enrolling your child into a Montessori school.
Is Going the Montessori Way Right For Your Child?
The Montessori teaching philosophy has been designed to accommodate an extensive range of learning styles, temperaments, capabilities, and personalities. Even children who may find it challenging to remain focused on a single activity can thrive in the Montessori environment.
Educators facilitate early learning in a respectful manner that celebrates the developmental needs of each child. Children are gently guided towards independence through a rich curriculum cross five curriculum areas including Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture.
Features of Montessori Schools
Montessori education uses a distinctive and compassionate approach that supports the individual child.
- The classroom is child-centred and emphasises strengthening the child’s skills instead of their limitations. Children are empowered to decide what they would like to engage in, so there is an element of freedom in choosing activities that speaks to their interests.
- Learning is hands-on and intuitive. It builds competence and self-made esteem as children master new activities.
- Teachers facilitate early learning as the work is self-directed by children. During the Montessori work cycle, educators work with individual children to guide them through activities and learning experiences unique to them. The Montessori curriculum continues to flow into the remainder of the day through shared group activities including music, movement, art, craft, and more.
- The classrooms contain children of differing ages to give the older children a chance to mentor and guide the younger ones. For example, Montessori Academy preschool, kindergarten, or Cycle 1 classrooms often have children from ages 3 to 6 years.
A Montessori school is highly adaptable, and many families find that their children thrive within it. If you think that a Montessori school may be a good choice, you can visit your local Montessori school for more information.