Did you know that Maria Montessori believed each child should become independent and a lifelong learner? Her books are in at least 20 different languages around the world!
If you have a child, you want them to have the best education and care.Have you heard of the Montessori philosophy?
Due to various schools to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on the right option for your child. Read this guide on what the Montessori philosophy is and how it can help your child succeed in the long term.
What Is the Montessori Philosophy?
The Montessori philosophy is about allowing your child to develop their whole self and individuality. They can choose materials based on their ability and interest.
Dr. Maria Montessori spoke about The Absorbent Mind. From birth-6, your child has conscious and subconscious periods. There are periods for refinement, movement, language, order, math, the senses, and manners.
Children can find joy in activities. Once they learn from these activities, they’ll want to mirror them in real life.
Practical activities will be part of learning. They include activities that your child has already seen around the house. This practical approach allows your child to develop their motor skills, concentration, self-regulation, and much more.
It’s not about doing chores around the home but preparing your child for life. It can help with self-sufficiency, self-esteem, problem-solving, and more.
Performing these tasks will prepare them for writing and reading next. This is because your child will develop muscle control and hand-eye coordination.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Montessori schools believe in multi-age classrooms. Children will be together in 3-year cycles instead of an exact age.
It helps to foster their development and growth. These environments encourage children to form social and leadership skills. Children will be able to progress at slower or quicker rates without judgment.
It could include:
- Ages 3-6
- Ages 6-9
- Ages 9-12
Go at Their Own Pace
Did you know that children learn through play? It also helps to reduce stress. Children can also develop emotional, social, physical, and cognitive skills.
Montessori believes that the best education allows children to go at their own pace. This includes uninterrupted work periods.
It could be 1-3 hours long. Guidance will be during this time without interruption. This lack of interruption allows your child to improve their concentration skills.
Children don’t have to worry about getting interrupted as in traditional schools. When children finish 1 project, they can move on to the next.
They’re able to go deeper into a topic and choose what interests them. Children are more likely to enjoy going to school each day and learn something new. They’ll learn about different topics instead of feeling bored and wanting to leave.
A Global Understanding
Children will learn that all cultures deserve respect and have their own wisdom. They can contribute to the world and the community for a better place for all.
They’ll learn an appreciation for all on Earth. It’ll also help them better understand who they are as individuals. A global understanding helps them build the foundation for a society in peace.
Observing Children
By watching children, you can change materials and lessons as needed. These changes will better suit the child’s needs to grow and expand on their interests.
It’s about determining what to expect next. Montessori schools will ensure that a child is ready to begin a skill or subject.
Each classroom will fit the needs of each child. Children will receive inspiration from materials. Classrooms could include boxes, trays, and baskets that are organized and easy to reach.
Classrooms could also include:
- Order and simplicity
- Rugs, cushions, and tables
- Activities on low shelves for children to grab
- An area for children to prepare their meals or snacks
- Counters and sinks for children
- Plenty of space
Teaching Good Manners
Each child will be treated how you’d want them to be. Montessori believes in speaking to each child with respect.
Children deserve respect when it comes to their feelings. They can be watching us at all times, even when we don’t realize it.
It’s best to show them excellent behavior to encourage them to mimic this. Through this, it’s important to understand that each child is unique.
Children will develop skills through a natural process. You might be surprised just how much a child learns by being free to interact with their environment.
No Rewards or Punishment To Control
No punishment or rewards will be used to control your child. Instead, Montessori will encourage self-discipline.
Instead of being externally imposed, a child will learn to do things from within. It’s also important to understand why a child is acting up.
They might be stressed, tired, hungry, or testing boundaries. From here, teachers will decide whether they’ll teach your child problem-solving skills or to change an aspect of the environment.
A gentle manner with respect will always be used. Your child will never be humiliated or shamed for feeling a certain way.
Subjects Taught
Whether your child is an infant or in daycare, they’ll learn various subjects. Sensorial learning is a main subject. Children will learn through sensory experiences such as hot and cold, the sounds of different animals, and more.
They’ll learn about day-to-day life, such as cleaning items, washing hands, cooking, sewing, etc. Your child will be able to explore their interests.
Mindfulness is important too. This could include yoga, meditation, and other ways to remain calm. Montessori private schools stand out since they focus on sensorial learning and practical life skills.
Time blocks for independent learning will vary depending on your child’s grade. It might be only a couple of hours for Montessori daycare and preschools but longer for school-aged children.
Students tend to first choose activities that they know. They’ll then normally select more difficult work. Children will often try the difficult activity a few times, and some will complete it.
The 3 Period Lesson
The 1st period is the naming stage, 2nd is recognition, and 3rd is remembering. During the 1st phase, a teacher will name a concept or object.
During the 2nd stage, the student will point to the object when the teacher asks. The 3rd stage is where the child will remember the meaning and name of the word. The teacher will hold up a sign and ask the child what it is.
While many Montessori schools will use the 3 Period Lesson, not all periods are completed. It could take a few tries before the child can advance to the 3rd stage.
Using Truth
Dr. Montessori believed that children preferred real activities over imaginative play. Children prefer working with real food instead of play options.
There’s still plenty of creativity to be had with creating music, writing stories, and making art. In addition, children will learn through a holistic approach to develop movement, fine motor skills, and more.
Children will also be able to learn through nature. They’ll learn to appreciate and respect nature around them.
Exploration will be encouraged to obtain knowledge of the surrounding environment. Caring for nature is also important. Connecting with nature encourages emotional and physical aspects for your child.
What To Look For in a Montessori School
Find a Montessori school that has a schedule for children. The classroom shouldn’t have much technology for the younger grades.
For the older grades, you might find a computer for typing skills. Most important is that the classroom should be prepared for the uniqueness and growth of your child.
Find a teacher who is flexible and gives individual lessons through observation. Ensure that they guide the children without interrupting them.
The school needs to have accreditation from the American Montessori Society. In addition, there are requirements for licensure and school accreditation.
A Montessori school should focus on teaching each child to care for themselves. This includes tying, zippering, buttoning, polishing, and food preparation. It should also teach good manners such as hello, goodbye, and inner calm.
Better Understanding the Montessori Philosophy
After exploring this complete guide on the Montessori philosophy, you should have a better idea of what to expect. You can see why many send their children to Montessori schools.
Are you ready to get your child started with a holistic approach to learning? Watch them learn and grow as they get to hone their interests and learn new skills.
Contact us today to get started and schedule a tour! We accept children from 0 to 12 years old and have enrichment programs to help your child succeed and learn.