What is the key concept of Montessori Education?
Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet that a child learns best within a social environment that supports each individual’s development. What makes Montessori education unique is the “whole child” approach. The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of cognitive skills, social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. The holistic curriculum under the guidance of a specially prepared teacher, provides children with the opportunity to enjoy the process of learning as they create their knowledge and develop their personalities.
Why does a Montessori classroom have mixed-age groups?
Most educators agree that younger children learn well from older children. In a Montessori classroom, students are given the opportunity to teach and be taught by other students. Each student benefits from the example of the older students, and he or she will soon be the “leader” of the class, setting the example for others to follow. Older children learn, in part, by teaching the younger ones. A lesson is perfected when a student is able to give that lesson to a peer. Upon completion of the Montessori three year cycle, the child has experienced being the oldest, the middle child, and the youngest child.
How will my child later adjust to a traditional classroom?
Montessori students have a love of learning. This will transfer to any school setting that is stimulating and challenging. There will be some adjustments as they learn different expectations of a new classroom and get to know their new classmates; however, the desire to explore new academic avenues can be met within the traditional classroom if the teacher is enthusiastic and provides the opportunity for learning.
“Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.”
Maria Montessori