Did you know that Montessori schools have better educational outcomes than traditional preschools despite their unconventional methods?
It’s true. While many people doubt the quality of Montessori programs for young children, research suggests that these programs encourage stronger life skills and a greater love of learning when the child is ready to enter grade school.
But what is a Montessori school and what makes it so different? We’re here to talk about it. Keep reading to learn everything that you need to know about Montessori schools.
What Is a Montessori School?
A Montessori school is a school that follows the Montessori method and philosophy of education. This philosophy was developed by Maria Montessori, who was an educator and physician in Italy in the 20th century.
After working with children with learning disabilities during her medical career. Seeing how conventional schools were failing them, she decided to take a new approach to education. This approach was successful, so she transitioned into life as an educator.
Initially, her unconventional methods weren’t effective for children without learning disabilities. Some people doubted her. Over time, however, children began thriving with the Montessori method.
Now, the Montessori program has expanded to over 5,000 schools in the United States alone. Montessori schools take a holistic approach to educating each child.
Montessori schools are often private schools, meaning that parents must pay tuition if they want their children to experience a true Montessori education.
What Makes Montessori Schools Different?
So what is it about Montessori schools that makes them so different from other types of schools?
Montessori schools follow an entirely different philosophy. They aim to prepare a child for their future schooling and “real life,” but they also want the child to grow into a well-rounded person.
Here are a few things that Montessori schools do differently.
Multi-Age Classrooms
In most schools, all of the students are around the same age (with some differences depending on when each child’s birthday falls). Children are always with other peers within one year of their age.
In Montessori schools, this isn’t the case. Each classroom has students of a range of ages. Each classroom is like three “grade levels.”
This allows older students to develop leadership skills and learn to help younger students. It allows younger students to learn new social skills, learn how to ask for help from peers, and build supportive social networks.
Cooperative Learning
The Montessori method encourages children to cooperate in school. While they’re free to work independently if they choose to do so, children are able to talk to their peers and get help when they need it.
Teachers are guides. While they may spend a brief period of time instructing students, overall, students are teaching themselves and each other. This type of exploratory and collaborative learning fosters independence and teamwork.
Practical Skills
Montessori programs don’t just focus on basic education. They also aim to teach children practical skills that they’ll need as they get older.
They teach these skills through “practical life activities.” Children will learn basic etiquette, hygiene, and household tasks through activities. They may help serve food during snacktime, help clean up when the day is over, and even help with food preparation if they’re old enough to do so.
Students Follow Their Interests
Montessori schools focus on hands-on learning.
Most Montessori schools have a free period for students to do what they please as long as it isn’t bothering other students. When given this freedom, most children will work on skills that interest them.
Even during more “structured” periods of learning, students get to learn through play and activities. Teachers may use activities like gardening, crafts, physical activities, music, and more.
Instead of forcing each child into the same activity, teachers use stations so each child is able to do whatever interests them most at the time. Teachers may guide students to new activities, but they won’t pressure the students.
Children are able to devote as much time as they’d like to their chosen activity. They’re led by curiosity and this helps them develop self-motivation.
Grades Don’t Measure Progress
Parents may need to adjust to this difference: teachers don’t use grades to evaluate their students’ progress. So what do they use?
Montessori schools aim to meet every child where they are and go from there. Grades encourage a one-size-fits-all approach to progress and education, which can be demotivating for some students. Instead, teachers evaluate each student individually based on their progress regardless of how it compares to others.
Teachers want to see that children are learning cooperation, life skills, creativity, and social skills. These things are difficult to measure in grades.
Benefits of Montessori Schools
So why would you want to enroll your child in a Montessori school?
Montessori schools are inclusive of children with special needs. Children get to stay with the same teacher for several years. This creates a more comfortable environment for children who are neurodivergent.
The schools encourage creativity and independence. While the teaching style might be unconventional, it will allow children to learn how to think instead of what to think. This enhances their critical thinking skills.
Ideally, because Montessori schools are more fun than traditional schools, they’ll teach children how to love learning. Children won’t start their educational lives dreading the classroom.
Is a Montessori School Right for Your Child?
When you’re choosing a school for your child, keep Montessori schools in mind. They’re unconventional, but they result in independent children who are curious and excited to continue learning. Your children will form strong social connections and learn important life skills that a traditional classroom won’t teach them.
Don’t worry, your child will still be ready when it’s time to enter more formal education. A Montessori school will pave the way.
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