What is Montessori all about and why should I consider it for my child?
Over the next few weeks we will explore the short term and long term benefits of a Montessori education and how it promotes holistic development: academic, social, physical and mental. Recent research indicates that Montessori education predicts a higher sense of well-being in adults, including the “experience of health, happiness and flourishing,” in addition to better “health and work performance, longevity and more positive social behavior and relations.” (Source.)
What is it about the Montessori method that has such a positive life-long impact?
Montessori is Child-Centered
A child-centered pedagogy identifies the individual child’s “skills, capacities, dispositions, interests, and motivations” (source) and uses that knowledge to plan for lessons (“presentations”) and learning activities. In Montessori we often say, “child-led, teacher-guided,” because it is essential that the teacher employ careful and regular observations and assessments to meet the child’s needs. The teacher asks, “What are the needs of this child?” “What are the interests of this child?” She then prepares the classroom environment to meet the needs of the child; she might introduce new activities or extensions of activities the child has already mastered. Child-centered learning is also known as “child-discovery learning” or “child-directed learning”.
Montessori is Individualized
The primary method of learning in the Montessori classroom is through independent play and one-on-one lessons with the teacher. Group learning is usually limited to “circle” or “group” time. Our classroom sizes are no more than twenty students, which allows a teacher, along with an assistant, to meet the needs of her students. We all know firsthand that when learning experiences are tailored to our interests, they are more “engaging and meaningful”. (HeadStart ECLKC) In addition, children vary in their developmental timeline, and it’s essential that we do not pressure a child to meet certain milestones when they are not yet capable of doing so. Montessori respects that each child is an individual, on their own unique journey of development.
Montessori Tailors the Environment to the Child
When selling a home, realtors advise clients to style their homes for the buyer, keeping personal preferences inside, decluttering and minimizing, sticking to neutrals and maximizing natural light. When it comes to the classroom environment, it’s also important to “style” it for the student rather than for the teacher or the parents. What does the child need in order to learn? When parents walk into a colorful, loud classroom with walls filled with the children’s artwork, it may feel vibrant, energetic and fun. LED lights, top of the line technology and activities may give a “wow” factor. But we need to pause and ask, is this an environment where my child will feel comfortable and capable, one which is designed to foster their ability to learn? Or will it overstimulate, distract and inhibit my child’s learning?
Montessori classrooms are known for their use of natural and organic materials, minimal décor, natural lighting, child-sized furnishings and materials and clutter-free. Low shelves are filled with coordinated activities from mathematics to language materials, to sensorial to practical life activities and cultural activities.
Montessori Fosters Independence
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Montessori is about respecting the child’s ability. The child can choose their own learning activities, working with a material for a short time or lengthier time, based on their interest. The materials are self-correcting, enabling the child to independently spot their own errors. Everything the child needs to care for themselves or their classroom environment is at their reach and complete: from a spray bottle of soapy water and rags for cleaning up spills, to all the utensils needed to prepare themselves a snack or get a glass of water, the child is able to help themselves.
The ability to care for themselves, care for their classroom and contribute to their community builds a sense of confidence, personal responsibility, and a life-long habit of self-directed learning that will give them the skill they need to succeed in their future education and career goals.
