Education is a hot topic these days, especially given the struggles many students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents and school administrators alike have been left scratching their heads, trying to find ways to navigate a very difficult situation, and figuring out the best methods to make up for a severe loss of learning.
Partially because of this, there has been plenty of talk about Montessori schools, and whether or not they’re worth the hype.
There are many established Montessori schools throughout the world, and they are becoming more and more widespread. For those who believe in this particular model of education, this is a relief.
If you’ve ever considered a Montessori school, here are six reasons it might be a good fit for your child.
Tailor-Made Lessons Plans
At a Montessori school, your child will be able to learn in the way that best suits him or her. There is a general acknowledgment that kids learn in different ways, and the Montessori system understands this.
Some children are excellent visual learners, while others absorb knowledge auditorily. The Montessori classroom accommodates students with different learning styles, making the environment more hospitable for all kids.
Generally, the materials used to teach different subjects are designed to accommodate those different learning styles, so kids can pick the materials they’re most drawn to and learn from them in their own way.
An Emphasis on Teamwork
Montessori classrooms emphasize the values of cooperation and creating an equal playing field for all children. Children of different ages and talents work together in an inclusive environment.
If you look into a popular New Jersey preschool that embraces Montessori learning, for example, you’ll see classrooms will typically contain kids of different ages and various learning speeds.
This lets children both learn from and teach each other, both how to feel more confident in their interactions and in their thought processes as they get older.
It also provides them with the skills they need to relate to other kids at different stages of their life, which is a valuable benefit they can carry with them forever.
Improved Decision-Making Skills
Another benefit of learning in a Montessori school is that kids will feel more empowered in their capacity to make their own decisions.
In the classroom, teachers carefully observe each child and present several activities suited to each one’s level. Children then choose their own activities, rather than being limited to a strict lesson plan.
They can think for themselves and discover on their own what they like most, then continue to enjoy it and learn more on their own.
This works as a huge confidence booster for children, since they will tend to show better results than if they were forced to complete a project they found uninteresting.
It also allows kids to employ their own critical thinking skills, making them independent self-starters at an early age.
A big part of becoming a young adult is learning how to make decisions, so it makes sense to have children start developing this skill as early as possible.
Developed Sense of Purpose
Montessori Schools are generally more focused on motivation and teaching kids how to find a sense of purpose.
The classrooms are organized in a way that allows children to take care of themselves and others while contributing to the classroom. This, in turn, underscores the importance of having kids feel like they’re part of a community.
Everyday skills are imparted to kids, including how to tie their shoelaces, how to use zippers, and maybe even how to sew for those who are a little older.
Kids are also usually taught how to prepare food or clean up together, teaching them the value of lending a helping hand while mastering important practical skills.
Being able to contribute in a positive way to various activities improves concentration, focus, and fine motor skills. But, beyond that, it teaches children they have a place and a purpose in their community.
Keeps Them Accountable
A learning environment with such a strong focus on individual skills, needs, and interests may seem, at first glance, to be one that doesn’t have a strong enough focus on accountability.
In reality, because kids are being introduced to the concept of learning activities at their own pace, students have to be held responsible for their own ability to master a topic or a skill.
They are given plenty of opportunities to practice and review, based on their own interests and capacities. But, in the end, children take charge of their own learning and are held accountable for the skills they’re able to take away from a certain task.
This independence allows them to uncover the right reasons for them to learn, as opposed to simply feeling that they have no choice but to abide by a current power structure.
Continuous correction and self-assessment are integral to the Montessori approach. As children mature, they are able to look critically at their work, become more adept at recognizing problems in their processes, and learn from their mistakes.
Offers Creative Activities
The Montessori classroom is never boring. The activities are creative, and the subjects are made accessible and enjoyable for kids to learn.
For this reason, children aren’t inclined to give up easily. They feel even more curious over time about different subjects, and are encouraged to continue learning.
The educational tools, as well as the highly qualified staff running Montessori schools, ensure that kids don’t feel left out of the conversation, regardless of their different interests or individual aptitudes.
Instead, the variety of activities encourage kids to master new things while growing more confident in their abilities, without feeling bored, insecure, or out of step with their fellow classmates.
Choosing a school like Learning Tree Montessori may not be the best choice for every child, but it can be a great benefit to kids that struggle with learning in a standard public school.
Take a look at the Montessori schools near you and consider taking a tour to see the difference in learning and classroom structure for yourself.
You may find it’s exactly the educational approach your child needs to excel.
Montessori is really a good educational method for children.