A constant buzz that resonates in the mind of every parent – What kind of education should I provide to my child, what is Montessori, does this method provide the right kind of learning for my child? Allow us to uncover some truths for you!
What is Montessori?
Imagine your 2 year old cleaning up after himself /herself, keeping the shoes in the rightful place. Or your 3 year old helping you out with the cutting of vegetables or helping you with the pegs while drying clothes.
These are a few hallmarks of a typical Montessori child, where the emphasis is mainly on skill building, becoming self sufficient, asserting independence, and has the freedom to work within limits!
The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children.
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It is not just a philosophy, but a way of life!
This method views the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively!
It focuses on:
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Mixed-age classrooms, where the younger kids get inspired to learn from the older ones and the elder children get their concepts further reinforced by guiding the younger ones along with their directresses!
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The child-sized materials for the children are designed specifically for the developmental aspects of a child, that help them understand concepts better through sensorial means
Why Montessori?
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Children grasp the why of things
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The hands-on materials allow children to learn from mistakes
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The children are able to see the success of their work and do not look for confirmation of the same from the adult in the environment
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Confidence and competence take hold when a child knows that he or she can achieve something without help
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Apart from the subjects, they develop social, emotional and ethical foundation that will enable them to take on life’s challenges with assurance
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Even fundamentals of complex subjects like Math, Geometry, History, Geography, Science, Language, Arts etc are taught in an extremely practical manner!
Montessori schools promote hands on, self paced, collaborative, joyful learning. Children in Montessori follow their interests, wherever that passion leads; giving them strong academics, leadership, self discipline, responsibility, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.
With the Montessori approach each child works at his own pace and follows his own interests, which helps instill a love of learning and a strong sense of curiosity. And although the experience may differ from that of a more traditional preschool setting, Montessori students are well prepared for “regular school” when the time comes!