18 Jan What is a Montessori School?

Montessori schools are the most common type of elementary education. Essentially, it is an approach to teaching and learning particularly suited to young children. We will explain what Montessori education entails below.

What is Montessori Education? 

Dr. Maria Montessori founded the Montessori movement, which is now an educational approach. Thousands of schools worldwide follow this Montessori style. A medical doctor by training, Dr. Montessori became interested in education through her work with children with special needs and began to set up schools for disadvantaged kids.

Montessori schools offer an alternative to traditional education. They focus on individual progress and ensure each child has opportunities to explore and engage with their learning.

In a typical classroom, a teacher has a set plan and timetable for the day for all children. However, in a Montessori school, a range of activities are set up, and children can choose what they want to do. They can engage with each activity for as little or as long as they wish. It is the teacher’s responsibility to notice what interests a child and find other ways to keep them engaged.

Fundamental Principles of Montessori Education

• Order and structure

 Although kids learn best when they are leading the way, they still need order and structure to thrive. In the classroom, everything has its place, and kids are responsible for putting one activity away before moving on to another. In Montessori primary schools, the curriculum focuses on specific tasks that kids must complete during the week. However, students are free to choose when completing these tasks.

• Sensory learning

Children thrive when they are able to engage their senses. Therefore, in a Montessori classroom, teaching materials are carefully prepared that engage the senses. For example, children are provided with proper ceramic tableware and glasses rather than using plastic child-safe dishes.

• Freedom

One of the essential factors in child development is their growing environment. The Montessori Method provides a unique learning environment that encourages children to explore and follow their instincts.

• Sensitive periods 

According to the Montessori movement, children go through sensitive periods when they are more receptive to learning new skills, such as reading, writing, or counting. Teachers look for opportunities to help children develop their literacy skills rather than focusing on a particular age or developmental milestone.

• Discipline 

Discipline should come from within rather than being imposed. Teachers should focus on helping children develop social and emotional skills. Teachers should refrain from using rewards and punishments. They should only step in when a child behaves in a disruptive or upsetting way.

On any morning in a Montessori classroom, a child might do up to nine activities: some alone, some with a friend, some in a small group, and some with the teacher. The teacher’s role is to support the child’s spontaneous choice by ensuring that the environment is according to the child needs.

Why Choose Montessori?

The most significant benefit of Montessori education is the emotional well-being that comes from making choices independently and knowing those choices come with responsibility. The ability for children to be in control of their own learning helps them develop independence, autonomy, and the ability to engage in long periods of attention, as well as social awareness. Montessori’s approach to primary education has been shown to produce positive results in terms of student achievement and social behavior.

A Montessori school is a non-traditional approach to education that emphasizes self-directed learning, freedom of movement, and lots of creativity. This approach fosters fantastic lessons in creativity and curiosity. Children can learn, develop their passions and interests, and explore their talents while being in a classroom environment.

Final Words

In summary, a Montessori school is a child-centered environment. When a child acts up in class, the teachers don’t punish them. Instead, they work with the child in a calm and non-stress environment to ensure the student doesn’t do it again. The teachers also encourage the students to work hard.