A parent’s number one duty is to seek out the best options for their child, whether it be what they eat, what they wear or, most importantly, where they receive their education. Some parents choose public or private school and others choose schools with a different approach, like schools that approach learning through the Montessori method.
In short, the Montessori method of learning fosters an environment where a child can self-correct and aids a child to work to their own natural, individual, and optimum level at their own pace. Schools such as Brooklyn’s Seneca Village Montessori School pride themselves on this type of teaching that really fosters the development of your little one.
Who Founded the Montessori School?
The Montessori method was founded by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician. She based this method around two facts: that children should be respected, and that children love learning. Her goal with the Montessori method was to create a learning environment that nurtures a child’s natural ability to educate themselves.
Montessori Method Origins
Dr. Montessori began in 1906 by using her method of learning to teach sixty under privileged students. She observed these children and found that this method reinforced cognitive functioning and reduced education related distress in students. Dr. Montessori brought her findings to the U.S. in 1913 and coined the name “Casa dei Bambini” for these institutions, meaning Children’s House.
Do Montessori Schools Follow the Same Curriculum as Traditional Learning Environments?
Montessori schools achieve the same expectations set by traditional education, but they do not follow the same curriculum as traditional schooling. Instead of learning year-by-year, children move through this hands-on learning experience in 3-year cycles. The cycles range from infant/toddler (ages 0-3) to early childhood (ages 3-6) to lower elementary (ages 6-9) and upper elementary (ages 9-12).
What Happens Inside of a Montessori Classroom?
Teachers guide without interfering with a child’s ability to learn by providing multiple activities a day for students to choose from. Often children in a single classroom can work on different activities at once, unlike a traditional classroom environment where children are expected to complete the same tasks within the same timeframe. These activities allow a child to bridge the gap between their own educational interests and engaging in activities they enjoy.
Is Experimental Learning Effective?
Dr. Maria Montessori found that schooling in a Montessori environment encouraged better comprehension of all major subjects like language, mathematics, science, music, and even social awareness. The classrooms are designed to support childhood development in all major subjects through the “cosmic plan”.
What Is the Cosmic Plan?
The “cosmic plan” is based on the idea that humans are the only species with the ability to think consciously and should evaluate and acknowledge the way they see they see the world. Unlike a traditional classroom, this plan is based on the psychological needs of a child associated with independent learning. This plan includes self-directed activities and collaborative play, among other assessments that are meant to allow a child to discover the world on their own terms.
Are Teachers in A Montessori School Certified?
The teachers in a Montessori school are required to have a four-year degree from an accredited university, however, a teacher does not have to hold a degree in education. Teachers are required to complete training at a Montessori center before they can work with children in the classroom. These professionals are highly trained to work with children and guide them through Montessori learning activities.
What is The American Montessori Society?
The American Montessori Society, or AMS, is an advocacy organization built to continue research and studies that back the Montessori method. AMS a main source of information for a global community of Montessori educators. The true goal of AMS is to support those in the Montessori community and make a difference in the world through their findings.
Find the Right Fit for Your Child’s Educational Needs
Montessori schooling provides freedom for children to explore their own natural interests and gain independence while also receiving a valuable education. Montessori educators, researchers, and advocates encourage education with a nurturing approach; the main goal being to make the world a better place. If you still have questions about the educational benefits of choosing a Montessori school, there are plenty of resources like the American Montessori Society. There you can find more information on this uniquely tailored educational experience for children.
