There weren’t so many classes before grade one in our days while today many kids go through four years of education before entering primary school. So is it all that necessary? Let’s see what a Montessori actually is and is it suitable for your child or not?
What is the Montessori Concept?
A Montessori school can help enhance a child’s creativity and talent while in some cases it may suppress his abilities. It all depends on the child’s age, his interests, abilities and temperament. There are so many different types of Montessori schools that you need to carefully select the one that suits your child’s needs.
Maria Montessori developed the concept of Montessori schools. She designed techniques to help children with different learning challenges. A good Montessori has the following qualities:
- Child- Centered
It gives children the freedom to learn at their pace and according to their unique qualities. The focus is on the child’s strengths and not his limitations thus allowing him to continuously learn based on his background and interests.
- Practical Skills
Children enjoy practical skills like cleaning up enabling children to become more confident. However, sometimes this limits imagination and play-based learning.
- Decentralized Teaching
Teachers let children do their work on their own. Some children are good at this, however, there might be a few who need directions from their teachers.
- Independence
The main aim of this teaching technique is to let the child follow his curiosities.
Montessori Websites
If you cannot find a good Montessori school near you or schools around you are very expensive, you can create one at home with the help of online resources: Some useful websites that can help you with using the Montessori concept at home:
Montessori Science http://www.montessori-science.org/
Montessori Observer https://montessoriobserver.com/
Montessori Services https://www.montessoriservices.com/
According to Carolyn, founder and director of Hoagies' Gifted Education Page (www.hoagiesgifted.org), “A gifted-friendly Montessori classroom would allow above-grade-level work in any subject, bringing in materials from the next level.” Do visit the site for resources, books, articles and links to educate your child at home.
So should you send your child to a Montessori or not?
Here are a few questions that will help you decide if your child needs to go to a Montessori school:
- Does your child like adventure?
- Can he/she manage will less structure?
- Does your child enjoy working independently?
- Is your child imaginative, curious and likes to explore things?
- Does your child work on an activity with a great amount of concentration?
- Is your child more comfortable working in a small group?
- Do you want your child to make his/her own choices and take responsibility for them?
If most of your answers are YES then your child is ready for Montessori education.
Selecting the best Montessori is a personal choice as it all depends on individual needs. Consider the Montessori option. Visit a number of schools and compare them via website ratings and/or ask people who have their children enrolled there. Conduct your research thoroughly to evaluate them. Sit in the classroom and observe the environment. The first few years will lay the foundation of your child’s education so be sure that you make the right decision.