5 Benefits Of Montessori Schools That You Should Know About
Only a parent knows which kind of preschool is best for their child. However, of the many types present today, evidence and research show that the Montessori method taught in Montessori Walnut, CA schools is the best option for preschool. Not convinced? So here are five benefits of the Montessori method of learning.
- The Montessori curriculum is designed in such a way that it hones into the key developmental milestones of children between the age of three to five. These children are placed together in a single classroom but are given different goals in learning. The younger children are guided towards learning language skills and how to use their large muscles while the four-year-old is taught how to do the everyday activity (like arts and crafts, or cooking) as well as developing their fine motor skills. The oldest in the classroom, who are ready for kindergarten are taught how to interact with the real world through classroom trips and special events.
- The teacher in a Montessori classroom is not there to “teach” the children like other preschool classes. Rather he or she is there to guide the children as they do various activities all day in the classroom. Hence the children learn to work with each other and learn new things by exploring the various learning “stations” placed in the classroom. The natural curiosity of children is stimulated hence they learn better and also learn how to be part of a community.
- The curriculum and lesson plan in a Montessori classroom is not centered around what the teacher is going to teach but rather on what the children can learn. Each child has his or her own learning pace and the lesson plan takes that into account. Not only the lesson plan but the whole setup in the classroom is also done in such a way that learning never depends on the teacher. The furniture and the toys are selected in such a manner that children find them easy to use, comfortable and engrossing. Plus, since children of various age groups study together, the older ones, often guide the younger ones when they are playing and learning together.
- In a Montessori classroom, the children have the freedom is choosing many things like what activities they want to do, how long they want to a specific task, and so on. But that does not mean the children are free to do whatever they like; there are some “ground rules” that the teacher enforces and makes sure each child follows. Other students also make sure that their classmates are following the rules. This makes a child who goes to Montessori in Walnut, CA very self-disciplined and independent as well.
- The whole philosophy of Montessori teaching is based on the thought that children have a natural curiosity, and their early childhood teaching must encourage that. Hence by allowing children to choose what they want to learn, and how they want to learn, the creativity and imagination of the children are stimulated. They find joy in what they are learning, and so remember those lessons for their lifetime. Montessori children are also exposed to various cultures which broaden their worldview and make them better individuals later on.