How Montessori Method Differs From Conventional Method Of Educating A Child
Montessori form of education has shaped up children’s future successfully over the ages. Many parents choose this method for their children who are ready to go to any preschool. Educationists also say that this method is the best method for kids as it makes them self-dependent and self-reliant. With mere bookish knowledge, one cannot shine in life. Along with it confidence, practical knowledge, patience, self-dependency, independence, self-regulation, self-discipline, etc. qualities are needed to shine. Through the approach of the Montessori Method, children are benefited to acquire all this knowledge and skills.
In the Montessori Method of teaching the child remains active within their own pace. In Covina, CA you will get the number of preschools that follow the Montessori Method properly. Here are some characteristics that make this method different from regular formal education.
Mixed Age Classroom:
The multi-age classroom is the hallmark of Montessori preschool that gives children many unique opportunities. There are no single grades; rather, multi-age grouping is applied in all Montessori classrooms which are also called work stations. Younger children naturally learn by imitating children who are older than themselves and the Montessori classroom takes advantage of it. Younger children watch their older peers and learn how to participate in the classroom learning activities, how to engage with the teacher and the peers, and how to move from one activity to the next. Older children also get benefitted from younger kids. They get an opportunity to practice their leadership quality and develop love and empathy towards younger kids.
Prepared Environment:
The prepared environment of the classroom is another unique characteristic of a Montessori classroom. The classroom is logically arranged in different groups with material sequenced from left to right. Each group is assigned for each subject such as language arts, mathematics, and other curricular subjects. The room is furnished with shelves, child-size colorful tables, and chairs. There may be no teacher’s desk and only he or she gets a specially designed chair. Teachers can sit at any place in the room. The same thing is for students too. There is no designated chair or place for the student. Any student can sit anywhere according to his or her likeness.
Montessori Materials:
Authority of a reputed preschool in Covina, CA,that follows Montessori methods of teaching, provides their children with lots of materials which are used for hands-on learning devices. These materials are made of hardwood or metal so that kids can handle them safely. Each of these specialized materials is unique and specially designed with a particular purpose in mind. Classroom or workstations are designed in a way so that it becomes most suitable for children who love group activity as well as a solo activity. Kids are free to explore the workstation. You will not find these materials in conventional kindergarten and nursery schools.
There is no fixed syllabus for the whole classroom. A syllabus or curriculum is made according to the choice and knack of the child. In a conventional classroom, one curriculum or syllabus is for all students of that classroom whether he or she likes it or not. The focus of the Montessori classroom is the student, not the teacher and so you will not find a teacher at the front of the class lecturing. The teacher guides the children rather than directing them.