Montessori learning is way different than the standard learning environment, and the method leaves many with questions. While it is not the typical learning environment, there are many benefits to the Montessori Method.
How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way
Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to AdulthoodMontessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age ThreeMontessori at Home Guide: A Short Guide to a Practical Montessori Homeschool for Children Ages 2-6 (Volume 2)
If you are considering a Montessori education for your child, whether at home or in a Montessori school, there are some things you should know.
#1. The Focus
When a child is learning with a Montessori approach, there are a few things that are majorly different from traditional learning. One of those things is the focus of learning. You don’t typically see worksheets or tests; you will normally see hands on learning. Often times, materials are used that challenge the mind and hands.
#2. Large Classes in a Montessori school.
Some parents might panic about the size of classrooms in a Montessori school. However, there is no reason to panic because the way learning is set up makes large classrooms like this possible. You should also know that there are mixed ages because this is common in a Montessori setting.
#3. Learning Does Take Place
An onlooker might not understand the way learning happens in a Montessori setting, but it’s actually quite interesting. Children work for different lengths of time and there isn’t a teacher typically hovering over them. Some children take longer to master a lesson than others. Also, you will notice the teacher guides the students individually with a lesson, instead of instructing the classroom entirely at once.
#4. Academics are Not the Only Focus
It’s hard to think of an education setting where academics are not the only focus. A Montessori learning environment takes academics very seriously, but it’s also about the process of learning and developing. Montessori learning focuses on developing the child to their fullest potential and allowing them to be “who they were born to be.” Children in this setting are free to use their five senses for learning, make their feelings known, and to also be very socially involved.
Is a Montessori education for everyone? No, it’s not. There are many grown adults who are successfully working in the workforce today thanks to their Montessori education.
Many homeschoolers employ Montessori principles in the home, too, and the market of Montessori-type books, toys, and other materials is growing. Just check these out! Talk about making learning fun!
Learning Resources Farmers Market Color Sorting SetMontessori Materials Cylinder Educational Toy Block Wood Teaching Aids Geometry Shape Sorter Baby Learning Portfolio Combination 8 PiecesLearning Resources Super Sorting PieMelissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards – Classic Toy With 120 Solid Wood Shapes and 5 Double-Sided Panels
Looks like fun learning to me!
Both of my children began their schooling in a Montessori setting. They are now in their early 20s and I believe it has helped in every aspect of their education. I give it two thumbs up!