Did you know that there are 5,000 Montessori schools in the United States? Montessori schools are more popular than ever, and for good reason.
A Montessori school isn’t like any other early childhood education program. Montessori education programs prioritize crucial life skills and independence over academic prowess.
We’re here with a brief guide to Montessori education benefits so you can determine whether or not a Montessori school is right for your child. Read on to learn more.
1. Child-Centered Learning
One of the benefits of Montessori education is that it focuses on individual children. There’s no strict curriculum, and teachers don’t aim to force children into boxes. Instead, children get to decide what they’re learning and how they want to learn it.
Instead of focusing on age-based benchmarks, teachers at Montessori schools allow children to follow their interests. This doesn’t mean that children don’t learn important academic skills, however. As a matter of fact, children at Montessori schools consistently show better results with literacy and math skills than children in standard schools.
This is also great for encouraging children to find and pursue non-academic interests alongside their academic ones.
2. Improved Social-Emotional Skills
Young children are always improving their social-emotional skills when they’re at school, but Montessori school might be even better.
In Montessori classrooms, children stay with the same teachers for several years. This means that there’s an age range in every given class instead of just one age group.
Children learn how to help each other and how to accept help from peers. They learn how to engage with children who are older than them (which can also help with better speech acquisition). They also form strong bonds with their classmates.
3. Hands-on Learning
The Montessori approach is all about hands-on learning. Your child won’t be sitting at a desk all day completing assignments. Instead, teachers will use a variety of games and activities to teach them.
Hands-on learning teaches children about the power of discovery and problem-solving. It takes effort for children to learn new things when they’re doing it through activities instead of busywork.
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4. Greater Independence
How independent is your child? Montessori school can make them even more independent and prepare them for standard schooling in the future.
With the child-centered and hands-on approach to learning, children learn how to rely on themselves and follow their own whims. While many parents think that this will lead them to “slack off” and play all day, this isn’t true. Children are naturally curious, and Montessori schools allow them to follow this curiosity.
Because Montessori schools don’t use a conventional grading system, children learn to look inwards for praise instead of relying on others. They learn how to strive toward success.
Children are also encouraged to help out around the classroom. If someone spills or breaks something, children help clean it up. Some Montessori programs also involve the children in snacktime and any tasks that need to be completed before the school day starts.
Is Montessori Education Right for Your Child?
If these benefits appeal to you, it might be time to consider Montessori education for your child. They’ll learn independence, develop better social skills and learn at their own pace. What’s not to love?
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