Choosing a daycare or a preschool for your child is important since it determines the academic foundation that the child gets. At this point, the parent has a range of options to choose from. They may choose the Montessori method or any other teaching approach. This post highlights some of the key things you need to know about Montessori.
It was founded by Maria Montessori
Maria is credited with developing the Montessori method of education. She was a doctor with a passion in human development. She interacted and observed pupils from different socio-economic backgrounds and races. It enabled her to develop a new approach to help such children benefit from education. The method spread out to other continents after the first Montessori school was opened in Canada in 1912. The centers were based on the fact that children learn well through play. Therefore, educational programs should be child-centered with emphasis on individualized learning. They were to be based on the child’s interest. The teacher’s work was merely to track the learner’s progress. Also, they were tasked with facilitating the usage of the materials.
Children learn best through play
Montessori schools are based on the fact that children learn well through play. So, according to her, learning activities should be carefully developed based on the learner’s interest. The work of the teacher is to observe the learner and track their progress. They also facilitate the use of the materials and track the learner’s progress. This way, children are taught to be independent, self-disciplined, and self-regulated.
The learning environment should be supportive
The Montessori environment must be carefully designed to support learning. The centers are organized through five curriculum areas. They include practical life, math, language, and sensory and culture. The areas must also be arranged based on sensorial culture and should be based on specific themes. Generally, the environment must be tranquil. Yellow, Red, and Blue should not dominate. These colors harass and make the children tire out.
Montessori benefits the child
Montessori benefits the children a great deal. It keeps them active and allows them to move at their rhythm and pace. Children who study under the program become self-regulated. It is an added advantage since it is a huge criterion for success.
Mixed-age classrooms
The method is ideal for mixed ages. It features activities that can be divided into categories, such as 6-9 years 3-6 years etc. According to Maria, the younger pupils watch and learn from the older counterparts. Also, we have Montessori schools for middle-aged children and those designed for high school students.
Academics
Other than learning science, language, and math, the schools teach sensorial and practical life. The practical lessons include exercising, which is meant to help children master the skills they use in day-to-day lives. The activities are varied and may include trying their shoes, pouring water, and even budgeting.
All said, Montessori education revolves around activities that are practical and which allow pupils to interact with the environment. It is designed to enable learners to try out new things and discover others. It is suitable for children who hang back and make it difficult for you to know what they are interested in. For more details, contact pikler triangle for toddlers.