Why Choose Montessori?
A common question that families interested in our school ask is “why choose Montessori?” As you embark on what is arguably the biggest decision of your child’s life thus far, we understand it is important that you have a complete understanding of our educational philosophy.
Montessori moves from the concrete to the abstract. The child is able to interact with concepts and ideas, rather than simply memorize facts.
Montessori facilitates a natural love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls. The idea of following the child honours how much the child sees, enjoys and discovers about the world. The Montessori materials naturally bring about the inquisitive nature of the child and allows for them to think for themselves and and discover new ways of doing things. They open up the child to learn for themselves and teaches them how to discover, but does not dictate what they should do step by step.
A well rounded Montessori education seeks to educate the whole child taking the education outside the classroom. It affects how they interact with others, teaches self-care, grace, and courtesy, and teaches them how to participate actively in their learning. Montessori equips the child for everyday life giving them practical skills which give them purpose and empowers them as they become contributing members of their community.
A true Montessori environment abstains from rewards and focuses on intrinsic motivation and the idea that children will learn to make decisions based on what feels good inside their selves. There is no reward for learning other than the intrinsic joy the child receives when they discover something new or realize they’ve acquired a new skill.
Montessori focuses on the individual child and their potential instead of assuming that children are just empty vessels which we are to fill with knowledge. A Montessori classroom acknowledges that no two children are at the same space in their development so it is not expected that all children study and progress through the material at the same pace. In a Montessori environment, students don’t have to wait for other students to catch up or feel bad when presented with a concept above their ability level.
These are just a few reasons to choose a Montessori Education. We would be happy to go into further detail during an open house.
Montessori Benefits
Montessori education offers our children opportunities to develop their potential as they step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible, and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life.
Space for Uniqueness
- Each child is valued as a unique individual. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are also free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.
Growth in Self-Regulation
- Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence. Classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the individual’s emerging “self-regulation” (ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), toddlers through adolescents.
Close Community
- Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom—typically spanning 3 years—re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution.
Freedom within Limits
- Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits. Working within parameters set by their teachers, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be. Montessorians understand that internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.
A Passion for Learning
- Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Teachers provide environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions.
Greater Self-Assessment
- Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.
Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.
