Did you know that your child starts to learn immediately after birth? Learning then continues throughout life, but the intensity varies from one stage to the next and from one child to the other. As a parent, you want the best for your child. Early education can’t be emphasized enough as you strive to help them learn and grow. Today, Montessori schools continue to attract more attention. This is given the foundation that the system lays and its impact on your child’s emotional, social, and intellectual development.
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers benefit from early and positive learning. It shapes their development and later success in school and other social settings. As you consider the best ways to facilitate such learning, here is a glance at why you should turn to Montessori schools.
Hands-on learning
Montessori classrooms aren’t designed like the traditional setting. They feature more space, better lighting, and interactive objects. Kids are grouped per age and allowed to explore the learning materials independently. This allows the child to learn at their pace. The open and accessible environment means your child will be more in the driver’s seat. They direct their learning using the carefully-designed learning aids in the classroom. This hands-on experience is critical as the child move from one development stage to the next. This is since it helps nurture full development and realization of their potential.
Child-centered
Traditional settings follow teacher-centered learning. Conversely, the Montessori system employs a child-centered approach. The teacher guides, not instruct, the child. This offers the independence to explore and learn more as they develop. The teacher follows a child’s lead to help them learn and, with such autonomy, foster a child-centered experience. This is exciting for the child as they learn what they want and at their pace. Such an enjoyable environment helps develop enthusiasm in children. As they grow and learn new things, their self-esteem improves. Self-discipline also comes along as they strive to explore more, mainly to keep up with other kids.
Social development
The Montessori system includes grouping kids and encouraging collaboration. The children work together and help each other explore various activities, facilitating social development. The kids learn how to communicate and solve problems together. They learn the value of respect and collaboration, developing a sense of community. This social and emotional development can’t be overlooked. This is especially considering their impact even in adulthood.
Inclusive learning
A significant hiccup for learners, especially children with special needs, is the pressure to keep up with their peers. The Montessori system includes grouping children at varying ages and under guidance from the same teacher for a longer period. This takes the pressure out of the equation. The system cultivates the love for learning; as such, children get to learn at their pace. A safe and more stable environment facilitates learning for special needs children, which impacts their immediate and future desire to learn.
The primary drawback of Montessori education is that it tends to be expensive compared to the traditional curriculum. Nonetheless, it is worth the investment considering the many benefits Montessori schools deliver to your child.
