A Montessori education is a well-rounded education, and preschool is the best time to start. Unlike traditional public schools, the Montessori classroom puts an emphasis on skills the child will be able to use throughout their life, including academic subjects, real-life skills, how to interact on a social level, and the importance of personal worth. This may seem like a lot for a small child to absorb, but the Montessori approach integrates the different objectives into daily course objectives so that learning about one objective helps reinforce education about others in the process.
Basic Life Skills
Montessori is about
far more than academic education, and it can be practiced in the home. Learning basic life skills gets a lot of
focus in the preschool environment, including such things as using the restroom
unassisted, washing hands before meals, and learning to clean up behind
oneself. Mastering everyday skills like setting and clearing the dinner table
helps children improve motor skills, teaching reasoning concepts and counting,
and a variety of other, more abstract concepts. Teaching children how to be
successful human beings is not restricted to the classroom and shouldn’t end
when the school day is over.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
STEM activities for
young children help them become acquainted with the magic and mystery of
science. While preschoolers are not expected to master rocket science, they
will almost certainly be amazed by the transformation of a caterpillar into a
butterfly, learning to use the technology found in the classroom, or becoming
acquainted with the beauty of simple math. Preschool STEM projects may not
reveal the secrets of the universe, but building hands-on, STEM-related experience
may help them develop a fondness for knowledge and discovery.
Social Skills
Social interaction is
vital to a happy childhood. In the Montessori classroom, care is taken to
introduce children to basic etiquette and other social skills. Additionally,
emphasis is put on problem solving and conflict resolution so that today’s
preschoolers will be better equipped to be tomorrow’s diplomats. Sharing
and working together are important skills that are crucial to
the Montessori environment.
Self Esteem
Underneath the life
skills, STEM activities, and social interaction, the Montessori classroom is
also instilling
a sense of self-worth. Children who receive praise tend to be more
enthusiastic and having a high self esteem is often central to displaying care
and compassion for others. It is also beneficial in helping children avoid
bullying, plus the fact that once a child understands that they have the power
to succeed, the doors of success are easier to open.For the parents of young children, it is important to remember that what a child experiences in the classroom can be continued in the home. Talk to your child’s student guides about the classroom projects and look for ways to recreate similar activities in the home. If children are awake, they are learning, and it is up to everyone around them to make that an enjoyable and interesting experience. Montessori Children's House has a Preschool and Primary program for ages 18 months to 6 years. Our teachers work with students and parents to incorporate lessons from the school day into everyday activities. To learn more about the Montessori method, contact our school today.
