5 Reasons That Show Why The Montessori Method Works

As noted by a blog post on Montessori Rocks (2017), the five key reasons that Montessori methods work are:

1. Children enjoy learning: In traditional schools, children don’t have much choice; they are assigned work and expected to do it. When you tell a young child to do something, it’s like their instincts tell them to do the opposite. In Montessori, the children have the freedom to choose. They can follow their natural instincts and engage in activities of their own free will. When a child decides to partake in an activity, it is because it has piqued their interest. The best thing about Montessori is that the children have fun and enjoy themselves while learning essential skills.

2. Montessori promotes independence: Montessori environments are designed to suit a child’s size. The children benefit from child-sized tables and chairs. They have access to eye-level shelves that hold skill-developing materials. The children can use real-life items that accommodate their height and size. They can partake in real-life activities such as cleaning, food preparation, and caring for plants, among many others. Their environment presents all items that a child would usually ask for, allowing them to engage with and complete tasks independently. Children feel a sense of satisfaction and pride when they do not have to ask for help and manage to find solutions by themselves. The materials show the children the error of their ways and allow for independent rectification. Adults can help the children if and when required. The children learn their capabilities when they complete tasks and activities independently. When a child is aware of their abilities, they will feel much more confident approaching challenges in the future.

3. Montessori is consistent: Montessori methods are popular worldwide and have been successfully used as a form of education for over a century. Montessori has stayed the same as the methods work, and there has never been a reason to change. The practices have proved to be successful and can be used on a child from birth to adolescence. The Montessori approach is used on each child depending on their level of development. The methods always stay the same but are presented to suit a child’s current needs.

4. Each child is approached as an individual: In Montessori, all children are observed and dealt with individually. Children are not forced to do anything that they don’t want to do. They are gently guided towards activities and materials that interest them. They are always presented with opportunities that are appropriate to their level of development. The aim is to give each child the chance to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

5. Children find it easier to understand: When a child is filled with information without reason or explanation, they find it very hard to understand and remember—because they have not associated this information with any visual or mental interpretation. Children find it hard to absorb information that they do not understand. In Montessori, the children can use materials and activities in various subjects to help them understand cause and effect. When a child finds the answers to their questions, they start to link information together and set foundations for further development.