5 Reasons to Choose the Montessori Method

There are many ways you could choose to educate your child, so why choose Montessori? There are many benefits of Montessori education, and Montessori methods have been used worldwide for decades. Here are some reasons why you should choose to educate your child using Montessori techniques:

 

1. Children are prepared for the real world: Unlike most traditional schools, Montessori does not base its education on skill-building alone. Montessori methods can help to prepare a child for all aspects of their life. Children are encouraged to practice real-life activities and learn how to take care of themselves and their environment. The children are shown respect and learn how to respect others. When a child is raised using Montessori methods, they gain practical skills that they will use at some point in their life. From being part of the Montessori community, children gain the required skills to become outstanding members of society.

 

2. Children are observed and given opportunities that suit their level of development: Just because a group of children is the same age does not mean that they are at the same level of development. In traditional schools, children are taught using the same curriculum. They are expected to learn at the same pace as one another and receive similar results. It simply does not work, as every child is different, and every child has individual requirements for their development. If you teach a group of children at the same level, those that fall behind find it hard to keep up. Those that are ahead

can find it hard to pay attention when they are not learning anything new. Either way, it can affect a child’s confidence. Montessori environments allow for a child to progress depending on their current level of development. Children can work alongside one another, at their own pace, with their own choice of study. The children are all individually observed. From these observations, the children are presented with the environment and materials suitable for their stage of development.

 

3. Limited rewards help children learn self-discipline and self-satisfaction: Children do not benefit from being praised for everything they do. A child that receives rewards for every accomplishment will find it hard to accept critique. In Montessori, there are no rewards. Everything a child learns is left for them to appreciate. Children feel a sense of self-satisfaction when they complete a task and learn to recognize their hard work. Rather than expecting a reward, children find personal joy from their successes. They see how their skills contribute to making life easier and more understandable. They realize that they are bettering themselves as people. When you praise a child in Montessori, it is specific to what they are doing. For example, you could say, “I like how much detail you included in your artwork.” You are not offering rewards or compliments for their work; instead, you show admiration for their determination.

 

4. Montessori helps children figure out who they are: Children can recognize their abilities when they experience trial and error. Allowing a child to come up with their own solutions, instead of helping them solve their problems, can develop their sense of independence. They feel confident when they figure things out for themselves. A Montessori environment provides materials that allow children to see the error of their ways visually. They have the freedom to choose their materials and activities, which means they can make choices based on instinct. In Montessori, children can learn naturally and explore their interests, figuring out what they like and dislike.

 

5. Children develop good social skills: In Montessori, manners and etiquette are just as important as any other skills. As there are only a limited amount of materials in Montessori, the children have to share. They are allowed to play with their material until they have finished with it. They are then encouraged to pass it onto the next child who is waiting for their turn. It helps teach the children to be respectful to one another and to have patience. Children learn from each other and their environment. When the adults consistently demonstrate manners to the children, they begin to understand the importance of politeness and respect.