From the outside looking in, it may appear that young children spend all their time playing frivolous games and coasting through life. In reality, though, they are absorbing information all around them to learn and develop at a rapid pace. Scientific research shows that a child’s brain develops more in their first six years than any other point of their life. For that reason, high quality early childhood education is an important step to take in your child’s developmental journey. Montessori education for preschoolers, in particular, can provide many benefits that will remain throughout the child’s life. 

What Makes Montessori Education Different?

Unlike traditional classrooms, Montessori classes are structured around the developmental needs and milestones of young children. Taking into account how young children learn and engage with their senses, the Montessori materials provide a hands-on learning experience. The interactivity of Montessori lessons spur the young child’s interest and helps them learn concepts more deeply through the use of movement.

Additionally, a child’s sense of independence is cultivated by the design of the Montessori classroom. Children are taught from an early age that they are responsible for their learning. Once they have received a lesson from the teacher, they can choose that lesson at any time during the work period. This free choice teaches children how to make good decisions and gives them a great sense of accomplishment when they make progress.

Another aspect of the Montessori classroom that sets it apart is the individualized instruction each child receives. Teachers provide one-on-one instruction to children. Once they have mastered a concept, they receive the next lesson to build to the next level. This self-pacing ensures that each child knows the skills needed to successfully complete each lesson. The teacher can quickly identify trouble points for the child and provide differentiated learning to meet their needs.  

Benefits of Montessori Education

Preschoolers have needs different from their older counterparts. They are separating from their family for the first time, asserting their independence and exploring their curiosity in new and interesting topics. With that in mind, a Montessori education provides a unique learning environment to feed this particular stage of their life. Some of the main benefits of a Montessori education include:

• Hands-on learning

• Opportunities to grow in independence

• Individualized instruction

• Social and emotional learning

• Self-confidence

• Ability to grow in the decision-making process

• Lessons in real-life skills such as caring for themselves and their environment

• Self-paced movement through the curriculum

• Exposure to lessons in culture, geography, science, movement and music beyond the typical core subjects

• A unique classroom environment with children of mixed ages

The benefits of a Montessori education for preschoolers set a strong foundation for all future learning. With the needs of the child in mind, the classroom is meant to cultivate a love of learning and curiosity that will stay with the child for the rest of their educational experience. To learn more about the Montessori method and if it’s a right fit for your family, contact our staff at Fountainhead Montessori today.