The Montessori Philosophy of education informs the design of the Montessori classroom and curriculum. The unique approach to learning that is foundational in Montessori education provides students with a number of important benefits. As you explore the option of Montessori education, you will learn about all of the ways it will benefit your child now and in the future.
Views children as naturally smart
The founder of Montessori education, Maria Montessori, worked with students who were considered unteachable. They were children who did not thrive in the traditional educational setting. She ascribed to the belief that all children were smart and had the ability to learn if provided with the right circumstances. Montessori used that core belief to develop the Montessori Philosophy of education. Teachers in the modern-day Montessori classroom approach teaching from this perspective. For your child, this means that academic struggles are not viewed as inborn deficits. If one way of teaching or learning does not work, the response in the Montessori classroom is to look for another way to learn or teach the concept. This belief creates a classroom environment that is full of creativity and innovation in response to the needs of students.
Develops self-directed learners
Montessori education can help your child become a self-directed learner. This asset is a big benefit for students because it prepares them for secondary and post-secondary education. In the Montessori classroom, students are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Many of the learning activities that students complete are done individually and require focused effort. Making students responsible for what they learn helps them develop the belief that they have some control over their learning. And, it helps students develop the ability to work without being managed continuously by a teacher or other adult. These skills are essential for the future in high school and college when students must use their own internal motivation to continue learning.
Provides individualized instruction
A major benefit of Montessori education is that each student receives individualized instruction. What this means that the teacher in the Montessori classroom develops learning options based on the unique needs of each student. An advanced child can continue to work and move forward without waiting for classmates to catch up. A student who is struggling in an area can continue working on a concept until mastery is achieved without falling behind. This design allows for a learning environment that meets the needs of every student.
There are many more benefits to choosing a Montessori education for your child. Fountainhead Montessori School has an online parent library full of resources to help you learn more about the benefits of Montessori education. You can also schedule a time to observe a classroom and see the benefits in person.