When was the last time your child swept the floor without you asking them to? When was the last time they helped a friend or classmate all on their own? And when is the last time your child came home from school eager to gush about their important work?
In a Montessori classroom, these things happen every single day. Children learn to take responsibility for their space, their learning, and one another. In essence, a Montessori education is an education for the whole child.
Smart children thrive in the Montessori setting, where the school curriculum is malleable and based on their needs. From arrival to dismissal, Montessori guides respect children for what they bring to the community.
Are you wondering if the cost of a private school education is worth it? Keep reading to learn more about what you’re getting when you choose a Montessori education for your child.
Social Relationships
School is where children learn how to be together. They learn skills like conflict resolution and compromise. Montessori classrooms are like communities, where children learn and grow in cohorts.
Your child won’t have a new teacher every year. They’ll stay in the same classroom for two or three years, where they will learn to care for the space and one another.
Opportunities for Leadership
Children may arrive in their classroom as “the new kid,” but they will immediately meet older student mentors. As they grow and progress, they will have the opportunity to become a mentor, too. In multi-age classrooms, children learn to help and accept help.
In the Montessori philosophy, teachers encourage children to do many things for themselves. They will take on “adult” tasks such as cleaning, preparing meals, and managing materials. This helps them learn independence beyond the classroom walls.
Children Don’t Get Left Behind
In a multi-age classroom, there is no expectation that a child meets an arbitrary set of criteria by the end of the school year. The teacher is a guide who meets the child where they are. Assigned tasks will always be on their level, whether it’s remedial or advanced.
Tasks Are Meaningful
There is no busy work in a Montessori classroom! Children complete tasks and have the time and space to work toward mastery, not just completion. Much of the work is project-based and fueled by collaboration and imagination.
This is true even in a Montessori preschool! Children have the opportunity to learn focus, resilience, and perseverance. Every task is intentional and designed to foster developmental growth in your child.
Embrace a Montessori Education
The education industry is changing, and not always in good ways. Smart students are falling through the cracks because public schools are not centering their needs. A Montessori education can provide children of all abilities with the skills they need to thrive in a world beyond the classroom.
We can all use a boost to our skills sometimes! Check out the rest of the blog for more posts that can help you become the best parent possible!