When most people think of school, they picture classrooms filled with rowdy teenagers who are desperate to get out and be free. After all, what could be more thrilling than being locked away from your friends, family, and all the other things you love for five days a week, nine months a year? However, not everyone agrees that this is the case with schooling. In recent years there has been an increase in popularity of alternative schools. Known as “progressive education” or “new schools” these institutions vary greatly in their pedagogy and philosophy but share a common belief in using education as a means of developing the whole person rather than just filling their heads with facts and figures. Here are some reasons why you may consider sending your kids to a Montessori school.
What is a Montessori school?
A Montessori school is a private, independent institution that prepares students for elementary and secondary education. Montessori schools place an emphasis on the development of the whole child from birth to adulthood as well as hands-on learning. They are different from traditional schools because they focus on educating the whole person rather than just filling their heads with facts and figures. Montessori schools have been found to have many advantages over traditional schooling. One of these advantages is that many Montessori graduates have higher scores on standardized tests than their peers who attended traditional public or private institutions
A place where children can feel safe and included
Your child is not the only one who needs to feel safe and accepted at a school. This is an important lesson that you can teach your kids by sending them to a Montessori school. A Montessori school is based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who believed that children should be free to learn according to their own pace, inside their own environment. This means that every student gets individual attention and tailored lessons as they progress through the school. They will never be pressured or overwhelmed by classmates who are working at a different pace than they are or by peers who have different abilities than they do. Montessori schools also put an emphasis on respect for other people, which helps kids develop empathy from a young age – something that many adults claim is sorely lacking in today’s society.
A place where your child can develop basic skills
One of the main advantages of Montessori schools is that you can be confident your child will develop basic skills like reading, writing, and math. Unlike traditional schools where students may only have time to work on one or two subjects at a time, in Montessori schools your child will work on math and literacy skills at the same time. This way they are able to progress quickly without getting bored and wanting to quit.
A place where your child will exercise choice and autonomy
Did you know that Montessori schools are unique because they are not based on a strict curriculum? Instead, the school creates an environment where children can learn through self-directed and guided exploration. This is a stark contrast to traditional schools which have a set curriculum which students must follow. This means that your child will have more autonomy when it comes to choosing what to do and how to accomplish their tasks. For example, if your child wants to learn about Egypt, they can research it themselves or work in groups with other children who share that interest. They may also be able to choose what materials they want to use when completing tasks such as math problems or working on an art project. Another benefit of this style of learning is that children take ownership over their progress and feel empowered by the responsibility of their own education. The bottom line here is this: The Montessori method gives your kids more agency and choice over their education experience. And isn’t that what we all want for our children?
A place where your child will learn to collaborate with others and practice empathy
A Montessori education is a collaborative learning environment. Rather than sitting in neat rows, students work in small groups and learn to work together for the betterment of their group. Because students are expected to work with others, they’re also taught how to listen and be sensitive to other people’s opinions. What better way to prepare your child for life than by teaching them the skills of empathy and teamwork? Montessori schools also offer an environment where your child will be forced to think critically. By asking children to create solutions rather than just memorize facts, these schools teach kids how to problem solve.
Bottom line
It’s a good investment One of the main reasons that you should consider sending your kids to a Montessori school is because it will be an investment in your children. You may think that school is all about passing tests, but in fact, it’s a place where children can make friends and learn how to work with other people. Additionally, they can explore their own interests, which will lead them to find the career path that will suit them best in the future. Therefore, you’re investing in their future by sending them to a Montessori school.
