Picking the correct school for your child is one of the most rewarding decisions that you are going to make as a parent. Several philosophical systems and approaches to learning exist and it may therefore not be easy to identify the most appropriate learning method that would make the child great in the future. Montessori education is one of the methods that have endured the most possible time in the pursuit of providing the best education. Also known as the Montessori scandal, this was pioneered by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900’s emphasizing child-centered education, discovery learning and child’s freedom.

That is where one gets the question of what really sets Montessori education apart and why you should enroll your child at a Montessori school. In this blog we will look at the numerous benefits of Montessori learning and how this helps in the development of children.

  1. Child-Centered Learning: One of the principal components of Montessori education is an individual approach to a child. Contrary to conventional education systems that the teacher stands at the core of a class, Montessori learning environment focuses on the child. These teachers only facilitate learning, where the children decide what they want to learn and how to learn it. This means that this curriculum emphasizes a child differentiated approach that ensures every child gets the best attention he/she deserves.

  2. Development of Independence: Montessori education is following the general principle where independence of children is of paramount significance. The key characteristic of a Montessori classroom is that the child is allowed to be an active learner. They select hobbies that are really engaging and learn to work and be productive at their own schedule. This focus on independence helps children or students to learn life skills like; problem solving, decision making; discipline etc.

  3. Hands-On Learning: Montessori learning environments are therefore physical and they encourage the children to do the doing. Children freely interact with the objects and the equipment that are put in their reach to help them develop through their senses and be active. This is more so since young children are directly involved in their learning held though their hands, this way, they are able to develop fine motor skills, focus as well as gain a more in-depth understanding of what is taught in class.

  4. Encouragement of Creativity and Imagination: Another significant feature of Montessori education is that a great deal of importance is given to creativity as well as imagination. Montessori activities can be characterized by the fact they are not highly structured, therefore the child can use his creativity. This creative freedom helps the child to develop interest in learning with a view to enhance his or her thinking ability to expand in every domain of their lives.

  5. Respect for Individual Differences: Each and every child is different and thus has different abilities, preferences and the way he or she learns. These differences are recognized and respected in Montessori education and the child is encouraged along his or her capabilities. The differentiation not only ensures that every child gets the education that enables him/her to meet the expected academic standard but also fosters the child’s self-esteem and confidence.

  6. Development of Social Skills: In a Montessori classroom, therefore, the children learn in groups drawn from different age groups. This setting creates opportunities for student learning with and from other students, peer teaching, and learning from seniors. The children are able to learn from their junior counterparts and in the process, the elder children develop leadership skills. Similarly, the younger learners gain social learning and develop relations as they get to work or play in the company of older children, and vice versa.

  7. Prepared Environment: The Montessori classroom that it termed as the “prepared environment” is arranged in a manner to encourage the children to be independent. All the objects in the classroom are miniature, and within a child’s reach and arranged in a manner that fosters independence. The environment is also good looking, thus people will not disrupt them by making noises or while feeling sleepy they will not be distracted by something else in the environment.

Montessori education, thus, has the following advantages. As a method that always has the child’s needs at heart, that encourages autonomy and learning, Montessori education prepares children well for the future. Whether as a parent seeking to enroll your child at a Montessori school or as a parent interested in starting a Montessori school, seeing that the Montessori education provides a distinct form of learning that does address the child’s total being. 

For parents who want a balanced, child-centered environment and are open to their child’s blossoming in all areas, academically and otherwise, Montessori education is right for you.