As a parent, it is understandable that you want the absolute best for your children – especially when it comes to their education. While traditional schooling might work for some families, the Montessori method of education is a child-centered educational approach that many parents have found to be ideal for their young learner.
At Kids Village Montessori, we strive to provide your children with an outstanding learning experience and trustworthy childcare services in McAllen. Your child will not only learn how to be an exceptional student but will also come to love learning in the stimulating environment we provide.
Finding the right school for your child can be nerve-racking and you are likely to have various questions about the type of educational approach that would best benefit your learner. Because of that, we’d like to offer you some guidance and information about Montessori schooling so that you can make the best decision for your family.
4 Important Questions Parents Should Ask About Montessori Education
1. How is Montessori education beneficial for my child?
Montessori education is beneficial for those who want their children to experience a more progressive, child-centered approach to education. Montessori education provides a unique learning environment where children begin to form a love for learning through active learning experiences.
In the classroom, teachers frequently work with students on a one-on-one basis and teach a curriculum that is intended to engage your child’s inherent desire for knowledge. This fluid, yet highly effective philosophy of teaching, can differ significantly from traditional schooling.
2. How does Montessori differ from traditional schooling?
In traditional schooling, teachers are required to create the same lesson plan for all students, instead of meeting the needs of each individual student. Montessori classrooms, however, are based on the teacher’s observations of students’ specific needs so that they can succeed academically.
Furthermore, while most traditional schools are inclined to produce children who listen passively, take tests, and memorize concepts, the Montessori system instead focuses on active participation and explorative learning. In Montessori schools, children discover new information on their own and take learning into their own hands with the help of experienced teachers. Children work on lessons for as long as they need to and have limited interruptions in order to learn how to be self-sufficient but also how to grasp concepts with a firm understanding.
3. Are the age groups and grade-levels different from traditional schools?
In traditional schooling, grade levels are typically defined by age. In Montessori schools, however, grade levels are divided into multi-age classrooms determined by your child’s developmental range instead of their age.
Montessori schools have a population of children anywhere from 18-months to 12-years-old.
4. What is the curriculum like in a Montessori school?
- Montessori curriculum is grouped into 3-year cycles rather than the year-by-year styled curriculum traditional schools have.
- Montessori curriculum is created to tailor the needs of your children, whereas traditional curriculum is determined without the ability to understand what your child’s specific needs are.
- Allowing children the freedom to make their own decisions about what they wish to study or learn is crucial when developing capable, motivated children.
- Montessori schooling nurtures independence, concentration, order, and coordination. This is why the curriculum, agents of learning (such as materials in the classroom), and class-routines allow toddlers to educate themselves and begin to learn self-regulation.
How Students Are Grouped In Montessori School
1. Toddlers (18 months – 3-years-old)
These students work and play in order to acquire physical independence. As they are now ready to move about and effectively communicate with others, they are interested in the world around them and are introduced to good learning habits, social development, respect for others, and developing a love for school.
2. Children (3 – 6-years-old)
Children in this range work at their own pace while teachers observe them to better understand what they need to learn more about. Children at this age start to work independently but also in small groups so that they may explore different languages, cultures, and other sensible aspects of communication with other children.
3. Elementary Programs (6 – 12-years-old)
From six to twelve years old, this is the time when your child is encouraged to be an active, independent thinker. Being involved in larger projects, research, and even academic discussions all allow your child to explore various aspects of a particular lesson plan at their own pace.
If you are ready to feed your child’s curious nature, let our knowledgeable team at Kids Village Montessori turn learning into a personalized, next-level experience!