It’s a new school year and we love welcoming new families to MHDS and seeing students flourish with our Montessori curriculum. Are you looking to learn more about why Montessori is the best education? Read on to learn all about Montessori Schools and what makes them special!
What is the Montessori Method?
Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who harnessed the way children learn naturally and created a new style of education. Dr. Montessori was a pioneer in her field and started a new school, named Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House), focusing on high-quality learning in Italy in 1907.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed children learn best through independent exploration of concrete materials. The prepared educational environment, in conjunction with an educational guide (teacher), promotes a child’s intrinsic motivation to learn. In the Montessori Method, children master advanced, abstract concepts through exploration of the concrete materials. These are some foundational principles Montessori schools use for their curriculum, including here at Montessori House Day School.
The Montessori Education environment includes multi-aged student groups, organized by developmental stage. The multi-year sequence is a key facet of the Montessori Method, as the approach focuses on the development of the whole child. Children learn organically from their older peers and become role models and guides to those younger. The classroom structure fosters academic, social, emotional and physical growth in each child.
Children who learn in a Montessori environment develop healthy life skills, learn how to navigate through real life experiences and are often looked at as “well-rounded” individuals and lifelong learners. There are now thousands of schools that offer Montessori-style education environments for children as young as one through high school.
Benefits of a Montessori Education
One of the primary focuses of a Montessori school is creating an environment and curriculum that promotes students’ independence. Since children learn in ways they are naturally drawn to, Montessori curriculum ensures students are using their hands to explore and discover, leading to interested and engaged students, which ultimately propels a willingness to learn.
Teachers also have independence in the Montessori classroom. The day begins with a general structure, with designated activity/work centers for students to touch and discover, and then observing and assisting students as they work with hands-on lessons. In traditional, non-Montessori learning environments, teachers are expected to adhere to a standard schedule with time limits. In the Montessori environment, teachers maintain control of the classroom and ensure the learning environment is conducive to concentration.
Overall, teachers are tuned to the needs of their students; they provide support for students who need more time choosing or connecting with a learning activity and encourage the immediately-engaged students to continue their “work.” This allows more time for discovery, personal connections, questions and exploring additional aspects of the work they enjoy.
When students are empowered to make their own discoveries it creates a sense of ownership of their work. This leads to lifelong curiosity and learning!
Why Parents should choose a Montessori House Day School Montessori Education
Montessori House Day School’s Montessori Education uses the Montessori Method as the foundation for all curriculum. Environments that foster individual learning are empowering and encouraging for students and adults alike to pursue their interests. Students in Montessori programs are typically eager to learn and try new things frequently, a valuable quality in many industries, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In today’s society, individuals who are socially and emotionally healthy are typically stable, physically healthy and have a positive outlook on life. In the workforce, socially and emotionally intelligent individuals make great managers and team leaders because they are understanding and empathetic to their colleagues. There are many prominent and successful leaders who have had a Montessori education including the founders of Google, Jeff Bezos, and Julia Child. A Montessori education doesn’t guarantee a successful life, but it contributes to a well-rounded adult.
Enrollment for 2021-2022 is still open. Request admissions information or schedule a tour today!
