In today’s world, everyone is busy in their own life. In this article, we will learn about what Montessori based teaching is and why it is best for your child. Parenting has become a new challenge even in Nepal. Giving birth and then growing children can sometimes overexert parents. If you are a working parent, you know you need to spend more time at work than with your children because life is expensive and you need to keep yourself busy, especially if you are living in big cities, like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Bharatpur, Butwal, and so on.
And, the problem doubles if you are a single parent.
Also, as a child grow, giving proper education is necessary.
Well, if you are a working parent and are confused about whether to choose any preschool or preschool based on the Montessori teaching method, we are here to help.
The information provided below can help you, to a certain point, for the bright future of your child.
So, let’s talk about Montessori and why choosing one can be best for the children.
What is Montessori?
Montessori is a method of education based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.
It is a place where children can follow their own interests, get strong academics, learn leadership skills, be responsible, independence, initiative, and self-discipline.
And to help them make creative choices in their learning, the teacher provides an environment that offers age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Here, children work in groups and individually to discover and explore the knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential in their own ways.
Why is Montessori-based education best for your child?
Montessori is the right choice for beginning your child’s educational career.
Why?
Because of the learning principles it uses. Here are some of the principles of Montessori teaching that makes it so great.
Focuses on Key Developmental Stages
A Montessori curriculum focuses on key developmental factors in children between the ages of three and five-years-old. Most of the Montessori believes in ECD (Early Childhood Development), so their curriculum lingers around developing their skills like language skills, fine motor skills and completing everyday activities, such as cooking and arts and crafts.
Encourages Cooperative Play
As there is no proper teaching ethics, students guide the activities they do throughout the day. This encourages children to share and work cooperatively in the classroom which helps them to learn to respect one another and build a sense of community.
Learning Is Child-Centered
Montessori classrooms are made creatively to attract students and their curriculum is designed around their specific needs. They can choose from a wide range of activities which are developmentally challenging. This allows them to explore and learn at their own pace and on their own terms.
Children Naturally Learn Self-Discipline
While the Montessori Method allows children to choose and perform their own activities, there are some “ground rules” enforced by the teacher and other students. This environment naturally teaches children to be self-disciplined, and it refines important skills like concentration, self-control, and motivation.
Classroom Environment Teaches Order
In a Montessori classroom, all objects and activities have precise locations.
When children are done with their activity, they learn to put items back into their appropriate places. This sense of order helps facilitate the learning process, teaches self-discipline, and caters to a young child’s innate need for an orderly environment. When the place is neat and predictable, they can unleash their creativity and focus fully on the learning process.
Teachers Facilitate the Learning Experience
Teachers in the Montessori classroom are well-trained and their duty is to lead and encourage students to perform tasks at their own pace.
Learning Method Inspires Creativity
Since children are allowed to work on their chosen activities on their will, creativity is encouraged. Children work at tasks for the joy of the work, rather than the end result, which allows them to focus more on process than the result – a natural path to creativity.
More Effective in Developing Certain Skills
Montessori based teaching sometimes seems to be more effective in developing certain skills like math and reading skills, social skills, etc.
The System is Highly Individualized to Each Student
Children are allowed to explore activities and concepts at their own pace. This encourages them to try more challenging areas, which accelerates their learning experience.
Learning occurs at a comfortable pace for each student, rather than inflicting the same rate on every student in a classroom.
Curriculum Focused on Hands-On Learning
Montessori focuses on hands-on learning which emphasizes concrete learning, rather than abstract, as students work on activities that teach language, math, culture and practical life lessons.
Teachers encourage students to concentrate on tasks, and they discourage students from interrupting one another, allowing students to focus on activities until they are properly mastered.
Not only this, the Montessori environment encompasses the following principles:
- Mixed-age groups which not only offer a wide range of activities to spark children’s interest but also enable children to learn from others and learn by helping others.
- Freedom for children to work at their own pace, and without interruption.
- Exploration is encouraged so that children find things out for themselves, make mistakes and correct them independently.
- Respect for each child as an individual personality with unique talents.
- Respect for others, the community, and the environment.
Montessori based preschool aims to prepare a child for the school years by promoting their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Basically, they lay the groundwork for excelling in elementary school and beyond. Now, the question may arise on how to determine a good place for your child? For this, you need to take in consideration of things like the school’s location, fee structure, transportation, staff, etc.
Selection Criteria for a Good Preschool:
- Preschool which ‘fits’ your needs
- Excellent teachers and friendly staffs
- Teaching methodology
- Location
- Visitation policy
- Curriculum
- Infrastructure
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