The Benefits of a Montessori Education

When our children are born, we have alreadywhat they do. There is a total freedom to learn
decided that we will raise them in the best waywhich makes the learning fun.
we can. This responsibility, however, involves us. Montessori schools teach independence from an
making choices for them, and one of the mostearly age. The children take an active part in
fundamental choices we make is that of theirrunning their school, like preparing and serving at
education. There are so many schools out there,the drinks break, and putting learning equipment
whatever age your child, but when considering anaway after they have used it. Practical tasks like
education for your child, it is worth looking into thesweeping, polishing, making sandwiches and tying
Montessori method. In the UK, most Montessorishoe laces, are all available for children to learn on
schools are pre-schools, with some elementary,a daily basis.
but in the US, there are elementary schools as. The equipment available for learning is unique and
well as some high schools.designed by Maria Montessori. It is exceptionally
The founder of the Montessori method ofgood quality equipment, which means the children
teaching was a lady called Maria Montessori, thevalue it and treat it with care.
first woman in Italy to graduate in medicine from. In a Montessori environment children are
the University of Rome. She worked withencouraged to respect and help each other. If
mentally retarded children, then served in athey choose, they will work with other children,
variety of university teaching positions. In 1907,and help each other, or 'teach' each other, and
she opened the Casa dei Bambini, where shethey enjoy doing so. It is wonderful to watch
taught children of normal intelligence using herchildren who really want to help each other.
methods from her research in philosophy, child. All children, whatever their abilities or interests,
development and education. She spent most ofreach their full potential. All children fit in, including
her remaining life writing, lecturing and teachingchildren with learning disabilities. Many children learn
about her methods.best in different ways, and the equipment is
The benefits of a Montessori education aredesigned for this. For example, one piece of
numerous. It is well worth visiting one toequipment is the sand alphabet – the letters
experience the atmosphere for yourself. Theof the alphabet in sand on card. The child traces
main goal of Montessori is to provide a stimulating,over the sand letter with her finger, and then
child oriented environment that children canwrites the letter on paper. For all subjects there
explore, touch, and learn without fear. Each childare items of interest to the child, however he
learns at his or her own pace. Teachers arelearns best. For example, for geography, not only
understanding and encouraging, so that the childare there books, but globes, map puzzles,
can enjoy learning, and feel happy about her pathpictures, and animal figures (sensory items). There
and purpose in life. Here are some of theare also regular visits from people, pets, animals,
benefits:-and different activities depending on the topic at
. Children are not expected to conform to setthe time, eg. Chinese cooking, Italian food
standards of achievement as in conventionalsampling.
schools. The Montessori method takes account of. The environment of a Montessori school is
the needs, talents, gifts, and special individuality ofpeaceful and facilitates learning. Because children
each child. The children learn at their own pace, soare happy and learning at their own pace, discipline
they are not being constrained nor criticised foris not an issue.