Choosing a Montessori School that is Best for your Child
Montessori education provides students with a way to learn that’s more focused on allowing the student to lead the learning process. Students obtain a best quality education, one that is driven by their own interests. This method of learning has been successful in creating some of the most diverse thinkers. However, there are a lot of Montessori schools out there, and not all offer the same quality of education or even follow a true Montessori method of learning.
How to Find the best Montessori School
First, make sure the school truly follows the Montessori way of teaching. When you visit, check if what you see matches a true Montessori learning environment.
The space should be warm and welcoming, helping the child to feel safe and supported.
There should be charts, art, materials, and even live plants throughout the classroom setting. Those materials should be displayed in a way that children can reach out and access them.
Montessori learning environments do not have rows of desks. Rather, furniture is child-sized and grouped into circular areas to facilitate communication and learning.
You should see toys everywhere. You should not see workbooks or traditional school papers.
The students are of different age groups rather than learning with others of the same age.
The space should be organized, neat & clean.
To know if a school is a real Montessori program, visit during classes and see students and teachers in action. Also, check school reviews to find the best Montessori schools in your area.
What to Know About Montessori Schools
These schools cover all subjects, sometimes even more than traditional schools, but they teach in a very different way. In these classrooms, kids are always busy exploring and learning. Students put in effort, but they also have fun with what they learn and how they learn it.
Watch the students closely, and you might see them working together in different parts of the room. They usually work respectfully, with everyone involved in learning and using materials. Instead of the teacher always leading, students can choose the activities that matter most to them.
In a Montessori environment, teachers have a different approach. Instead of standing in front of the whole class and giving instructions, they interact with small groups of students. Some of their time is spent teaching kids how to use different materials, and they might also give lessons to smaller groups. Teachers focus on encouraging individual students and act more like mentors than strict disciplinarians.
This setup is environment the regular school system and methods of learning. It offers a more relaxed way of learning without as many rules and limits. This often keeps kids more interested and engaged in different ways.
What Separates the Best Montessori Schools?
Shir-Hashirim Montessori - Teachers
Many schools may say they offer a Montessori education, but that is not always the case. Others do, but they may not have the structure and outcomes that others do. For those who are considering admission into Montessori for their own child, it is critical to choose the right program. Here are some of the most important things to look for that help the best locations stand out.
It’s child friendly. Beyond everything else, the environment is designed for children, including furniture, materials, toileting, and anything else. This allows children to freely use these materials.
It’s an inviting and stimulating space. When an adult steps into the space, it should be easy to see all of the various environments and learning centers located around the area. It should be eye-catching, with lots of natural materials and a variety of ways for children to explore topics in a hands-on manner.
It encourages freedom in learning. There are often areas for students to work alone while also having small group spaces. There are often areas for play and interaction with others and lots of places to sit and work on a project or read. The environment encourages the child to discover something new.
Students can learn life skills. The Montessori environment helps encourage children to practice life skills. This may include using utensils and tools, pouring, stirring, and other types of tasks that often require some practice and discipline.
There are ample positive social interactions. Unlike the quiet of a traditional classroom, in this space, there are lots of opportunities for students to move about the classroom independently and share with others. They should also be encouraged to be respectful and positive to each other.
Teachers are respected mentors. The best programs have highly educated and skilled teachers who have ample experience teaching in this type of environment, which is very different from most other traditional schools.
It can be very difficult to find the best montessori program out there without actually visiting these schools while they are in session. Spend some time visiting a few locations to find out what their Montessori programs are like. What were the hot spots and good things? The more information that is obtained like this, the more likely it is for you to have a good idea of what daily life in the classroom will be like for your students. Take some time now to schedule a tour to Shir-Hashirirm Montessori. Learn more about the program and the wide range of offerings it provides. A true Montessori program, it is an impressive space where your child can thrive. Contact us now to learn more.