Exploring Learning In Childcare Settings

Is Montessori Kindergarten The Best Choice For Your Child?

21 July 2015

Harry Hawkins

Montessori kindergarten is often held alongside preschool, catering to children up to the age of six. About 20 to 30 children may be present in the classroom, with each child practicing skill development independently. Each year, thousands of parents wonder whether to send their kindergartners to a Montessori school rather than a public school classroom. Could it be that Montessori facilities are more engaging, thus producing better students? Here are four reasons why Montessori may be a good fit:

1 - Montessori schools focus on building understanding and socialization.

Educators at Montessori facilities will tell you that they are not teaching students to simply go through the motions. In fact, one study suggests that low-income children from minority backgrounds who received Montessori education at the pre-K levels experienced dramatic improvements in achievement. Since these programs encourage mix-aged classrooms and lots of socialization activities, they promote improved behavioral development in children.

2 - Montessori education forgoes book work for sensorial experiences.

Sensorial experiences means that education is about more than workbooks and textbooks. Children learn by manipulating and observing the environment; this aspect is an essential component of the Montessori school. For this reason, games and activities are part of the learning environment. An added benefit of the structure of this environment is that students are not taken from activity to activity by force. Children are encouraged to participate in activities on their own, learning as slowly or quickly as they feel the need.

3 - Montessori schools establish a strong sense of community.

Kindergartners work with younger students, often helping to teach the lessons. This reinforces knowledge, contributing to the student's own learning as well. Building an emotionally positive sense of community is beneficial for students nervous about starting school. This is also a fantastic environment for students who are self-starters and do not need to be told to get started. Students who do not feel this way already may learn to initiate their own learning in time.

4 - Montessori students learn at their own pace.

Whether students are learning geography or math, students are focused on learning, not on being tested. Self-regulation is an essential component of learning. Freedom, with some limits, encourages students to become active-learners and self-correctors. 

Thousands of children attend kindergarten in this type of environment. While it does cost money for students to attend, many parents consider it to be worth every penny. Talk with a place like Colwell Nursery School daycare for more information.

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