​​What Is Montessori Education and How To Choose The Right One

A child’s education is often one of the most important parental decisions to make. We all want our children to receive the best education to better prepare them for the future. Furthermore, research suggests that preschool education has a large influence on future success.

But there are so many factors and options to examine that this decision can be very difficult. What kind of environment will work best for the child? Which learning philosophy has the greatest results?

When considering quality early childhood education, Montessori childcare can be a great option. Montessori programs differ from conventional preschools in many ways. Most importantly, they focus on developing independence, explorative play, and building confidence.

So why choose Montessori? Let’s examine the curriculum, philosophy, and benefits to get a better idea.

What is Montessori?

Montessori education was developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. Education at the time focused on memorisation, performance, and a generalised approach. Montessori centres marked a shift away from traditional education.

Freedom, independence, and confidence are key features of Montessori schools. They allow children to navigate their education at their own pace. This encourages a child’s natural desire to learn.

Some of the key principles of Montessori education include:

• stimulating environment
• learning through play
• independent decision making
• freedom to choose
• focus on a healthy lifestyle
• holistic approaches

These principles are usually not found in conventional education. Studies have found that children who finish Montessori programs find school more enjoyable. Additionally, Montessori preschool leads to greater academic achievements.

Montessori Curriculum

The Montessori curriculum focuses on five key areas. By mastering these key areas, students become confident and capable learners. Capability and self-confidence go hand in hand. When children feel confident, they become life-long learners.

Practical Life

Practical Life activities help children develop fine motor skills. These include pouring, threading, shaping, and so on. Children fine-tune their coordination. They also build focus through these projects.

These skills are also practical. Such as teaching children how to button a button, or tie a shoelace. Beyond that, many programs include nature. Children learn how to care for plants and respect the environment.

Sensorial

Sensorial activities focus on exploring the five senses. Through this, children are better able to analyse and understand their world. Sensory discrimination is the goal of sensorial activities.

These activities also pave the way for later learning. Specifically in the areas of mathematics and language.

Mathematics

Mathematics is an important aspect of every child’s education. But Montessori takes a hands-on approach. Children learn critical mathematics skills by playing with objects such as spindle rods.

When fusing play and learning together, children may better understand abstract topics. When they are ready to advance, more difficult objects are introduced.

Language

Montessori objects help children develop language skills at their own pace. Phonics and reading are a major focus of the program. Importance is also placed on developing spelling, and writing skills.

Through the Montessori method, children use tactile objects to learn. For example, the moving alphabet is used to begin basic word formation. Other activities focus on better pencil control and coordination.

Culture

Culture activities are about exploring and understanding the world. Topics like the environment, sustainability, and diversity are introduced. Traditional subjects like geography and history are also included in the curriculum.

Often, culture includes foreign languages and diversity in education. Thus, children tend to become empathetic and understanding of different people.

Why Choose Montessori?

There are over 300 Montessori centres across Australia. Over 330,000 children attend Montessori programs. The reason? There are many significant benefits to Montessori childcare.

A Developed Philosophy

Every Montessori centre has a developed philosophy in place. This means that expectations and methods are defined. Most Montessori philosophies focus on creating stimulating environments. This results in inspiring children to become life-long learners.

Progressive Teaching Methods

Montessori educators focus on student development at an individual level. The amount of students is small, so children get personalised attention at all times. Educators introduce new learning tools when they see that the child is ready.

Individually Paced Milestones

Children learn at their own pace so there is no competition or failure to get to “the next level”. This builds self-confidence and stimulates a child’s natural motivation to learn.

Natural Environment

Montessori classrooms focus on the natural world. Furniture consists of natural materials like wood. Everything is child-sized and at eye level. Making it perfect for an independent investigation. The goal is to motivate the child to explore their environment.

Fostering Independence

Montessori programs strive to teach children to think and act independently. This forward-thinking nature of Montessori programs creates students who excel in adult life. It also teaches children critical self-help and problem-solving skills.

Allowing Freedom

Freedom, within reason, is one of the main aspects of Montessori education. Giving children the freedom to study what they enjoy will encourage learning. They can choose which topics interest them rather than following a set schedule.

Montessori Education vs. Conventional Daycare

Montessori childcare and conventional daycare centres are very different. The right choice can affect a child’s social, emotional, and academic development.

Learning Environment

Montessori education values nature and natural materials, as well as accessibility. The classroom is created with the child in mind. Everything is within easy reach and ready for children to explore.

The classroom is light, bright, and inspiring. Natural materials, like wooden toys, fill the space. Beyond that, there is a large focus on exploring the outdoors. A big part of the program is about forming respect for nature.

Most conventional daycares do not have a nature-focused philosophy. Classrooms tend to be colourful and filled with plastic toys and furniture. There is also often a limit on outdoor play.

Curriculum

For early years learners, the Montessori curriculum focuses on developing skills through play. The daily schedule is very flexible, with only set times for snacks and naps. Children have the freedom to explore subjects that interest them.

Conventional daycares have varied curriculums. Some focus on playing while others have a more academic tone. Worksheets and memorising, such as the alphabet, are common tools.

Expectations

Montessori expectations are based on the centre’s philosophy. The curriculum revolves around the five key principles. The focus is on encouraging children to embrace independence, respect, and gain confidence.

Conventional daycares set their own expectations. Parents will have to research and review each centre to find one that fits their style. The focus of conventional daycares is preparing children for the traditional school system.

Greystanes Childcare

Our Educate Me Montessori Greystanes Childcare Centre is a brand-new facility in NSW. We offer three programs tailored for children from zero to six years old.

Infant Program

The Infant Program focuses on children aged zero to two years old. We create a warm, welcoming environment for infants to explore and learn. By creating a home-like space, we ensure infants feel comfortable and safe.

The program goals include the following:

• developing fine motor skills
• problem-solving skills
• focus and motivation
• expanding social capabilities
• building confidence
• developing language skills

The Infant Program is the perfect way to begin a Montessori education. After completing the program, children will move into the Toddler Program.

Toddler Program

The Toddler Program welcomes children aged two to three. We create a safe environment for toddlers to explore. Each toy, tool, and utensil found in the space is there to spark the imagination.

The goal of the Toddler Program is to begin developing specific skills, including:

• creating simple sentences
• showing self-expression
• positive interaction with others
• developing self-help skills
• participating in healthy movement
• understanding the senses
• building self-confidence

The Toddler Program is the perfect bridge between infancy and preschool. After completion, students will be ready to join the Preschool Program.

Preschool Program

The Preschool Program caters to children aged three to six. The main goal is to prepare children for school while expanding on the five key principles.

This phase of the program is more structured. The learning space is split up into areas of focus according to the curriculum. Items and activities slowly become more difficult. This is so that children can advance when they’re ready.

The Preschool Program includes many of the same goals as the previous programs. This included building confidence, forming social relationships, and enhancing problem-solving skills.

Some new learning objectives introduced, to better prepare the child for school are:

• achieving basic reading skills
• enhancing writing skills
• fine-tuning physical movement
• critical thinking methods
• understanding diversity

The Preschool Program is an amazing way to prepare children for grade school. Students will be very familiar with the Montessori curriculum at the end of the program.

Ready to Choose Montessori?

Montessori education focuses on whole social, emotional, and academic development. All while encouraging independence, freedom, respect, and individuality.

We recommend doing a thorough Montessori childcare review. If you’re still wondering why choose Montessori, contact us today for more information. We can help you make a decision based on your desired learning outcomes.

Convinced that Montessori is the perfect choice for your child’s educational future? Sign up for our waiting list! We hope to see you at our brand new Greystanes Childcare Centre in 2022.