15 Apr Is a Montessori Education Right for My Child?

The Montessori philosophy for teaching and learning derives from the works of Dr. Maria Montessori. She perceived that there was a tremendous need for education reform in the early 1900s and launched a campaign to train educators to teach children with more than just academics (what she referred to as the “whole child”).

Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy was based on three main principles:

• Individual liberty
• Observation
• Preparation of the environment

Teaching the “whole child” allows students to reach their greatest potential. In doing so, Montessori students develop into dependable citizens who are respected and actively involved in their community. Students enrolled in Sugar Mill Montessori School, however, will experience immediate benefits while they attend.

Individual Learning for Every Child

Every student is considered individually, as a unique person, and has an individualized learning plan.
In a Montessori classroom, various learning styles are not only recognized but practiced. The Montessori curriculum is not “one size fits all.” Each student proceeds at an individualized pace as they successfully complete learning objectives. The Montessori-trained teacher creates an individualized learning plan tailored to each student’s needs.

Students become members of a classroom and school community that promotes respect, peace, and kindness.
Multi-age classrooms promote student communities as the ages typically range up to a span of three years. The older students serve as mentors and role models to the youngest students by way of encouragement. The teachers observe the interactions and model respect and kindness for the children. When necessary, they assist children with positive conflict resolution.

Students take an active role in learning by engaging in concrete learning methods.

Prepared learning environments are set up for students by Montessori-trained teachers. In these environments, students use educational materials like manipulatives to find answers to the questions they have. This type of exploratory learning is a very active approach to education. The teacher functions as a facilitator and guides the students as needed during exploration.

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more parents want their children to have a Montessori education. After all, what mom or dad would not want their child to attend a school like Sugar Mill Montessori that individualizes instruction, engages students with hands-on learning, and produces active, respectable citizens for the community?