Montessori Preschool
Deciding Which Montessori Preschool Is Right For You
By Rick Rakauskas
After making the decision to send your child to a Montessori preschool, how do
you decide which one to choose? First, make sure the preschool you choose is
accredited. Montessori is not patented, so anyone can call themselves a
Montessori school.
There are some differences to keep in mind. Below I will give you some differences to help you recognize a true Montessori program. A Montessori school will allow your child to develop naturally while a traditional school will transfer their curriculum to the child. Children in a Montessori preschool will be allowed to set their own time frame and learn what they want while a traditional school teaches their own set curriculum and everyone learns according to the same time frame.
A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment meaning the children teach themselves using specially prepared activities. This allows them to become an active participant who learns through their own experiences. Since a teacher who stands in front of the class is usual. This then becomes a very passive learning environment and the children's learning is only limited to what the teacher feels is important for them to know.
A true Montessori teacher works in collaboration with the children allowing them move around the room freely and talk to others as long as they aren't disturbing anyone. This environment encourages self discipline and allows the child to develop faster. This development brings a reward of it's own and this motivates the children. In traditional school the child must sit in an assigned seat as they are led through their lessons. The teacher is the primary enforcer of discipline and the child is motivated by a reward and punishment system.
There are other differences but these are some of the main ones to keep an eye open for. The popularity of Montessori schools in Australia is picking up. There are around 170 schools nationwide. Community associations and non-profits operate most of them. The number of privately owned schools and centers is growing. Montessori is also included in the public schools. In addition to that, there are also culturally based Montessori programs that focus on lessons that teach the children to respect and appreciate their own culture.
With all the different
Montessori preschool choices, how do you know which is right for you? Look for a
center that is run by someone who is accredited and has a passion for
encouraging and empowering your child to develop to their full potential. Find
an early childhood expert who is there every day ready to guide and facilitate
the children through the wide variety of Montessori activities Look for a
Montessori preschool that will make your child's safety a priority. For example
a preschool that is not only a sun smart center (which uses a chemical free sun
screen and hats) but also only allows authorized people in the building and
those people must sign in and out. In addition to that, they should teach your
children the importance of hygiene and how to tidy up after themselves, as well
as respect for themselves and their elders.
Look for a program that truly believes in the Montessori philosophy. Find a place where they understand that children naturally love to learn and left to explore their environment they will choose things that interest them. The Montessori teacher will provide activities and guide the children through them in a way that helps to develop the whole child. This way they can develop to his or her greatest potential: physically, emotionally and mentally. They continually adapt the classroom environment to the children.
Related pages at Parenting Magic
Home Schooling :
Preschool Games :
Back To School Organizing
Choosing A Preschool :
Home Schooled Child :
Children Wanting To Learn
Preschool Education :
Back To School :
Green Schools
