Encouraging Education At Home

Posted on: 23 February 2023

Parents searching for child care will encounter Montessori schools based on the principles of Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori based her curriculum on five basic principles. When you understand the basis of Montessori pedagogy, you can understand more about the school system and whether it's right for you

Principle 1: Respect for the Child 

Montessori believes that children should receive respect. One of the ways children receive respect in Montessori schools is by letting them speak their opinion. Previously, children were to be seen and not heard. Montessori schools were some of the first schools to change these ideas. Children learn self-respect in Montessori schools since the teachers treat them with respect. 

Principle 2: The Absorbent Mind

Montessori principles believe that a child's mind is designed to constantly learn. Children learn through formal academic lessons, but they also learn in other ways, such as playing and socializing. With this philosophy in mind, Montessori schools prioritize alternative education methods instead of following a strict academic curriculum. 

Principle 3: Sensitive Periods

Sensitive periods refer to moments in a child's life that provide ideal learning conditions for certain lessons. Essentially, it's the time when the child wants to learn a specific lesson. For example, children may experience a sensitive period related to language once they want to express themselves more effectively. Sensitive periods vary from child to child. Montessori teachers work with each child individually to determine when they reach different sensitive periods and encourage learning at that time.

Principle 4: The Prepared Environment

Montessori schools strive to provide children with an environment conducive to learning. A proper environment has everything needed to help the child learn, such as books, puzzles, computers, and other resources. The environment must also have encouraging teachers, quiet spaces for children who learn best when they can focus, and collaborative opportunities for children who learn best as part of a team. 

Principle 5: Auto Education

Montessori schools allow children to learn in the way they see fit. Instead of a strict structure, children have the ability to choose what and how they want to learn. Children will have the opportunity to pick from multiple different productive activities. By learning the things that interest them, the children learn in a more natural and independent way that encourages constant self-improvement into adulthood. 

Montessori schools aren't for every child, but most children perform very well in such an independent and encouraging environment. Tour a day care center to learn more.