The Montessori method of education ensures that everything a child comes in contact with facilitates and maximizes independent learning and exploration. Here, children are free to choose and work on activities at their own pace. In the United States, Montessori offers a combination of freedom and self-discipline, as guided by the classroom environment. Montessori is exceptionally popular in the United States especially in California.There are about 4500 Montessori schools in United States, of which 490 are in California. When reviewing your child care options, it is important to consider the reasons why Montessori is better over other educational methods.

Below are some of the reasons why parents choose Montessori academy.

1.   Child Centric Education

Montessori schools create a learning program that is specific to the needs and interests of each child. The classroom environments are specially designed to encourage children to actively participate in their learning and are allowed to learn in their own pace. The curriculum is specifically designed as per the child’s capabilities and requirements. In the classroom, everything is within reach of the child from furniture to toys. Older students often mentor younger children whereas teachers act as guides.

2.  Fun in learning

In Montessori schools, children actively participate in activities that engage multiple senses. Teachers often dress up as characters from history to educate children about art and culture. Learning doesn’t come from listening to lectures. It is best to learn by actively participating in activities and engaging in a real and relevant way.

3.  Focused on Hand

The Montessori method places a lot of focus on hands-on learning. Concrete learning is emphasized over abstract learning while students work on activities that teach language, math, culture and practical life lessons. This facilitates the smooth transition of a student in to a public classroom environment in the future.

4.  Order in the Classroom

After a child has chosen a work, he or she is then allowed to practice and experiment with it on their own, with concentration. Care is taken that they are not disturbed. The child is free to discuss but are also taught to respect others’ freedom of work. There are ground rules that are set within each classroom Children are expected to follow those rules. These rules typically fall under the umbrella of three overarching guidelines, i.e, respect yourself, respect others, respect the environment.

5.  Promotes Cooperation in Learning

Montessori method believes in a system of education for mixed age groups. This helps students to learn from each other. Older students often become mentors to younger students. They cooperate with each other to finish the activities given to them. This encourages a friendly learning environment in the classroom. This also teaches students to respect and help each other. This builds a sense of community.

6.  Highly Skilled Teaching Staff

Montessori teachers are given extensive training on early childhood education and care. Priority is given to relevant qualifications and strong experience in the selection process. Montessori school teachers are constantly required to update their skills and knowledge in order to provide a well-resourced learning environment.

7.  Holistic Learning & Confidence Building

Montessori education puts a lot of emphasis on the overall development of the child. Key curriculum areas include: practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, and culture. Teachers are also encouraged to provide real life skills to the students. The Montessori system encourages the inquisitive nature of the child and allows them to think of new ways of doing things. Children learn for the themselves and by themselves. They are taught how to discover but without a step-by-step direction. This makes students confident and independent learners.

8.  No Reward System

In Montessori education, no grades or marks are given to students. There is no reward except for the intrinsic joy of acquiring new skills. This prevents any sense of competition amongst students and maintains a pressure free and healthy environment for learning.

9.  Individual Attention

At Montessori schools each child gets individual attention unlike traditional schools which believe in group education across different age groups. No two children are same or can learn at the same pace. Montessori method is sensitive to each child’s learning capacity. Each child is allowed to learn differently and at a different pace which is comfortable to him.