Montessori education allows children to explore on their own terms. But how, exactly, does it work?
Photo Credit depositphotos.com © AndrewLozovyi
“When you choose Montessori,” says Millie, the board chair of the Association Montessori Internationale, “you choose to live differently.”
Using a student-centered approach that encourages children to explore their interests and learn at their own pace, Montessori education is based on the idea that children learn best in a social environment that supports their unique development. The Montessori method integrates subjects in a global perspective using a holistic approach that is academic, social and emotional.
Regardless of where it is located in the world, the same scientifically recognized age-appropriate materials are used in each classroom.
Something that surprises many parents new to the Montessori system is that a large class size is the norm, says Millie.
Kate Millie. Photo Credit Lindsay Mrav
“In a Montessori classroom, children work together, but they also learn at an early age how to manage their time effectively,” Millie adds.
The classrooms are divided by age groups 18 months; 3 to 6 years; 6 to 9 years; 9 to 12 years and 12 to 15 years. In each age group, the older students help the younger students.
“We impress on the parents the need for their child to love what they are doing,” says Millie. “It really is a different way for [a] child to learn.”
As a Montessori teacher, Leslie McIlhinney says her job is to be there to guide students “so they can be independent and do it for themselves.”
“The teacher in the classroom is there to help guide students,” adds McIlhinney, the 0 to 6 program coordinator at Bishop Hamilton School. “They help students develop at their own pace and to their own abilities.”
Students are free to move around the classroom and explore, and build relationships with their peers in the process.
“They are in the same classroom for three years,” says McIlhinney, so there is a strong sense of community between parents, students and staff.”
She says that the Montessori method recognizes the natural tendencies of children, allows for creativity and the opportunity for children to explore on their own.
“There is a lot of collaboration in the classroom, so the students are working to their personal best,” she says. “It’s not just memorizing, but delving more into the subject through sensorial exploration, and that leads to a better understanding. The older students show the younger ones that it’s OK to make a mistake — that’s all part of the learning process.”
A child can immerse themselves in a subject and explore it all day.
“Students have regular opportunities to move around the class,” she says, “and to learn how to self-regulate. It really is focused on giving the students an education for life and helping them to joyfully awaken their own child spirit.”
If a parent is considering putting their child into a Montessori school, the best thing to do is to observe a classroom in action, says Nicole Crewson, marketing and engagement lead with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators.
Nicole Crewson. Photo Credit Paul Koziorowski
“Seeing how a classroom works,” she says, “can really help parents determine if it is a good fit for their child.” Crewson says that many parents are surprised by the fact that the classroom is not teacher-led but has an emphasis on being child-centred. The teacher shows respect to the children and their choices.
“Our child development principles are well practiced and successful,” Crewson says.
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Finding a good Montessori school
Learning goes beyond academics with Montessori students. They learn life skills, time management and social responsibility that contribute to leadership skills and that builds self-confidence.
Nicole Crewson warns parents to beware of schools that say they are Montessori but may not be. Here are her tips to find a good Montessori school:
- Look for large class size and the three-year age grouping
- Ensure the school is accredited by from the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators. This means that the teachers at the school have been properly trained in the Montessori method.
- Know that the accreditation needs to be renewed every five years.
- Check the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators website for the full list of accredited schools.