Perhaps you have a friend with a child in a Montessori program. Maybe you have
heard about Montessori at a local playgroup. Or maybe you just stumbled across it
It all sounds great in theory, doesn’t it? An environment that fosters a deep love for
learning; teachers trained to meet the needs of each individual child; a classroom
community that provides an opportunity for all children to develop independence.
But, in the back of your head, a nagging question remains: “Will Montessori really
work for my child?”
You are not alone. It’s a common question that most parents ask when researching Montessori education. The reality is that most of us never had an opportunity to attend an authentic Montessori program when we were young. Many of the experiences in a Montessori classroom are the complete opposite our own experiences in school. So, it’s completely understandable to question the efficacy of something so new for your own child!
I have witnessed Montessori education shape the lives of hundreds of children throughout my career. And, there are an infinite number of reasons why Montessori will work for your child. But, let’s talk about 6 significant reasons why your child will thrive in a quality Montessori program.
1. Your Child will Learn by Doing
Your child will be exposed to hundreds of specially designed materials that invite hands-on exploration. She will choose what she wants to explore, creating strong neural pathways that contribute to the construction of a strong brain.
2. Your Child will Learn From and Teach Others
Have you ever heard the expression “The best way to learn something is to teach it?” This happens every day in our Montessori classrooms. Children are grouped in three-year age spans, so that children ages 1.5-3 years (Toddler Class), and 3-6 years (Primary Class) are in the same class. Younger children observe older children working with. They look up to and admire these older children who are doing all these incredible things: they want to emulate them and are motivated to learn to be just like them.
3. The Curriculum Adapts to your Child
Most conventional early childhood programs assume that all children, born within a year of each other, are capable of learning and doing the same thing at the same time. As we all know, that simply isn’t true! Many bright children are bored, and others, who need more time to learn, are left behind when we teach to the whole class. We recognize that your child has his own unique timetable for development and will learn different parts of the curriculum when he is ready. We teach to the individual needs of your child, not to the entire class or to a group of children.
4. Beautiful Classrooms Inspire your Child to Learn
Our Montessori classrooms are beautiful and inviting. Materials are laid out on low, open shelves and call out to your child “Come touch me! Come explore!” From the toilets to the sinks to the tables, to the beginning materials to the advanced materials . . . all are designed to fit perfectly into the hands of your young child. Everything supports your child’s developing independence and helps him gain confidence in himself and his abilities.
5. The Teacher Really Knows your Child
“Follow the child” is the mantra uttered by all well-trained Montessori teachers. They are trained to observe and to support each individual child. They take the time to get to know your child’s strengths, challenges and interests. They plan lessons for your child based on their observations of him. Your child will be a member of the same classroom community for up to three years, which affords the teacher the opportunity to know him deeply, intimately and well. He will feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who he is.
6. Your Child will be in Good Company
Many successful and creative people in our modern society are former Montessori students.
• Larry Page and Sergey Brin (cofounders of Google)
• Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon)
• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
• Sean “P. Diddy” Combs
• Prince William and Prince Harry, Prince George
• Berry Brazelton (pediatrician and author)
• Julia Child
• William Wright (creator of “The Sims”)
• Beyoncé Knowles
• Peter Drucker (business guru and lecturer)
• Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Nobel Prize-winning novelist)
How Research Is Proving That Montessori Still Works
Still need proof? How about some hard data:
Recent research provides irrefutable evidence that the Montessori method of education is powerfully effective in educating young children. Studies conducted at the University of Virginia and Wisconsin demonstrated that Montessori kindergarten students outperform peers attending traditional public schools. These studies show that Montessori children form clear concepts from using the hands-on
manipulative materials they find in their classrooms. When children are developmentally ready and when they get to choose materials that match their individual timetable of development, their learning takes off! They become enthusiastic, confident, joyful learners.
You Have To See It To Believe It
You child deserves the very best! Enrolling your child in a Montessori preschool gives her the opportunity to be seen as a unique individual; she will be receive a tailor-made education designed especially for her.
What are you waiting for? Contact us today and give your child the gift that will last a lifetime.
Thank you Meg Porter Photography for images used in this post
Montessori education is a “whole child” approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.
That said, parents may find that Montessori schools do things a little differently than traditional schools. This is not right or wrong; it is simply a different way of encouraging children to learn, and one that may or may not be the ideal fit for your family.
Let’s look at the questions from our quiz and which answers resonate most with Montessori parents. This will give you a better understanding of the Montessori classroom so you can decide if it is right for your child.
1. Children learn best when they are:
Given rewards, like stickers
Connected with internal motivation and interests
We believe learning should be an exciting and joyful experience for children—something they choose to do without the expectation of rewards for academic outcome, participation, or cooperation.
Instead of stickers or other prizes, the reward a child gets from the Montessori classroom is the self-assuredness that comes from reaching a new level of independence or learning a new skill.
2. I am choosing a school to:
Prepare my child for a traditional kindergarten
Prepare my child academically, socially, and emotionally for school and life
Montessori education is more about preparing children to become thoughtful and well-adjusted adults and less about making sure they advance to the next grade or academic level. This is achieved by creating a consistent pathway for learning that begins as early as infancy and carries through to elementary education and even beyond.
Therefore, it does not make sense to enroll your child in a Montessori Primary program, for example, if you intend to transfer them to a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year. Our primary (age 3 - 6 years) curriculum is Accredited with Quality by the Georgia Accrediting Commission, meaning it meets or exceeds state standards for pre-k and kindergarten.
3. When considering education, I:
Am open to learning about all methods and want to find one that is the best match for my child
Believe traditional methods are the best option
Some parents prefer the structure and familiarity of a traditional classroom setting. This is absolutely fine.
However, because children tend to learn in different ways and at different paces, they often benefit from being in an environment that allows them to learn in the way that works best for them. The Montessori classroom is a great example.
A parent whose child may thrive in a Montessori school setting is one who believes in giving their child the freedom to make choices and guide their own learning journey in an environment that fosters imagination and independent thinking.
4. My child learns best when in an environment that is:
Orderly, bright, and peaceful
Noisy and full of visual stimulation
You will notice that Montessori classrooms have a calm, inviting atmosphere that tends to be quieter than walking into, say, a typical elementary school classroom; there are a couple reasons for this.
First, because Montessori students are given the freedom to choose their own activities, they are more likely to be fully engrossed in those activities and less likely to be asking the teacher for direction. Children move at their own pace throughout the classroom, and teachers are there primarily to ensure children are engaged and learning.
Second, because quieter environments have been shown to foster quality learning, Montessori students are encouraged to speak softly with each other and with their teachers. In this way, they learn to respect those around them and promote a positive learning environment.
5. The most important outcome for my child is to:
Be prepared to achieve in elementary school and beyond
Be a happy, well-adjusted, and self-motivated human being
Again, the Montessori method of education places a greater emphasis on self-paced, independent learning over making sure children advance to the next grade or academic level.
We believe learning should be an enjoyable experience that encourages children to work beside and respect one another while at the same time developing their individual personalities and unique talents.
6. The ideal schedule for our family would be:
Following a more traditional academic calendar and hours (half day or 3pm pick up, closed for summer and major holidays)
Full time, year round care
The Montessori program is thoughtfully structured to help children maximize their potential in an environment where they feel content and well adjusted, and a big part of that comes from consistency.
Children thrive on routines and knowing what to expect each day, which is why families who can commit to a consistent schedule are those who benefit most from a Montessori education.
Our toddler program (15 - 36 months) is offered at 2, 3, and 5 days. For children enrolled in 2-3 days, these days should be consecutive. Our primary class (ages 3-6 years) is a 5 day program only. Children can be picked up at noon, 1pm, or 3pm based on what program they are enrolled in. School closes at 1pm for all children on Fridays.
We typically follow the Fulton County School calendar for main dates, starting a week later. We are closed for the summer and holiday breaks during the year.
7. I want my child to:
Learn at their own pace and be challenged according to their unique ability
Learn according to a curriculum based upon their age
In a traditional education setting, parents are often told that a child is not “reading at their level” or that they should be “further along by now” in a certain subject or task because of their age.
In the Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and given the time and space necessary to fully understand each concept. Children naturally want to learn and understand things, and giving them the freedom and the opportunity to do so is the key to helping them achieve their learning goals.
8. I want my child to be in an environment that:
Encourages them to explore their interests, without interruption
Has an external curriculum taught at specific intervals each day
While traditional classrooms are very structured in terms of time (e.g. 30 minutes each day for Math, 30 minutes each day for Reading, etc.) the Montessori classroom is not. Instead, children can choose which activities they want to participate in and for how long, so as not to interrupt the learning and exploration process. Of course these choices are observed by and guided as needed by the teacher to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
9. At school and home, I want my child to learn to be:
Independent and do things for themselves
To rely on adults for everyday life skills
One of the primary goals of the Montessori method is to teach children to think and do things for themselves instead of relying on adults for everything.
In the words of the American Montessori Society, “Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community.”
Montessori students learn at their own pace through observation, exploration, and experimentation. Although it is the perfect fit for many families, it is not the perfect fit for all families.
If you are interested in learning more about Montessori education and its unique benefits, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.
Thank you Meg Porter Photography for the images used in this post
When it comes to choosing a path for your child’s education there are lots of choices. Why do so many families choose Montessori? Read on to find out what makes this model unique.
Montessori Fosters Independence
In our schools, children learn that their independence is valued. We encourage free movement, individual choice within carefully crafted limits, and make sure they know their voices are heard. As they get older, they begin to learn about time management and accountability.
We teach them practical life skills, such as cleaning and preparing food, that can be used in the classroom, home, and beyond. This emphasis on independence gives children a tremendous sense of empowerment.
We Follow the Child
This begins by having teachers trained in the specific developmental stages of the children they work with. By honoring where children are in their growth, we can create educational environments that perfectly suit their needs.
We know that learning is not always linear, and that each individual child will need different challenges and supports throughout their time at our school. In addition, Montessori students have plenty of opportunities to deeply study areas of personal interest.
Beautiful Classrooms Inspire Beautiful Work
Upon stepping into a Montessori classroom, one immediately sees the difference in our environments. We value natural materials and prefer natural lighting. Living things (both plants and animals) are present, as are low shelves that allow children to easily access their work. There are areas for children to work in a group or alone, and on the floor or in a chair. Materials are of high quality, inspiring the children who use them to make their work beautiful.
Nature is Integrated
In addition to the plants and animals that children help care for, our classrooms often have a museum-like quality to them. Depending on what the children are studying, one could find a variety of interesting specimens. We also believe it is critical to bring our students out into nature whenever possible, giving them an opportunity to learn and experience it firsthand.
We Value Kindness and Peace
Our students are global citizens. World geography is taught beginning at a young age and children learn about traditions from a wide range of cultures. We take the time to teach skills like conflict resolution, and support children through social dynamics as they arise.
We believe that peace and kindness are the base of any quality education, and a foundation that is necessary for the progress of humanity.
We Value Formative Assessment
Assessment is derived from a Latin word meaning “to sit beside.” In a Montessori classroom, that is exactly what we do. Teachers sit beside children while they work, gathering data as they go. The three period lesson, a Montessori hallmark, is specifically designed to measure understanding and mastery during teaching.
Teachers also observe students and take notes, allowing them to target areas in which students may need more challenge or support. Utilizing formative assessments each day allows teaching and learning to be adjusted in the moment, so each child is getting exactly what they need.
We love having a beautiful outdoor garden as an extension of our classroom. Thank you to all our parent volunteers who help take care of our garden, and thank you Meg Porter Photography for capturing these photos of children planting winter vegetables.
"The things the child sees are not just remembered,
they form a part of his soul"
- Dr. Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Every fall, we enjoy taking a family field trip to Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock.
There are baby animals to see and a big play ground to explore.
Year after year, the tractor continues to be a crowd favorite!
Everyone gets to take a hay ride 'over the river and through the woods.'
Running across the field and finding baby pumpkins is so much fun!
Friends in the pumpkin patch!
We love staying in touch with our past families and friends. We had some alumni from 2013 join us for this trip - can you believe how they have grown in 6 years?!
We wish all of you a happy fall filled with pumpkins, bonfires, leaves, and warm blankets!
Photos in this blog post are courtesy of Meg Porter Photography. Thank you, Meg, for capturing this morning at the farm!
Is it really worth it?
I mean, why should you spend the time, effort and money to find an authentic Montessori program for your child? Wouldn’t it be easier to just find a good, basic preschool?
For me, the answer is easy - enrolling my children in a Montessori program was one of the best decisions I made as a parent. But, then again, I am a bit biased!
For most parents, however, the question remains: “What will my child really get out of attending a Montessori school?” I’m going to go out on a limb - my guess is that you did not attend a Montessori school when you were a child.
This isn’t a problem, of course. You turned out just fine. But, as you consider early education options for your child, your own educational experiences can make the decision a bit difficult.
At first glance, Montessori classrooms don’t look familiar to most people. There are no rows of desks, no blackboards and no teaching to the entire class. Parents are often intrigued by the peaceful, calm environment and the hum of activity, with young children choosing their own activities and concentrating deeply for long periods of time.
Montessori is so different, however, from traditional programs that it’s natural to leave a bit perplexed. I mean, what is really going on here? In a conventional pre-school, your child will focus on “pre-reading and pre-math” with workbooks, flash cards and rote memorization. Think ABC and 1-2-3.
In a conventional school, your child will need to adjust to the schedule of a traditional school, so they have activities where everyone does this same thing at the same time. Think group art projects where your child will learn to color within the lines.
In a conventional school, your child will need to learn how to pay attention to one teacher lecturing to the group. Think long circle times with one teacher talking to all the children together.
There is nothing wrong with this, of course. In a Montessori classroom, however, we believe your child deserves an education that focuses on all aspects him as a human being.
How Montessori is Different: A Three Word Answer
Education for Life
Rather than just preparing your child for the next step in school, we seek to support his academic, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development. We want him to be successful at life in the future, not just in kindergarten.
Take a second to imagine your child twenty years from now. What skills will he need to be successful in college, his chosen profession and in life in general?
Here is a primer. He will need to:
- Know how to regulate his behavior
- Control his impulses
- Learn to plan and strategize
- Hone the ability to problem solve
- Learn to be flexible and course-correct when necessary
- Learn to take initiative
- Develop responsibility
- Engage in depth-based thinking requiring long periods of concentration
- Work collaboratively with peers on projects
Researchers who study the traits of successful adults coined the term for these skills: “executive functions”.
These executive function skills, that are so important to life’s success, must be continually developed, day in and day out, or else they will not materialize. They result from the way an activity is done and the time spent doing it – pushing oneself to do better and better.
The Link Between Montessori and Executive Functions
Research comparing children attending Montessori schools with those attending traditional schools was conducted by University of Virginia professor, Dr. Angeline Lillard, and was published in the prestigious journal, Science, in September 2006.
Montessori students rated higher on “executive function skills”- skills like selective attention, self- control, problem solving, reasoning and not getting into trouble.
On behavioral and social tests, 5 year old Montessori children scored higher than their peers from conventional schools, showing that they had a greater sense of fairness and justice; out on the playground, they were more likely to engage more in emotionally positive play with their peers and less in rough housing.
And, yes, your child will still be ready academically for elementary school, whether in Montessori or any other program. The same study found that among the 5 year olds who were studied, Montessori children were prepared to enter first grade with strong reading and math skills. Additionally, the executive function skills gained in a Montessori environment assist the child in making the transition to first grade.
The Choice is Yours
Is Montessori worth it? You decide. You, as the parent, are charged with raising your child in the best way you see fit. What do you value? What kind of adult do you want your child to become? There are a multitude of options available to you. Only you can decide what is the best fit for your family.
We invite you to come tour our school, speak with our director, and see for yourself the Montessori difference. We still have a few spaces available for Fall 2019. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity! Email us now to set up your personalized tour or visit our online scheduling tool. We can't wait to meet you!
All photos in this post are courtesy of Meg Porter Photography. Thank you Meg, for capturing these beautiful images from the first days of school in the Toddler Class.
Every spring, it is a tradition at our school to visit The Art Barn. We always have a wonderful time and enjoy learning about the farm and the animals that reside there. Here are some photos from our recent trip in May. Thank you Meg Porter Photography for sharing these images with us!
We started the day learning all about bees and the different roles they have in the hive.
Then we painted lovely pictures under the magnolia trees.
After painting, we took a hay ride around the farm, learned about the garden, and ended up back in the barnyard. Toby showed us some of their cool chickens and told us some interesting facts. Did you know chickens have a great memory and can recognize over 100 different faces?
In the barnyard, we got to pet and brush donkeys, goats, and sheep. We also saw several types of chickens and ducks.
We finished up with a group photo and a picnic under the trees. Thank you, Farmer Sue for another FARM-tastic trip!
We love having a beautiful outdoor area as an extension of our classrooms! We recently had 2 days dedicated to working in the garden and we are very proud of how lovely everything looks.
Along with the fun of getting dirty, gardening helps children learn valuable lessons about patience as they wait for vegetables to grow, responsibility as they see how necessary their care is to the garden, and even loss when flowers die at the end of a season.
Children are natural nurturers and understand the importance of caring for plants and other things in the garden.Along with the fun of getting dirty, gardening helps children learn valuable lessons about patience as they wait for vegetables to grow, responsibility as they see how necessary their care is to the garden, and even loss when flowers die at the end of a season.
"There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life to be found around them, in a real forest. Something emanates from those trees which speaks to the soul, something no book, no museum is capable of giving" - Maria Montessori
Once a week, our Primary children go to the sanctuary for Chapel. Chapel consists of a short bible story, singing songs with Ms. Beth, the music director at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, and saying a prayer. Different staff members of the school and church take turns telling the bible story each week.
This week, our story was 'The Good Samaritan.'
The children had a great time re-enacting the story as it was told.
Who was going to help the man? Finally, our own good Samaritan rose to the challenge!
"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6:31
Chapel ends with Ms. Beth playing the auto harp and singing 'Shalom' with the children. They love singing 'shalom' to their friends, parents, grandparents, pets, favorite foods, and just about anything else you can think of!
Thank you Meg Porter Photography for the images used in this post!
Montessori education offers a unique experience designed to help children maximize their potential; an educational environment that is purposefully designed to meet their developmental needs. Working in an optimally prepared environment, the trained adult will observe and connect the children with exactly what they need at that very moment to thrive.
A school is a group of people who come together with a common purpose; education is the experience that your child has with these people. Montessori education is known as an aid to life so their experience will serve them now and for the rest of their life.
The conventional educational system was designed during the industrial revolution, when the masses moved into urban areas to work in factories.
They created an effective method of training the next generation of factory workers. Children were instructed to memorize and regurgitate facts – to stop working when the bell rings – to sit in nice, neat rows of desks and ask for permission to move. This approach is no longer relevant in our modern culture.
Today, successful people work on comprehensive projects, not factory lines. They are rewarded for creating and inventing things rather than following orders. And, they are expected to adapt quickly to change within their profession, rather than working at the same job for 50 years.
As we peek into the ever-changing future of the 21st century, Montessori programs offer a safe harbor for parents: a century-old, research-based method that has been proven to develop some of the brightest minds of our times and is well positioned to develop the movers and shakers of tomorrow.
But what exactly is Montessori education?
At its core, it simply is a way of being with children that allows each child to develop fully into the person he or she was destined to be. Just as you make every effort to ensure your home is loving and safe – so your child feels secure and well-adjusted – we work diligently to ensure the physical environment, the teachers and the student community will meet your child’s needs with respect and support at each step in his educational journey.
The Montessori environment has three essential parts: the teacher, the materials, and the children. Instead of expecting that he pays attention to the teacher in front of a class of 30 children, it is the Montessori teacher, or guide, who observes and responds to your child’s needs and interests which fosters a trusting relationship – an education partnership of sorts – in which he will have faith that the adult truly understands and respects him for the human being into which he is transforming.
The uniquely designed materials offer first-hand experiences for the children to discover and apply their newly acquired knowledge.
The children in the community observe and learn from each other through free movement and choice within the environment. All three work together in sync with the needs of the community and the individuals it’s comprised of.
Our world doesn’t need more test takers, memorizers or followers. Now, more than ever, we need critical thinkers, entrepreneurs and do-ers. Montessori education prepares children to take on the future with confidence and zeal, propelled by the gift of self-knowledge and a lifelong passion for learning.
We are an AMI accredited Montessori school growing daily in spirit & intellect!