Your child’s formative years are crucial for their development. Research shows that the early childhood years have a long-term impact on learning. That is because most developmental changes within the brain happen before a child turns five. Hence, you want to ensure that your child learns the best habits and principles during this period.
As parents become more aware of the importance of early childhood education, they look to place their children in the best preschools possible. Montessori preschools have emerged as an appealing option for most parents.
Maria Montessori devised the concept of Montessori education in 1906. Today, more than a hundred years later, Montessori preschools are thriving. Statistics show more than 5,000 Montessori preschools exist across the United States. If you’re a parent evaluating Montessori preschools against traditional schools, you can’t go wrong with the former. Let’s explore why in this blog post.
Benefits of a Montessori Preschool
Here are some of the benefits of Montessori preschools:
Focus on Key Developmental Stages
Every child is different and therefore, has a unique learning pace. Montessori schools respect children’s uniqueness and, as a result, enable them to learn at a comfortable pace for them. Unlike other preschools, Montessori classrooms are child-centered. They’re designed to accommodate children’s learnings needs in a conducive manner. Hence, you’ll find Montessori schools have individualized curricula based on discovery learning. Your child will receive self-correcting materials, enabling them to learn by themselves. Moreover, as a child explores their materials, they’ll learn from direct experiences through their senses.
Cooperative Play
Montessori preschools will help your child learn about the importance of cooperative play. Mixed-age classrooms are one of the hallmarks of Montessori preschools. Typically, Montessori schools divide children by age brackets. You’ll often see Montessori schools group children between 2.5 and 6 years old in one classroom. These classrooms cultivate a unique learning experience. The older children serve as role models for their younger counterparts, who model their behaviors on them. Emulating their senior peers helps younger children learn about socially acceptable actions. Likewise, older children develop responsibility by helping younger children.
In addition, Montessori preschools ensure that teachers don’t run the classroom. Instead, children select the activities they want to perform. Doing so encourages children to work together to try new activities selected by other students. Hence, children build a sense of community and develop mutual respect by working together.
Teach Children Self-Discipline
Self-discipline goes hand in hand with independence. Children need to have the independence to learn self-discipline. For instance, let’s assume a child enjoys drawing. They can repeatedly use drawing materials to enhance their skills. Repetition leads children to mastery. However, it also helps them learn discipline and persistence. Furthermore, Montessori schools also help children develop self-discipline by enforcing order in their lives. Children need a consistent daily routine that gives them comfort. After all, a comfortable learning environment can help your child thrive.
Child-Centered Learning
Montessori preschools are child-led and not teacher-led. Child-centered learning enables students to learn at a comfortable pace. Simply put, children can explore the classroom to their hearts’ content. They can play with different learning materials, choosing them at their whim. These materials promote hands-on learning to help children learn by having fun.
Learning Promotes Creativity
Since the Montessori curriculum allows children to select their activities, it also promotes creativity. Children work on tasks because they interest them instead of because the curriculum forces them. As a result, children revel in the process and enjoy themselves, leading to more creative results.
The Perfect Preschool for Your Child in Nashville, TN
Are you looking to enroll your child in a preschool in Nashville, TN? Ithaca Montessori is a Montessori school that focuses on early childhood development. Our Kids Education Program can prepare your child for success later in life. Our Montessori is perfect for 2.5-5-year-olds. Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, contact us today to learn more.