Montessori is different from traditional schools in its teaching approach. The Montessori method is geared towards independent learning and movement.
Does Montessori follow a curriculum? Yes, Montessori schools follow a curriculum just like all schools do. Montessori teaches the same basic core subjects required by law to all schools. Aside from the core knowledge, Montessori also teaches practical life skills so children develop into well-rounded individuals. The Montessori curriculum focuses on children’s learning process, learning style, and pace. It does not put any emphasis on children’s age.
The Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum
The Montessori curriculum encourages children to embrace their innate ability to be independent. Movement, language, and strengthening of gross and fine motor skills are the main focus.
The Montessori early childhood curriculum includes:
- Practical Life – age-appropriate life skills children can use in and outside Montessori school. Basic life skills like setting the table, feeding themselves, cleaning, organizing toys, cutting vegetables, etc.
- Sensorial Play – Montessori learning activities aim to stimulate all the senses including sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, and body awareness. Sensorial play helps develop sharp senses that improve intelligence and prepares kids for math, sciences, and complex problems.
- Mathematics – young children learn the basic concepts of math like number association, counting, addition, subtraction, etc.
- Community service – Montessori teaches children love for others and care for the environment. Children learn to plant trees, garden, and help others through sharing of food and other materials.
Core Principles of the Montessori Curriculum
Montessori schools follow the basic principles of Montessori teaching. It is the core of Montessori education.
Respect for Children
In Montessori, adults do not treat children as lesser individuals. They are not talked down to. Children are respected as well as their abilities to learn and grow exponentially.
Montessori acknowledges the intelligence, skills, and natural abilities of children to learn on their own.
The Absorbent Mind
Children’s brains from birth to 6 years old can process and absorb information more than at any stage in life. This is why the Montessori method was designed for. To take advantage of the formative years of young children so they can develop intellectually, emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
Learning, exploration, and discovery help develop their brain. Brain development is crucial during early childhood.
Sensitive Periods
Sensitive periods are crucial periods in children’s life when they are more inclined to learn new skills. These periods usually happen during the first 6 years of a child’s life. Three of these sensitive periods are language, movement, and order.
At a certain point, young children are more interested in learning to speak and understand others more than in any activities. In other cases, babies and toddlers are all about moving around crawling, trying to walk and stand, etc.
It is during these times that their intense interest in the activity is fully supported. When they are given the right tools, they learn faster and improve better.
The Prepared Environment
Providing the right environment and tools for learning and growth is important for Montessori education.
Children’s developmental needs, their learning style and pace, and their learning goals are all taken into consideration in creating the Montessori environment.
Within the boundaries prepared environment, children are free to pursue their own learning, explore, and build relationships.
The Montessori Adult
Montessori teachers are highly trained, licensed Montessori adults who play a crucial role in the success of young children.
Montessori teachers are trained to recognize sensitive periods and how to handle them.
They observe and guide the students at the same time plan, develop, and improve educational programs for each child. They also work with parents, child experts, and other individuals to help children reach their full potential.
FAQs
How is the Montessori curriculum different from traditional schools? The Montessori curriculum carries the same core knowledge as traditional schools do. The difference is that Montessori schools teach practical life skills and use the Montessori method of teaching. The Montessori curriculum does not measure learning according to age, it does not expect students to learn the same things at the same time. The Montessori curriculum recognizes that children have different learning processes and paces.
Are children from public schools welcome in Montessori schools? All children are welcome in Montessori. Montessori schools do not discriminate against school and family background, learning abilities and pace, gender, race, etc. Anyone interested in benefiting from Montessori education is welcome.
Is the Montessori curriculum suited for gifted children? Because students in Montessori are not expected to learn at the same time, gifted children thrive in Montessori. The Montessori curriculum gives them the freedom to learn at their own pace and focus on concepts they are interested in. Studies show that the Montessori environment is the best environment for gifted children. Their gifts are nurtured and they, as children, are given time to enjoy and have fun while learning.
Does the Montessori curriculum have sports and physical education? Yes, Montessori teaches sports and physical education. Movement and physical activity are vital elements of Montessori education. The freedom of movement and physical activities are not just encouraged but a must in the Montessori classroom. Physical and intellectual activities go together.
Summary
Montessori schools follow a curriculum just like all schools do. Montessori teaches the same basic core subjects required by law to all schools. Aside from the core knowledge, Montessori also teaches practical life skills so children develop into well-rounded individuals. The Montessori curriculum focuses on children’s learning process, learning style, and pace. It does not put any emphasis on children’s age.
The Montessori curriculum is a great tool for developing independence and intellectual growth in children. As parents, we only want the best education we can provide for our children. We hope this article helped!