The Montessori method can be applied as soon as a child is born. After birth, the innate desire to learn and take in new information begins.
There are hardly any infant Montessori schools though. School at this age is not really necessary. So the question is…
What age for Montessori school? The common age to start Montessori school is 2.5 years old. Montessori school programs cover ages from 2.5 up to 18 years old. This is divided into five stages to prepare them for higher education.
5 Stages of Montessori School (Best Montessori School Age Range)
There are no specific age levels in Montessori schools. There are only stages that cover an age range. This is to respect the differences in children’s learning styles and learning paces. With that said, let’s have a look at the different levels and the best Montessori school age range.
Toddler or Preschool
This stage of Montessori is for young children 2.5 to 3 years old. This is a crucial stage of learning because, at this period, the child’s brain is still developing.
This means children are more open to learning and discovery. In the first 3 years of their life, children develop rapidly more than in any other stage.
It is essential to lay a strong foundation at this age to support future learning.
What Toddlers Learn in Montessori Schools
Toddlers learn basic life skills appropriate to their age like language, physical coordination, visual training, and problem-solving through individual activities and collaborative play.
- Language – singing and music, mimicking words and proper pronunciation, small conversations, naming objects, describing actions and pictures, etc.
- Self- Care – dressing, washing, toilet-training, napping, eating, etc.
- Large Motor Skills – balance, walking, jumping, climbing, climbing steps, etc.
- Fine Motor Skills – grabbing, picking up and transferring objects, reaching, grasping, simple artwork, using utensils and tools, and many more.
- Social Skills – manners and social etiquette through interactions with their classmates, teachers, and other adults in the Montessori environment.
- Care of the Environment – cleaning, plant and animal care, food preparation, etc.
Kindergarten
This stage of Montessori covers the age of 3 to 6 years old. Kindergarten learning is also called “foundation learning.” The knowledge children gain at this stage is the building block for higher education and other future learning.
What Students Learn in Montessori Kindergarten
Montessori kindergarten education supports children’s social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development through self-motivated, experiential learning and collaboration.
At this stage, children transition from concrete to abstract learning through experimentation and discovery.
Cognitive Skills
Children are taught basic mathematics, physical science, culture, geography, history, music, art, and more complex language skills like reading and comprehension, writing, spelling, and verbal speech.
Physical Skills
Montessori students learn how their bodies function and interact with the physical environment. For example, they learn to use scissors and knives to cut papers and other items.
Children also learn body control, dexterity skills, sports, and exercise.
Physical abilities are given as much importance as intellectual and social skills.
Social-Emotional Skills
“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. – Dr. Maria Montessori”
In Montessori kindergarten, children learn respect for themselves, others, and the environment, kindness, empathy, grace, courtesy, order and organization, concentration on complex tasks, independence, self-expression, etc.
Elementary
Montessori Elementary is divided into two substrates. Lower elementary for 6 to 9 years old. Upper elementary for 9 to 12 years old.
In Montessori elementary, students learn the following:
Mathematics
This covers all branches of mathematics appropriate to the student’s level, learning style, and progress.
Sciences and Social Studies
This includes physics, chemistry, human development, humanities, and many others.
Language
Complex reading and writing skills through formal and informal presentations, grammar, spelling, language mechanics, penmanship and keyboarding, and literature to support critical thinking, personal opinion, and perspective.
Cultural Studies
Physical life sciences, geography, zoology, botany, geology, anthropology, history, civics, economics, arts, peace and justice, foreign language, and physical education.
Practical Life
This includes self-care, taking part in the community, fine motor skills, time management, use of complex tools, and meeting deadlines, through independent and collaborative work.
2 Distinct Abilities of Early Childhood
Montessori aims to take advantage of the two distinct abilities of young children and use it to help them achieve their full potential.
- The Absorbent Mind – young children have absorbed minds that allow for effortless learning. Everything is new and exciting so they are curious and ready for discoveries. They are always open to soaking knowledge like a sponge.
- The Sensitive Periods – these are periods in a child’s life where they experience an intense interest in specific areas like language, movement, order, and relationships. Montessori education believes that the power to learn comes from within the child so they need guidance, not instructions.
FAQs
What if children are advanced for their age? Then Montessori is the right fit for the. Montessori education does not look at the child’s age but their abilities. Based on that, their educational program is prepared.
What about children with delayed learning? Just like advanced or gifted children, Montessori does not discriminate. If the child needs more time to learn, they are supported so they can work at their own pace and progress in a safe and comfortable environment. There are no bad or slow students, there is only a difference in learning style and pace.
Are all Montessori schools the same? All Montessori schools follow the same standards and method of teaching but each school is unique. Each Montessori school has its own charm and character. Some schools may be a better fit for your child than others. You need to research to find out if a school fits your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.
What age to start Montessori school? The best age to start Montessori school typically is usually around 2 to 3 years old, which aligns with the toddler and early preschool stage. Montessori education’s hands-on and individualized approach can greatly benefit children as they embark on their learning journey during this period of rapid development. However, the best Montessori school age can be earlier or later depending on your child’s development and what you do at home with your child.
Summary
The common age to start Montessori school is 2.5 years old. Montessori school programs cover ages from 2.5 up to 18 years old. This is divided into five stages to prepare them for higher education.
Remember that the age of the child is not as important as their learning capabilities, learning style, and learning pace. Children should not be boxed in for their age.