What is Montessori Education?

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Brenda Kipkemoi October 2, 2020 10:09 EAT

What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education is a child-focused system of learning developed by Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, who believed passionately in teaching children.

This system stands out for focusing on the child’s independence, and uses specially designed learning materials to help cement what children learn.

Montessori education also respects individual children and their varying capacities to learn. This approach fosters a deep understanding of the learning process, and makes children respectful of themselves and their surroundings.

Crucially, the Montessori Method promotes self-motivated growth in all five areas of development, namely emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual, and physical.

How is Montessori Different? 5 Key Ways in Which Montessori Differs from Traditional Education

The Montessori Method is child-focused

Perhaps the most significant factor that differentiates Montessori education from traditional education is how child-centred it is. A Montessori teacher always take note of and follows an individual child’s interests using careful observation in the classroom

Montessori curriculums are flexible

The Montessori curriculum also differs from the traditional education curriculum, because it is flexible. It enables each child to learn at their own pace.

Interestingly, students can choose what lesson they want to engage in, as teachers observe their progress. In traditional education, however, all students follow a single, teacher-led, and rigid curriculum.

Lessons are active and always stress respect and mindfulness

Montessori teachers not only teach children good manners but also model good behaviour.

All teachers and parents that ascribe to the Montessori philosophy act the way they want their children to act— with respect and mindfulness towards others. Montessori teachers also recognise and discuss children’s feelings, which helps to develop emotional intelligence in the child.

Additionally, students are not passive in their learning. They take an active role in their education and are encouraged to intensely engage in the lessons. Physical aids often accompany the learning process allowing children to be hands-on with their language and math skills.

Classrooms are well-organised, welcoming, and calm

The Montessori classroom looks pretty, yes, but there is a method to the beauty. Each classroom is designed to teach:

• Culture and Sciences
• Language
• Mathematics
• Practical Life
• Sensorial Development

Classrooms are organised to avoid distraction and emphasise learning because they have:

• Brightly painted walls
• Child-friendly Montessori furniture
• Colourful and informative posters
• Colourful learning aids such as the Montessori learning tower
• Montessori books
• Montessori toys for children of all ages

Most importantly, these features make the learning space feel welcoming and safe to children.

Learning doesn’t stop when the children are outdoors

In traditional schools, outdoor time is often viewed as a distinct break from lessons. With the Montessori approach, play is enjoyable and designed to teach children how to work in teams and collaborate.

As a result, learning takes place in and out of the classroom.

What Are the Benefits of a Montessori Education?

Montessori education has several distinct benefits compared to traditional education.

In a nutshell, Montessori learning is:

• Child-centred. This approach teaches children self-discipline
• Compatible with critical developmental stages in children
• Cooperative in nature, encouraging team-focused play
• Critical in fostering independence in the child
• Children don’t feel under pressure to learn and enjoy Montessori lessons. Teachers act as learning “guides” rather than “instructors”
• Research shows that Montessori children had higher maths and reading skills than their traditional school counterparts

Are You Ready for Your Child to Experience Montessori Education?

I hope we’ve answered the question, “What is Montessori education?” for you.

Kericho Montessori School is a fully-fledged Montessori Learning Centre. We strictly observe and follow the Montessori curriculum, and are committed to producing well-rounded children that will be productive members of society in the future.

If you’d like more information on enrolling your child in the school, please email us at kerichomontessori@gmail.com

Important Note: The school remains closed at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with Kenya Government guidelines to keep children at home. We are currently conducting online lessons using Zoom. We will update parents and stakeholders on in-person learning as soon as the situation changes.