There is no doubt that the education system is changing globally. One of the ways that education has changed is through the teaching methods and new curriculums like the Montessori program. The Montessori program might be relatively new in Indian schools, but the program has been in use for decades.
The Montessori program is mainly used for early childhood education,
although the program is available until high school. Parents and academic
scholars sing praises about Montessori preschools because of its teaching
methods and holistic approach in the early years. Of course, the best way to
learn about the program and its benefits is to see it in action, but this
article might help as well.
1. Montessori takes a
student-centred approach
Unlike traditional education, where students are supposed to go with the
teacher’s pace, the Montessori program focuses on the individual potential of
every child. Children have different learning capabilities and interests. In a
Montessori classroom, both a slow and quick learner can reach their full
potential, unlike a regular classroom where the slow learner would be left
behind.
In all Montessori schools, including GIIS Ahmedabad, teachers are meant
to observe, mentor, mould and guide each child to reach their potential. The
learning materials in class are tailored to the specific needs of the child and
meet them at their level. The classroom design is also child friendly with low
shelves, small chairs and desks, so the children have easy access and are
comfortable in their learning environment.
2. Children learn
essential concepts at an early stage
Rather than memorize facts, children in the Montessori program interact
with different concepts and ideas. Through sensory activities and learning
through play, kids have a visual representation of numbers, textures and much
more. Learning materials such as sound cylinders, colour boxes, water play
allow the move from learning about concrete subject matters to abstract. This
helps a child learn more about the environment around them and appreciate the
experience of learning about such concepts practically.
3. Holistic education
Many psychologists and academic experts have come to see the value of a
holistic approach to education, especially in early childhood development.
Therefore, many schools, including GIIS Ahmedabad aside from using other
curriculums are also using the Montessori Program for preschoolers. Educating
the whole child is about developing a child’s academic as well as social,
emotional, and physical skills.
One of the ways Montessori does this is by having classes with both young
and older kids. While this method has been criticized by many, it is said to
build the socio-emotional skills of children. Additionally, education that
focuses on developing the whole child is beneficial in producing students who
are respectable, and productive members of society.
4. Children learn to be
independent early
As described earlier, the Montessori classroom is designed for a child.
Everything in that environment is age-appropriate, including the learning
materials. Most of the time, young children are dependent on the adults in
their lives to do small tasks for them, such as tie their shoes, helping them
with their coat, among others. In a Montessori classroom, you might be shocked
to find a child doing all that and more. There are child-size brooms, sinks,
clothes and many more, so don’t be surprised if your child comes home able to
perform some tasks on their own.
The Montessori program also encourages students to assess and correct
themselves as they learn. This means that kids can identify a problem with
something they are doing and fix it. If they can’t, they are allowed to ask for
help from the teacher. Fostering independence in children at that stage builds
their confidence which affects their overall learning experience in academics
and other school activities.
5. Montessori focuses
on the learning process and not the outcome
Traditional education is mainly performance-based, and a student is
usually awarded either by being ‘number one’ or something else depending on the
school. This puts a lot of pressure on students and takes the fun out of
learning. The Montessori program does not focus on rewarding students with
candy or over-compliment or praise a child when they achieve something in
class. The Montessori classroom aims to build a child’s love for learning
instead.
This is done by allowing kids to choose activities that they are
interested in and teachers fostering that interest as they grow. When teachers
compliment students in a Montessori classroom, it is usually specific. Instead
of telling a child, their handwriting is good, a teacher will comment on
something specific like acknowledging how a student has been working on the
skill.
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GIIS Ahmedabad in India is one of the few schools that offer the
Montessori program for preschoolers. If you have come
across the research of the benefits of excellent early childhood education,
then you must consider Montessori education for your child. Keep in mind that
the Montessori Program has been scientifically proven to benefit your
preschooler. However, the only way to be sure is to go ahead and try it.