The Montessori Preschool: 5 Helpful Facts

Experts have been studying child development for centuries, and as a result, many different teaching philosophies have evolved, including the Montessori Method, which is used as the basis for curriculum at a Montessori preschool. If you aren’t sure whether or not a Montessori preschool is the right fit for your child, here are a few helpful facts about this style of teaching.

1. A Montessori Preschool Is Child-Centered
Of course, all preschools are “child-centered,” but what we mean in this instance, is that the child directs their own learning. Dr. Maria Montessori, who pioneered and developed the Montessori Method, believed that children naturally want to learn and if that child is placed in a setting where there are ample opportunities for learning and carefully designed learning materials, a child will self-direct their own learning.

Generally, the teacher in a Montessori setting is more of a guide than an instructor. In a “typical” classroom setting, a teacher creates lesson plans and presents the lesson as students observe and listen, while in a Montessori preschool, students will learn by completing various activities. Maria Montessori believed that preschool-aged students need to engage all of their senses during the learning process and students shouldn’t learn simply by listening to a teacher present a lesson.

2. A Montessori Preschool Includes “Work”
While many Montessori activities teach skills related to reading, writing and arithmetic, many practical skills also are taught. In a Montessori preschool, students will learn helpful skills such as buttoning, lacing their shoes, zipping up their jackets and so on. They also will learn to be responsible for their learning materials, treating these materials with care and ensuring that each item is put away properly.

Additionally, there may be other activities included in a Montessori preschool, such as cooking and cleaning. Students might learn how to sweep the patio of the preschool or how to make a bowl of cereal, clean the dishes and put them away. Maria Montessori discovered that children actually enjoy learning how to accomplish these practical skills and don’t view them simply as “chores.” By learning these practical skills, a child becomes more independent and more confident.

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3. A Montessori Preschool Focuses On Good Manners
Children learn many behaviors simply by watching the examples provided by the adults in their life. At a Montessori preschool, there is a decided focus on positive interactions and good manners. The adults showcase positive behavior toward each other, and they also treat their students with kindness and respect. This supports a child’s self-esteem and teaches them to show respect to others, which will serve them well throughout their life.

4. The Transition From Montessori Preschool To Elementary School Is Smooth
One of the biggest myths about a Montessori preschool is the idea that a child who spends their preschool years self-directing their curriculum will not flourish in a traditional school setting. However, multiple studies have shown this to be false. Children tend to adapt quickly to new environments and Montessori curriculum provides an extremely solid basis for future learning. Furthermore, Montessori curriculum is meant to ignite a child’s innate desire to learn, and they tend to be highly enthusiastic students, both in preschool and once they transition into elementary school.

5. Montessori Can Be Combined With Other Philosophies
At Precious Moments, we utilize many aspects of Montessori curriculum, as well as incorporating the philosophies of other notable child development experts, such as Piaget and Erickson. We believe that a combination of philosophies best meets the needs of each of our students. Unlike a traditional Montessori preschool, we also strongly believe in the addition of dramatic play and play-based activities. We also present a wide range of STEAM activities, which incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Through these activities we teach creative problem solving, collaboration and experiential learning.

While learning is a huge part of what we do, one of our main goals is to provide a happy, safe and secure environment for each of our precious students. This is your child’s first experience with school, and we want that experience to spark a lifelong love of learning. To learn more about our educational philosophy, go to our homepage and select the Philosophy section under the About Us tab. If you have further questions, or would like to take a tour of our preschool, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.