A certain prestige is associated with the Montessori method. Do you know why? Here is a shortlist of things that make a Montessori education oh-so-special!
Multimedia Learning
From the infant years to junior high, Montessori teachers at Arborland prepare materials and lessons that appeal to multiple senses. A colorful, wooden puzzle map uses sight, hearing, and touch to teach the primary child about geography. A film-making project encourages the elementary child to process information not only visually, but also auditorily and kinesthetically. This type of multi-sensory education boosts the student experience the world and its facts in different ways, which helps students understand the information better. The more their bodies are involved in the learning process, the better they get to interpret the world around them.
"Following" the Child
Every child has their own strengths and challenges. Because of this, Arborland teachers are constantly observing and adjusting lessons for each child. They recognize the student's strength, and continue to build on it: a child that is very interested and gifted in math may be introduced to concepts that are perceived to be advanced for their age. Similarly, a teacher can try different ways to help a student that is being challenged by a concept. The teacher can try a different material, a step-by-step lesson, or more hands-on practice to help. Montessori teachers ensure that each child receives what they need for their education.
Multi-age Classroom
Children learn not only from their teachers, but also their peers. This is why, at Arborland, our classes have a wide age range. A three-year-old child can learn independence from their six-year-old classmate. An 11-year-old student can learn patience from their nine-year-old groupmate. A multi-age classroom also mirrors the real-world, where an individual has to learn to interact with different kinds of people.
Grace and Courtesy
The goal of the Montessori method of education is to develop the child as a whole. This means that while the child progresses intellectually, we also help the child become more aware of their place in the world and how to live in it. The children are taught how to take care of themselves and others. Children practice how to handle conflict, how to reach compromise, and how to graciously win. Respecting differences and celebrating commonalities are also continually included in the curriculum. Children truly are our future, and the kinder and more accepting they are, the brighter our future will be.