How to Choose the Right Montessori School for Your Little One?

How to Choose the Right Montessori School for Your Little One?

 

Montessori education is a child-centered philosophy of education created by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It emphasizes self-directed learning, respect for the child's natural rhythm of development, and the promotion of learning through sensory experience. If you are considering a Montessori school for your little one, here is some professional advice:

 

Understand the basic principles of Montessori education.

1. Respect the individual differences of children: Each child is unique and Montessori education respects the speed of development and interests of each child.

2. Self-directed learning: Children are encouraged to choose activities according to their own interests and pace, rather than passively receiving instructions.

3. Mixed-age classrooms: Children of different ages are often placed together to promote social interaction and mutual learning.

4. Sensory education: Promoting learning through sensory experience, using specially designed teaching AIDS to develop children's sensory abilities.

5. Educational environment: Create an orderly, beautiful and loving environment that supports the child's natural development.

6. The role of the teacher: The teacher is a facilitator and observer whose role is to support the child's self-directed learning rather than to lead the learning process.

7. Hands-on: Through hands-on operations and hands-on activities, children can better understand concepts and skills.

8. Continuity of education: Montessori education emphasizes continuity from kindergarten through primary school to secondary school in order to maintain a consistent approach to education.

9. Peace education: develop children's sense of peace and social responsibility.

10. Balance of freedom and discipline: While freely choosing activities, children also learn how to be self-disciplined and respectful of others.

11. Individualized education: Educational programs and activities should be tailored to the specific needs and interests of each child.

12. Observe and record: Teachers observe and record children's behavior and development to better understand their needs.

13. Family involvement: Parents are encouraged to participate in the child's educational process to support the child's learning and growth in the family environment.

14. Cultural and creative activities: Children are encouraged to explore culture and the arts to foster the development of creativity and imagination.

15. Prepared environment: Classroom environments are specifically designed to meet the needs of children to explore and learn.

 

Visit the Montessori school in person.

1. Make an appointment in advance: Most preschools require an appointment to visit in advance to ensure there is enough time to communicate with you when you visit.

2. Know the schedule: Know the daily activities schedule of the kindergarten before visiting so that you can see the activities of the children during different time periods.

3. Observe teacher-child interaction: Notice how teachers interact with children, whether they are guiding children to self-directed learning, and whether they respect each child's individual differences.

4. Check teaching AIDS and materials: Montessori Education uses specific teaching AIDS to facilitate learning and check that they are complete and well maintained.

5. Classroom layout: Observe whether the classroom layout is orderly and beautiful, and whether it provides enough space for children to explore freely.

6. Ask about the Philosophy of Education: Ask teachers or administrators how they incorporate the philosophy of Montessori education into their daily teaching.

7. Safety and health: Ensure that the kindergarten facilities are safe and the environment is clean and hygienic.

8. Find out about the curriculum: Ask about the curriculum that the kindergarten offers, including academic, artistic, athletic, and social activities.

9. Observe the child's behavior: Notice if the child is happy, confident, and able to choose activities freely.

10. Ask about parental involvement: Find out if the preschool encourages parental involvement in the child's educational process and what opportunities they offer for parental involvement.

11. Understand fees and financial policies: Ask about fees such as tuition, materials, registration fees, and payment methods and refund policies.

12. Ask about teacher qualifications: Find out if the teacher has professional training and certification from Montessori Education.

13. Ask about the admissions policy: Find out about the kindergarten's admission criteria, enrollment process, and class size.

14. Record and photograph: If permitted, record points of interest to you, or photograph them for later review.

15. Prepare a list of questions: Make a list of questions you want to know about to make sure you don't leave out any important information.

16. Feel the atmosphere: Notice the atmosphere of the whole kindergarten, including the interaction of the children, teachers and other staff.

17. Follow-up: After the visit, if you have any questions or need more information, contact the kindergarten immediately.

 

Choosing a kindergarten is an important decision that requires a combination of factors. Montessori education offers a unique approach to education, but not all children and families are suited to this model of education. The most important thing is to find the educational environment that best suits your child's individual needs and family values.