Montessori 101: Understanding Its Roots and Relevance for Preschool Parents

Selecting the right educational path is one of the most critical decisions for a child’s early development. As parents explore their options, Montessori education frequently stands out due to its unique approach to learning. 

Founded over a century ago in 1907, the Montessori method fosters independence, curiosity, and a love for learning. In this blog, you’ll learn the origins, principles, and relevance of Montessori education, helping you understand why it is the perfect choice for your preschooler.

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At House on the Hill, we strive to embody the true Montessori method and philosophy in every lesson and activity.

The Origins of the Montessori Method

House on the Hill Montessori Blog Image - Montessori 101 Understanding Its Roots and Relevance for Preschool Parents - A photo of Dr. Maria Montessori

Key Components of Montessori Education

The Montessori philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should work in harmony with a child’s natural development. Here are distinct characteristics of a Montessori-based education:  

Child-centred learning:

This student-led approach allows children to choose their learning activities from a range of options within their environment, encouraging them to pursue their interests at their own pace.

Prepared environment:

Montessori classrooms are carefully designed environments featuring toys, materials and manipulatives that encourage children to engage with their surroundings. These educational materials are environmentally friendly and crafted out of natural aesthetic materials such as wood to enhance learning through sensory and motor activities.

Teachers as guides:

In Montessori classrooms, teachers act as guides rather than traditional instructors. They facilitate the learning environment, provide support when needed, and observe carefully to intervene at the right moments to promote student progress.

Mixed age classrooms:

Montessori classrooms typically contain children of varying ages. This setup fosters natural learning opportunities where younger children learn from older ones, and older children solidify their knowledge by teaching concepts they have already mastered.

Montessori education is characterised by its unique educational materials and broad curriculum areas. Materials such as the pink tower, bead chains, and sandpaper letters help children develop critical skills through tactile and visual means. 

These tools enable the children to independently learn and correct their mistakes through the process. The curriculum not only covers essential areas like mathematics, language, and sciences but also emphasises practical life skills that foster independence and confidence.

House on the Hill Montessori Blog Image - What Makes A Montessori Unique? Child-centred learning, prepared environment, teachers as guides and mixed-age classrooms

At House on the Hill Montessori, our curriculum follows the Montessori Curriculum. We offer a strong Mandarin language programme to help children achieve a native level of fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. We teach our students practical life skills, including  an appreciation for food through healthy meals designed by world-renowned nutritionist Ian Marber.

Learn more by scheduling a visit at a House on the Hill Montessori school.

Montessori Method in Action

In a Montessori classroom, children engage in activities of their choosing. This structure is fundamental in Montessori education as it fosters deep concentration, self-discipline, and a joyful approach to learning. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, which cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Studies show that a Montessori education positively impacts academic and nonacademic outcomes compared with traditional methods. In addition, research reveals that students from Montessori schools outperform their peers in academic skills and creativity.

Choosing a Montessori School

When considering a Montessori school for your child, it’s important to know what to look for and which aspects of the school matter most to you. These include a Montessori curriculum, a well-prepared environment true to Montessori principles, and educators trained in Montessori pedagogy. Observing a class in session can also provide insights into how closely a school follows Montessori methods.

Today, the flexibility and holistic nature of the Montessori method make it extremely relevant. It equips children not just academically but also socially and emotionally, enabling them to navigate the complexities of modern life. The method’s adaptability makes it ideal for a diverse array of learning styles and abilities.

To see the Montessori method in action and learn how it can benefit your child, we invite you to schedule a visit at any of our four locations. We look forward to welcoming you and exploring the potential for your child to thrive in a Montessori environment.

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