Montessori vs play based preschool: Play-based vs. Montessori preschools | Our Kids

Montessori Vs Play Based Learning, What’s The Difference?

The topic of Montessori vs play based gets tossed around quite a bit in parenting groups concerning young children. Sometimes parents want to know which is better if you’re trying to emulate a preschool setting at home.

Other times many parents want to know which will properly prepare their child for a more formal learning environment. It can undoubtedly be hard to decide which early childhood education approach to take if you don’t fully understand how play-based learning vs Montessori program is alike and different. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We will dive into detail discussing the similarities and differences of play-based vs Montessori learning process to help you make an informed decision for your little one. 

Table Of Contents

1. Understanding Play-based Learning vs Montessori Learning Style
   • Montessori Based Learning 
   • Play-Based Learning 
2. How To Know If Montessori Method Is Right For Your Child, or If Play-based Approach Is The Better Option for Young Children
3. Creating Play-based vs Montessori Environments At Home 
   • Play-based Environment
   • Montessori Playroom
4. Play-based vs Montessori Learning Approach FAQs
5. Play-Based Preschool vs Montessori, Which To Choose?

Understanding Play-based Learning vs Montessori Learning Style

It might come as a surprise to some parents that learning styles can come into play (pun intended) at such a young age. However, you’ll soon begin to notice that many preschools advertise specific learning styles.

We’re going to talk about Montessori vs play based preschool and we’ll begin by taking an in-depth look at each educational journey. 

Montessori Based Learning 

Montessori based learning owes its inception to Maria Montessori, a pioneering female Italian doctor. In the early 1900s, she began researching and teaching her new approach to human development as it pertains to learning and the classroom known as the Montessori method. She was particularly interested in preschool-aged children and how they learn.

Since the first Montessori school opened in Canada in 1912, today there have been over twenty thousand Montessori schools and preschools created around the world. You have probably seen a sign for one and thought, what is a Montessori daycare?  

Maria and therefore Montessori schools, believe that play is a child’s version of “work”. This is the main difference between Montessori and daycare. Through play kids learn both social and cognitive skills. In Montessori philosophy, the “work” that a child can choose for themselves in a classroom is centered around the children’s interests.

Most times they choose their own “work” and for an uninterrupted period of time, they engage with the activity at their own pace. This form of child-directed, active, and individualized learning is believed to increase a child’s confidence, independence, self-regulation, and self-discipline. Of course, a Montessori teacher is there to guide, monitor, and track children; while it may be teacher-directed, teachers do not take an authoritarian role. 

Kids are allowed to choose their own “work” in a Montessori setting. Source: How We Montessori

Montessori Activities and Setting

Are you left wondering how is Montessori different from just playing? The Montessori approach to play is not just periods of play-time. Instead, it is structured in terms of activities.

Montessori activities commonly pertain to five learning goals: math, language, culture, practical life, and sensorial. The “works” are carefully chosen to teach these things. When younger children in Montessori preschools have time to play, the time is usually unlimited or open-ended while the work available is more structured. 

An example of these types of works are pouring and scooping, dressing frames, number rod addition, tower building, and animal classification. They are all hands-on and require the Montessori children to direct themselves through the activity instead of having a teacher lead them. 

What would a Montessori kindergarten or Montessori playgroup look like? Montessori environments tend to be calm and child-centered. They often won’t have a lot of loud colors, busy posters, characters, or distractions. In a Pre-K Montessori, everything is usually at child level and thoughtful materials and resources are placed around the nursery room, sometimes separated by sections (like a math section, a life skills section, etc.). Most of these materials are made of natural products and resemble real-life objects. Though it’s important to note that these life-skill objects differ from pretend play.

Students in Montessori preschools typically are taught in small groups. The groups can be composed of children of varying ages. The teachers understand the developmental stages and facilitate group and individual learning appropriately in these multi-age classrooms but this is usually true of daycares too if you’re debating on Montessori vs daycare.

With Montessori play and learn you may find children working at a table, sitting on the floor, or standing at a sensory bin. One of the biggest differences you’ll notice when it comes to Montessori vs traditional preschool is that children often have a choice of what to do, where to do it, and how long to do it. 

A Montessori classroom creates a calm environment. Source: pinterest.com

Advantages and Disadvantages of Montessori Classroom Learning 

Montessori childcare is hugely child-centered, which can be awesome. However, it isn’t ideal for all children. Here are some of the drawbacks and benefits of Montessori education. 

Advantages:

• Allows children to move at their own pace instead of having to sit and listen to a teacher
• Usually a calm and soothing environment
• Promotes self-regulation and discipline
• Can help build social skills in reserved children while offering a lot of alone time
• See’s each child as an individual
• Teaches a lot of life skills and critical thinking skills with emphasis on character education

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t emulate most formal schools that don’t allow self-direct and self-paced learning, making it hard for some kids to transition
• Not ideal for highly social children due to its often small student community and ample time spent on individual work/play 
• Looking at Montessori vs regular preschool, Montessori can be more costly. So you’ll need to decide is Montessori preschool worth it

Play-Based Learning 

We’re willing to bet you’re still wondering, is Montessori play-based learning? Let’s take a deeper look at play-based daycare. Play-based is like Montessori program, in that children learn through play, but it is different.

Play-based is more structured in terms of time, with children alternating between free play and teacher-guided learning activities. Play-based traditional preschool is less structured in terms of the kind of play. Children can play with dolls, build with blocks, and other socio-dramatic types of things instead of more developed, purposeful types of play meant to teach concrete skills. Play-based skills also tend to allow more imaginative play than Montessori. 

Why so much play? Well, play-based schools believe that children learn through play. They can learn creativity, social skills, problem solving, negotiation, cognitive skills, cooperation, self-reflection, and much more through play-based activities. 

Play-based approach tend to be more structured in terms of time but not play. Source: The Conversation

Play-based Activities and Setting

The classroom setting usually will have centers, like a dress-up area and a nature area. It allows posters, characters, loud colors, and bright designs; not only focusing on natural materials. Though much of the day at a play-based school is spent playing at different centers, there is some formal instruction or educational lessons.

Oftentimes this will occur in a group and though a teacher will facilitate it will still largely be student-led. A play-based program is usually highly interactive and not very formal, using hands-on tasks instead of repetition or rote memory. 

Like Montessori classrooms, play is important in these traditional preschools. However, the type of play varies with play-based schools giving children more “free” playtime and encouraging pretend and dramatic play. There is less emphasis on academics in play-based preschools as well as fewer manipulatives, and defined, thoughtful, concrete materials. 

Play-based classrooms provide more opportunities for imaginative play. Source: asamadagascar.com

Advantages and Disadvantages of Play-Based Preschool Learning

Play-based learning suits some kids very well, but other children may find the environment challenging.  

Advantages:

• Lets your kid be a kid and play with others, not putting too much emphasis on academics at a young age 
• Promotes imagination and creativity through creative play
• Builds social skills 
• An inviting environment for most kids
• Hands-on and child-centered 

Disadvantages:

• The loose structure can be hard for children who thrive on routine and structure
• Can make the transition to formal school difficult because of the open-ended playtime and lack of structure
• The environment can be too busy and loud for some children

How To Know If Montessori Method Is Right For Your Child, or If Play-based Approach Is The Better Option for Young Children

It can be a lot to think about, deciding is Montessori good for your little one, or should you consider a play-based daycare. Starting with a tour can help. Touring the school can let you see what a typical classroom and day might look like. You should be able to meet with the teacher, see the materials, and observe how the children interact with each other and the classroom.

You may decide your child is outgoing, busy, and would thrive in a play-based center. Or, possibly, that your child is more reserved, task-oriented, and would benefit from a Montessori class. 

Further reading: How to Play With A Newborn

If you’re deciding what approach to take at home, look closely at the materials and the way in which they are used. Does your child like to be imaginative, play pretend, and use their creativity? Or, do they love goal-oriented work? This may direct you to the best solution concerning playful learning and Montessori education. 

Don’t just choose a school based on the philosophy as each approach can have awesome schools and not-so-great schools. Take a look at reviews, talk to other parents, and try to gauge the quality of the relationship between educators, students, and parents when you go for a visit.  What you want is to have a nurturing environment for your child’s early learning.

Safety and practicality play a role too. Make sure the school is accredited, clean, safe, and organized. Additionally, be sure that the cost is affordable, the drive isn’t too far, and that your schedules align. 

Though the two approaches are very similar, most schools will not offer a combined approach. It is either one or the other. However, parents wishing to recreate these approaches at home will likely have more freedom to use a combination of the two. 

Montessori and play-based classrooms can look very similar, but don’t operate the same. Source: pinterest.com

Creating Play-based vs Montessori Environments At Home 

If you wish to create a play-based or Montessori environment at home, here are some easy ways to do so! 

Play-based Environment

You probably already have most of what you need to have a play-based environment at home! Play-based consists of activities your child likes to do with no objective, end-goal, or time constraints. You don’t need to have an agenda; let your child choose something and then allow them unstructured time to enjoy doing it! 

You don’t need a lot of specific tools or toys for imaginative play.

Here are a few examples:

• Dress up
• Building with blocks
• Finger painting
• Sensory bins
• Outside exploration 

Remember, you’re not trying to teach academics or have your child achieve something. Instead, you’re letting them learn and explore their world through play. 

Montessori Playroom

A Montessori playroom will often take a bit more setup. Here are a few tips:

• Keep everything organized. It should have a bin, a spot on a Montessori shelf, or a drawer and always return to its assigned space 
• Everything should be easily accessible to your kid and at child-level
• This includes drinks and snacks as children should be able to choose when to eat or drink 
• Keep the environment calm and soothing 
• Fill the space with engaging, Montessori designed “works” and rotate them as you see fit (usually every few weeks) 

Looking for toys and furniture to fill the play space? Here are some of our favorite Montessori items from Lovevery:

Montessori Play Shelf

Key Features:

• 2-in-1 shelf for easy toy rotation and storage of up to 6 Play Kits
• Montessori-inspired shelf design
• Includes 2 Wooden Trays and 2 Storage Bins
• 100% FSC-certified Baltic birch
• Soft-close technology to protect your child’s fingers

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Montessori Block Set

Key Features:

• Perfect for children ages 18 to 48+ months
• 70 solid wood pieces in a rainbow of 18 different hues
• Arrives in a wooden storage box that converts into a pull car
• Blocks are made of sustainably harvested FSC-certified wood
• Water-based paint and finishes
• Drawstring cotton bag for flexible storage

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The Helper Play Kit for Life Skills Works

Key Features:

• A play kit that lets your kid learn collaboration skills, counting and measure everyday objects
• Supports your three-year old’s interest in categorization, conversation, and collaboration
• Comes with play guide for parents
• Ships every 3 months

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The Problem Solver Kit for Sorting, Stacking, and Classification Works

Key Features:

• A play kit that lets your kid learn collaboration skills, counting and measure everyday objects
• Supports your three-year old’s interest in categorization, conversation, and collaboration
• Comes with play guide for parents
• Ships every 3 months

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Play-based vs Montessori Learning Approach FAQs

Is Montessori play-based learning?

While the two are very similar, they are not the same. Montessori method places a greater emphasis on play with a purpose; its works are designed to teach a specific skill. Play-based learning has no agenda and is open-ended. 

Is Montessori preschool worth it or should my child go for play-based preschool?

If you’re weighing play-based daycare vs Montessori school, the choice totally depends on your child and which is best for them. Tour the schools, talk with teachers and parents and think about how your child would react to each environment and approach. 

What type of child is Montessori good for?

Montessori classrooms are generally good for many types of children. Though, if you notice that your child thrives on structure and routine, it may be a little too open-ended for them. On the contrary, it may help your little one to practice self-direction and regulation.  

What is the difference between play-based learning and free play?

Play-based learning is guided by the teacher or adults. Children can play open-endedly and choose what to play, but usually, materials are laid out or specific centers are opened. Free play is when the child has complete freedom to play whatever they want. 

Is play-based learning effective?

It can be very effective for some. Helping them to build social and cognitive skills like problem-solving, negotiation, and creativity. 

What age is best to start Montessori programs or play-based learning?

Most Montessori and play-based approaches start around 2-3 years of age and continue through preschool. 

Play-Based Preschool vs Montessori, Which To Choose?

While we can’t decide for you, we hope this guide has provided you with some insight into the two different approaches. A wide variety of children do well with each philosophy and the best choice for your family comes down to your child’s personality, learning style, and whichever school is more practical.

My children have all gone to a Montessori school and greatly enjoyed their time there! Have your children attended either a Montessori or play-based school? We would love to hear about it in the comments! 

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Montessori? Waldorf? Play-Based? Don’t Decide Until You Read This!

So Many Choices for your Child’s Education: Montessori? Waldorf? Play-Based? Don

’t Decide Until You Read This!

It can be a bit overwhelming, right?  Adding to this overwhelming input: the number of good-intentioned friends and family that volunteer their recommendations.   Everyone has an opinion. Your best friend from college, your grandmother, your neighbor – it seems that everyone has an opinion on the best preschool program for your child.  And, once you look online… forget about it! “Experts” from across the world are ready to chime in with a solution for you.

The unfortunate reality is that there are so many options for early childhood education, that many parents avoid the research process and choose a program for the wrong reasons like the distance from home or because the teacher seemed really nice.

Don’t make that mistake. Your child’s first exposure to education will be in the program that you choose now. It’s best to gather some basic information about your options and use it to make the right decision.

Only You Know the Answer

Choosing an early childhood program for your child is a personal decision. No one knows your child as well as you – his strengths, challenges, personality and temperament should all factor into your decision
. Despite the best of intentions, the friend who recommended her preschool doesn’t know your child well enough to make the decision for you.

How I Can Help You

In my experience, most parents research three major methods of early childhood education : Montessori, Waldorf and Play-Based. To help in your decision, I wrote a brief synopsis of each method below.

MONTESSORI

Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and scientist who devoted 60 years of her life to studying and observing children.

Montessori education encompasses 3 basic tenants:

1. All children develop in their own unique way – not in a strict linear progression.
2. Children develop through interaction with their environment.
3. Children develop best when they are allowed to pursue their interests.

Dr. Montessori created classrooms that support children’s developmental needs by giving them extraordinarily rich learning environments filled with carefully designed materials to make abstract concepts understandable. She demonstrated respect for each child’s unique developmental timetable, presenting new concepts to a child when he was most interested and capable of learning them. And, within those rich classroom environments, she trained her teachers to serve and follow the child. As a result, children are given the opportunity to choose what they were most interested in learning.

All children from the ages of 0 to 6 years are guided by two powerful intrinsic forces: an absorbent mind and sensitive periods.

1. The absorbent mind allows children to simply absorb from their environment effortlessly and easily – much like a sponge absorbs water. What the young child sees and experiences will indelibly be imprinted on his brain. The child does not have to apply himself to learn anything – he simply absorbs impressions and information from the environment.
2. Young children are guided by sensitive periods – powerful, time-sensitive phases of profound interest to learn. These windows of opportunity start closing at 4 and by 6 years of age, they are forever gone.

In Montessori schools, work is the child’s play. 
A century ago, Dr. Montessori discovered that children will almost always abandon pretend toys when they are offered “real things” to do. Instead of pretending to cook, Montessori children cut apples and serve them to their friends, they bake bread from scratch and wash and dry the dirty dishes, and they make flower arrangements from flowers they pick from their garden. They relish doing what they see adults doing in their environment and take pride in being independent.

Children learn at their own pace in a Montessori classroom. The focus is on developing the potential of each individual child.
A child moves through the curriculum at her own rate, and she is not taken to the next concept until she has demonstrated that she has a solid understanding of prior concepts.

Teachers in Montessori classrooms serve as guides for the children. They act as the link between the child and the rich learning materials found in these classrooms. Instead of teaching to an entire class or to groups, teachers guide the individual child, observing her carefully to make sure she is ready for the lesson and that it is a match for what she is interested in learning.

Classrooms contain groupings of children across mixed-aged spans.  Primary classes house children ages 2.5 through Kindergarten. They are collaborative learning environments with student mentors. Older children serve as role models for the younger children, showing great compassion and kindness toward their younger friends. Their work with the more advanced materials excites and interests the younger ones who want to emulate and be like their older friends. Being the oldest in the class affords the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills.  Montessori children stay in the same classrooms for 3 or 4 years, which promotes a close relationship between teacher and child.

Montessori is a holistic approach to educating the child – it is seen as an aid to life. A child’s development of independence is of paramount importance. The more a child can do for himself, the more he will look to the future with the confidence that he is competent and capable.

Character education is also of deep importance in the Montessori philosophy. Children receive many lessons in the social graces that grease human interactions. At Wheaton Montessori School, we call this portion of our curriculum “Grace and Courtesy.” And, in the living laboratory of the classroom, children are supported in developing strong social skills.

WALDORF

Like Montessori, Waldorf cares about and educates “the whole child”. They want every child to reach her individual potential, to be excited about learning and the world around her, to care about and treat her fellow human beings with respect.

Additionally, like Montessori, Waldorf takes a developmental approach to education. Waldorf sees the development of the child divided roughly into three stages (birth to 7, 7 to 14, and 14 to 18). There are characteristics and needs that accompany each stage, and teachers are trained to bring appropriate learning content to each of these stages in order to support and nourish healthy growth.

Waldorf classrooms are beautifully designed. Well-crafted toys made of wood and silk are designed to stimulate fantasy and pretend play.

The Waldorf preschool-kindergarten program places an emphasis on fantasy and imagination as well as storytelling, rhyming and movement games. Their early childhood education programs are experiential (hands-on-involvement) and sensory-based.  Practical activities are provided for the children to be able to imitate what they see the adults around them doing, like baking, and gardening. Music, art and story telling are large components of the program.

Abstract learning (using symbols to learn to read, write or calculate mathematically) is discouraged. Waldorf feels that if children are exposed to intellectual learning too early (before 6-7 years of age), it will detract from their optimum physical, social and emotional growth. Therefore, they encourage children in the preschool years to engage in fantasy and pretend play.

Waldorf educators take a particularly hard stand against the use of television and all electronics, because they don’t believe that they support children’s developmental needs. They, instead, want to protect and insulate the young child in that first stage of development by keeping him away from the realities of the world until he is developmentally capable of handling those realities.

Unlike Montessori, Waldorf education is a registered trademark name that allows for complete control over its governance and teacher-training programs. Teachers go through an extensive and thorough training in Waldorf philosophy and practices before they can work with children.

PLAY-BASED PROGRAMS

The theory surrounding play-based programs is that children learn best when they’re having fun, and “fun” is defined as playing. They believe that work-based, rigid approaches to learning actually turn a child off to leaning and that these do not provide children with positive attitudes and skills necessary to succeed as future learners.

Play-based theory uses children’s “play” as the vehicle for developing social skills, imagination, creativity, inner motivation and motor skills. They believe play promotes imagination and creativity and that long un-interrupted periods of play fosters concentration by allowing the child to get deeply involved in an activity. Inner motivation grows when the child has free choice in her play activity; this is seen as the child taking responsibility for her own learning.

The role of the adult in play-based preschool programs is to guide and extend children’s play experiences. They try to figure out what it is the child is learning and then work to support and extend that learning by adding more materials and asking questions or joining in on their play.

There doesn’t seem to be an over-arching theoretical framework to play-based programs in the same way that there are with Waldorf and Montessori. Different theorists add to “the pot” in defining play-based thinking. Some proponents value completely free, unstructured play time while others believe in structured experiences that the adult creates and enrichment opportunities carried out by specialists (yoga, music or Spanish instruction).

The teacher qualifications to work in play-based preschool programs are minimal.  In California, for example, four college classes, valued at 3 units each, are the sole requirements to become a lead preschool teacher.

Whatever philosophical framework you embrace, remember what matters most is the people who will be with your child. Take your time and go observe in a number of settings
so that you begin to get a good feeling of what resonates with you.

You’re invited to come tour our school, classrooms, and campus.
  Wheaton Montessori School follows the methods of Dr. Maria Montessori and strictly adheres to the guidelines of Association Montessori Internationale.   Our Head of School, Rebecca Lingo, and our teachers are happy to answer your questions about the Montessori Method and why they believe it to be the best educational choice for your child.

The post Montessori? Waldorf? Play-Based? Don’t Decide Until You Read This!
appeared first on Wheaton Montessori School.

Montessori method – the essence and principles of one of the most successful approaches to parenting

The beginning of the twentieth century literally divided the history of mankind into before and after, because life has undergone incredible changes and required new moral guidelines, approaches to education and upbringing, and the organization of work and leisure. It was a period of bold experiments and amazing discoveries. Despite all the social upheavals, people of the twentieth century became freer and more progressive, which means that upbringing and education had to change a lot, because the kids had to grow up in a completely new world.

The observations and innovations of the Italian doctor Maria Montessori became a real breakthrough in pedagogy, since her approach had both a good theoretical basis and brilliant results in practice. In this article, we will try to highlight all the main features of Montessori education and discuss for which children classes according to the M. Montessori method are best suited.

Basic Montessori Methods

To summarize the main ideas of the Maria Montessori Method, it is important to first explain the beliefs behind the approach:

1. The child develops following his natural interests and thanks to the experience independently gained on their basis,

can become the only full-fledged source of knowledge and skills for the development of a child,

It is these beliefs that determine the style of interaction between children and adults who have chosen the M. Montessori method for their kids.

The approach is distinguished by a specially organized environment (didactic material located in the free access of the child), corresponding to the age of the children; the leading position of the child, his independence and free choice of activities; respectful and attentive attitude of adults to the individual needs of the baby.

Let us briefly formulate the basic principles of the Maria Montessori method:

0003

2. Lack of a unified program and compulsory curriculum for all pupils, an individual approach to each child,

3. Classes according to the M. Montessori method are held in a group of different ages,

4. Any Montessori session requires a prepared environment, orderly and varied teaching materials,

5. An adult follows the child’s interests, supervises the children’s work and participates very limitedly in their independent activities.

Now, let’s study in more detail the features of the Montessori methodology and start with what goals the Montessori teacher faces depending on the age of the pupils.

Montessori Learning Objectives by Age

The approach provides education for children from birth to secondary school, while the focus, and hence the techniques used in the Montessori environment, depend on the age of the child. Below we offer a table in which the main goals of Montessori teaching children at different age stages are formulated.

Even from this table it can be seen that the development of a harmonious personality must certainly begin at a very early age, which is why Montessori teaching methods are used primarily in preschool institutions, because in the future Montessori graduates are much more adaptive and achieve better results in the schools of the most different approaches.

First of all, the essence of the Montessori methodology for children of all ages is education based on the individual strengths and interests of each child. Montessori education encourages children to explore the world around them and find their own place in this world.

The Montessori method – for which children is this approach suitable?

Surprisingly, we often meet parents who are convinced that Montessori teaching methods are suitable only for gifted and “naturally” motivated children. It seems to parents that if their son or daughter is not forced to study, they will simply lie on the couch all day.

In fact, you should always remember that children’s curiosity and desire to explore the world is an innate quality of absolutely any child. The described passivity is most often caused by external factors: an unsuitable environment and an incorrectly organized daily routine, the wrong behavior of adults, and the child’s poor health.

Despite the fact that all Montessori techniques are associated with the free choice of the child and his almost unlimited movement around the classroom, even the most “uncontrollable” and “complex” children eventually successfully join the process.

However, if it seems to you that at first it will be difficult for your child in Montessori group classes or you are worried about some peculiarities of the child’s health, all branches of our club offer individual lessons so that the child has additional adult attention for easier adaptation to a new environment.

Montessori Kindergarten – What to Expect from Known Method Classes

The Montessori method is in demand both at school and in preschools. However, in Moscow, most often classes according to the method of Maria Montessori are designed for children under 6-7 years old, after which they successfully transfer to both specialized Montessori schools and general education institutions. Given this peculiarity of Moscow education, we have developed both a program exclusively based on the Montessori method, and groups where Montessori teaching methods and its basic principles are organically combined with more traditional formats for classes for kids, as well as visits to a speech therapist and other specialists.

Montessori kindergarten environment stimulates children’s cognitive activity. All Montessori classes are divided into zones: practical life, sensorics, language, mathematics, space (the surrounding world), creativity. Each zone is filled with a variety of educational items and didactic games, interacting with which the child independently studies the properties and functions of things and learns new things.

In a Montessori kindergarten, there is always a lot of space and educational materials, children always have the opportunity to choose an activity to their liking, and kindergarten teachers who have received special training in the Montessori method only help children make independent discoveries.

A nice bonus for parents who have opted for a kindergarten using the Montessori method will also be the presence of regular consultations for parents, where teachers and child psychologists reveal in detail the tasks of the method, share the successes of pupils, and also give recommendations on education for the Montessori method at home.

Conclusions

Education according to the method of Maria Montessori is qualitatively different from traditional approaches: an adult does not conduct lessons and does not require you to put your hands on a desk and listen carefully, children have the opportunity and time to learn what they are interested in, and a specially organized environment makes sure that “interesting” was always and “useful”. Thanks to these conditions, the method has received international recognition, graduates of Montessori gardens consistently demonstrate interest in learning, developed self-control skills and successfully master the school curriculum, and parents are proud of their talented, independent and truly happy children.

Conclusion

The network of children’s Montessori clubs “Sozvezdie” is one of the leaders in pre-school Montessori education in Moscow. All our specialists have basic and additional education in the field of child psychology and the organization of education for preschoolers, regularly undergo advanced training, participate in scientific discussions and research, exchange experience with foreign colleagues, and, most importantly, love children, have extensive experience working with them and are able to become real friends for kids.

The success of “Constellation” is fifteen years of work, more than 36,000 satisfied graduates, regular updating of teaching materials and toys, as well as constant monitoring of the safety of each child.

We are always open to new acquaintances and are happy to show the life of our club from the inside. To get to know us, it is enough to sign up for a free trial lesson through the form on the website or by calling us at +7 (499) 686-10-35.

See you in our children’s Montessori clubs “Constellation”!

Prepared by a Montessori teacher
Sokolova Oksana

Montessori methodology in kindergartens

For more than a hundred years, Montessori methods have been used in preschool institutions for the upbringing and development of children. It is based on the principle of independence, and the training itself takes place taking into account individual characteristics. The technique helps the child to successfully integrate into society. The goal of the system is to form a whole person who understands his own individuality and respects someone else’s. It develops independently, being in an environment equipped with didactic materials for its development.

Learning takes place without the slightest coercion. Children move freely around the kindergarten classrooms, choosing activities to their liking in one of five zones:

• practical life skills zone;
• sensor;
• math zone;
• speech development zone;
• area for the study of nature and culture.

All spaces are created for the harmonious development of the child. Didactic materials and items are on open shelves, any child has access to them. The system encourages the child’s curiosity and encourages him to explore the world around him.

Methods of the system are mainly focused on the development of sensory. This includes exercises to train the eye, the development of skills to distinguish the most subtle nuances of taste and smell. Fine motor skills classes prepare the child for school, where he will learn to read and write.

During the training, the child’s attentiveness develops, his self-motivation is formed.

Benefits of the Montessori method in kindergartens

The method has a large number of advantages that make it so attractive for kindergartens:

1. 1. Children develop at their own pace, taking into account the characteristics of each child’s character. Educators do not put pressure on the child, but only help him develop independently.
2. 2. The team is made up of children of different ages, based on common interests, and not on the age factor.
3. 3. The main way of knowing the world is discovery. Each child rediscovers the surrounding reality, and educators contribute to the development of curiosity in him.
4. 4. In accordance with the methodology, the child learns to be aware of his own freedom and respect the individual space of another person.
5. 5. No negative criticism.
6. 6. Much attention is paid to development through sensory perception. The development of fine motor skills is the fundamental principle of the system.
7. 7. Each child learns through his interaction with other older children. It is they who explain simple things and help to take care of each other.
8. 8. The system teaches children personal responsibility and develops in them the skills to make their own independent decisions.
9. 9. For children studying in this system, self-service skills become elementary.
10. 10. The child is free to choose the problems to be solved.
11. 11. The methodology is not based on national cultural characteristics and is easily translated into any education system.

The obtained results of using the methodology in private kindergartens allow us to speak about its success. At the same time, there are some features of the system that should be taken into account. For example, a child who has begun to study according to this method will face difficulties when entering a school that does not apply Montessori principles in its teaching. For example, there is no teacher-mentor working with children in the school education system.

Since the Montessori method, like any other, has two sides, it is worth remembering some of its shortcomings. For example, since classes involve more individual creativity and development of the child, it may be difficult to develop communication skills.

In order for freedom not to turn into permissiveness, children accustomed to it must, at the same time, face the limits and limits set by adults.

The methodology does not use fairy tales and games, which are so common in familiar systems of preschool education. Their absence is due to the fact that the author of the system considered them to be a departure from reality.

The effectiveness of the Montessori method is proved by the fact that English preschool and school institutions widely use it for educating children. But everyone knows that the UK education system is considered one of the most advanced by world standards.

Graduates of Montessori groups become students of the most prestigious schools and show high results there. And this is not surprising, because the system develops the horizons of the child, teaches him to think, develops motivation to learn new things. The child is able to concentrate on business and independently finds ways to solve problems.

Who Montessori is for

The most effective parenting method may be successful for some children and not enough for others, depending on their individual characteristics. The method will be successful for the children of those parents who easily give the child freedom. In this case, individual training will be beneficial. If the parent himself is not ready to let go of the child, to allow him to be independent and independent, the system will not be useful.

Activities with a creative streak will be difficult in groups, as insufficient attention is paid to creativity in training. The issue can be resolved through additional classes, including the implementation of these abilities of the baby.

The same applies to hyperactive mobile children. Their energy will not be fully realized and will require additional output. It can be sports activities or outdoor activities.

Since children learn to negotiate with each other, but do not develop much communication skills, shy children should socialize more with their peers in order to learn how to overcome their shyness.

Any deficiency can be compensated for by additional activities or communication with peers. And the advantages of the technique are undeniable and allow the child to take shape in a self-sufficient person.

The method is based on respect for the child’s personality, interests and needs. Educators are assistants to children, helping them solve selected problems and pushing them to self-learning.

The child independently chooses an activity to his liking. However, despite the apparent freedom, all materials are carefully selected in accordance with the developed curriculum. Textbooks are made from natural materials and are as close to reality as possible. They are functional and practical. They are made in a single copy so that the child learns to negotiate with others about what he needs, and can patiently wait for his turn.

It is important that the family in which the child grows up adheres to the same principles as the Montessori system. Being in harmony between learning and everyday life, the child will fully reveal his abilities.

The result of upbringing is a small person who is able to make decisions, able to concentrate on work, with self-service skills.