According to Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori education, children pass through various cycles of development and they share some needs and attributes based on their age group. As traditional early childhood education in Riverside, California groups kids of the same age together, the use of the mixed groups strikes a difference between traditional educational programs and Montessori. Now let us explore the benefits of Montessori education.
Allows the Teacher to Effectively Teach the Children
In order for a teacher to effectively teach his pupils, he needs to understand their individual needs. In as Montessori classroom, the teacher observes and assists the same children through the entire cycle. This allows the teacher more opportunity and time to get to know the children and base the education on the needs of each child.
Promotes Better Interaction
In a Montessori classroom, children stay in an environment which creates an atmosphere where they learn to help and get help from other kids because of constant interaction. Montessori children will get an appreciation for what they do for other kids. Also, being in this kind of environment naturally challenges them of what other kids achieve.
Allows Children to Work at their Owned Pace
In Montessori education, children don’t have to learn at the same pace with other kids. Generally, in a traditional education system, a teacher has to remain on page 10 until everyone in the class understands the concept. In Montessori, every child can learn something based on their ability.
Increases Children’s Interest in Learning
Kids can hear, see and experience at least three levels of subjects in a Montessori classroom. Younger kids are exposed to more advanced work that older kids work on. In this type of environment, kids of all age groups relate more closely to the older ones and are interested and curious in learning. Younger kids learn manners, conflict resolution, and respect by watching the older kids in the class. And for older children, this gives them the chances to rest and reinforce their knowledge by spending time discussing things with younger children. This type of education allows children in different age groups to encounter constant stimulation that generates a desire to learn more.
Builds a Strong Sense of Community
As children in a Montessori school stays in a classroom for a period of three years, they develop a sense of stability and community. And having the same teacher and room helps the child focus on learning without wasting precious time to get to know a new adult and a new environment. The Montessori style helps in developing students that are role models for one another.
Ensures a Stronger Foundation
Montessori education involves reinforcing basic concepts; however, children have an unlimited potential to learn. For instance, in a primary classroom, three-year-old children learn from observing other children who have been there longer than them. While they get lessons from their teacher, they learn all the time by observing and listening in to the lessons of other children. And because this gives exposure to the first-year primary students, the children will easily grasp the learn concepts.
The mixed-age Montessori classroom set up allows children to maximize academic, emotional and social development. And because of this, the school will be able to achieve its goal of allowing children to succeed not only in the classroom but also in real life.
Do you think mixed-age groupings are a good idea? Please let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below. Or if you want to learn more about the Montessori approach, feel free to call Montessori Children’s House at 951-359-5437.
