Private schools continue to increase in popularity across Canada. According to Our Kids, Canadian private schools have about 280,000 students, which includes Montessori ones. Montessori schools are well-known for offering a unique education based on a child’s curiosity and a hands-on learning approach. However, a few key things to know before enrolling your child.
Learning Timeline
Many children in traditional schools are encouraged to recite their alphabet and learn how to read as soon as possible in school. However, that’s not how a Montessori school works. Instead, this education style is catered to the child’s development. Most Montessori students learn to read on their own; they pick up on it quickly because they learn to read at a developmentally appropriate age. In the long run, children in both schools learn everything they should regarding regular education.
More Hands-On
One of the key differences between a Montessori education and a standard education is that children in Montessori schools learn hands-on. Multiplication is taught using manipulatives. Carefully selected toys surround young children to encourage development and teach them things. Art projects promote education. Children in these schools learn more from playing and participating in various activities than from lectures or taking tests.
Teaching Style
Another primary difference you’ll notice when heading into a Montessori school is the role of the teacher. Most people picture a classroom with a teacher at the front lecturing students. The teacher is more authoritative. Montessori teachers are still the head of the class, but they take a gentler approach. It’s common to see a Montessori stand back and let the children play so they learn things and are driven by their natural curiosity. Teachers are guides in Montessori education, but children often choose the direction.
Life Skills Lessons
Children in these schools often learn life skills as a part of school. It’s common to see children in the kitchen as they help prepare lunch or cleaning the classroom. Children in younger groups may have age-appropriate sinks and brooms to help encourage them to learn life skills. Older children often help teach more youthful children to promote healthy leadership skills. These lessons begin early and last throughout school, ensuring children have an excellent foundation.
Montessori schools teach things differently than traditional schools, but children learn what they need to. In addition to that, children learn valuable life lessons and critical skills. Contact us today to learn more about this education style.
