Benefits of a Montessori Education
Are you thinking about the best homeschooling methods for your child? It's a big deal to choose the type of education you want to use to teach your children.
Did you know that the first five years of a child's education are the most important?
During the years of 1 to 5, a child's brain develops more connections quicker than at any other point in their lives.
A child grows emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually during these critical stages in their life. It's important to choose the right education for your child during this time.
A preschool homeschooling curriculum needs to foster all of these parts of a child's development.
Though this may be a difficult decision to make, there are many benefits of a Montessori education. Let's break down why the Montessori method may be the best choice for your child.
What Is a Montessori Education?
The Montessori method was developed in the early 1900s by Maria Montessori. Both a physician and educator, she developed an effective teaching method and opened her first Montessori school in 1907.
So, what is the Montessori method exactly?
This method of teaching encourages children to develop skills through self directed learning. In other words, a child develops knowledge and skill through how they naturally learn.
This style of teaching allows the child to freely choose activities that foster their interests. All the while, it helps to develop the most critical foundations of a child's education.
The Benefits of a Montessori Education
Knowing the benefits of homeschooling curriculums will ensure that you are giving your child the best education. Although there are many curriculums to choose from, there are many benefits to the Montessori method.
Well-Rounded Education
Since the Montessori method focuses on multiple aspects of a child's development, the curriculum includes a standard education—math and English. But it also focuses on culture and practical life.
Think Critically
Children learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and are able to work at their own pace. Critical thinking helps the child learn decision-making skills within their environment.
Critical thinking is the foundation to a valuable education. Developing this at an early age will help your child build on this skill as they get older.
Respect for the Child
One important principle in the Montessori education is having respect for the child. Encouraging a child's learning pace and interests can help the child build self-confidence, strength, and resilience.
Allowing them to self-correct their mistakes can also build their confidence.
Independence
When a child learns to accomplish their own tasks, it can introduce the child to independence. It can also encourage a child to understand their capability. Independence also motivates them to complete tasks on their own.
Tending to Specific Needs
Because there isn't one way to teach a child, the Montessori method caters to the specific needs of the child. It can help you understand your child's strengths and the skills that may be taking longer to develop.
When you understand the way your child learns, it is easier to encourage the skills that need developing. This can help the child develop skills they are having difficulty picking up.
How to Implement a Montessori Curriculum in Homeschooling
If Montessori education is the best form of preschool education, how can you implement this method into homeschooling? Here are a few ways.
Prepared Environment
Create a prepared environment. A prepared environment is a space in your home where there are different activities for the child to choose what piques their interest.
This space should be organized. It helps the child process their thoughts choices in a simple and organized environment.
One-On-One
Lessons with your child and the activities should be one-on-one. This focuses you on the child's progress and needs. It also can help you track and understand what the child is needing the most in their academic progress.
It's important to note that rewards or "gold stars" are not a part of the Montessori curriculum. A child's accomplishment should be recognized as a task that they completed themselves.
Emphasize Life Skills
You should implement life-skills in the curriculum. Learning to pick up after themselves, setting the table for dinner, and other practical skills will help develop a well-rounded education for the child at home.
Take the time to show your children the correct way to accomplish these tasks. It will set a strong foundation of these life skills.
Concentration and Repetition
When working with your child in different activities, encourage them to stay focused on the task at hand, regardless of any distractions.
It can be difficult, but will ultimately help your child learn to focus on a task as they get older.
If the child is struggling with a specific activity or task, repetition can help a child stay focused. It also develops their motivation to finish the activity successfully.
Letting your child choose the activities that interest them will help them develop these skills.
The Best for Your Child
We understand that you want the best for your child, and that their education is the most vital part of their lives. Your child deserves a well-rounded education.
The benefits of a Montessori education outweigh other homeschooling methods and has proved to be an effective way to teach children at home.
Implementing a Montessori curriculum into your homeschooling will help your child's emotional, social, and intellectual development.
Your child deserves the best education, especially in the most critical years of their life.
