As you look at various childcare options for your child, you may notice that Montessori schools are very different from other traditional or daycare models. Here are four of the key ones:
Childcare vs. Child-Centric Learning
While daycares focus on watching and caring for children, Montessori schools do more by creating an environment focused on children’s learning. Children’s days should be filled with play, as that is how they learn, but Montessori schools create space for them to play in ways that enrich their development. Montessori environments are prepared with materials that have been developed after careful scientific observation. These materials are still games and toys from the perspective of the child, but they tend to have much different effects on them from a learning perspective.
An Organic Environment vs. One Full of Synthetics and Plastics
The Montessori classroom is designed to meet the developmental needs of the child. You will notice that everything in the classroom is child-sized, so that the child can move independently through the classroom. Most daycare environments are filled with bright colors and plastic toys. Montessori environments utilize natural materials like wood, plant fibers, and even glass. Natural tones are favored over bright and loud colors, and natural lighting is evident. Montessori classrooms intentionally bring the natural world inside, with plants, found objects, and pets. Children are directly involved with the care of living things in the classroom. Daycares may have bright posters on the wall, whereas Montessori environments favor a minimalist approach and examples of art displayed at the child’s level.
Developing Life Skills Through Life Lessons
Montessori environments intentionally include practical life lessons. Practical life learning is incredibly appealing to young children as well, as they look to adults in their lives and want to emulate the work they see them doing. Some of the types of skills they develop include:
● Fastening various types of clothing
● Tying and lacing
● Care of self (washing, brushing, etc.)
● Grace and courtesy lessons: interacting appropriately and politely with others
● Toilet learning (for toddlers)
● Food preparation
● Care of the environment (cleaning skills)
● Plant and pet care
Highly Trained and Educated Teachers
The training of a Montessori teacher goes far beyond the training of a typical daycare worker. To care for young children, both must meet certain requirements such as first aid training, passing a background check, and some knowledge of working with children. Montessori teachers, however, continue far beyond the basics. Most have college degrees, with many obtaining advanced degrees. They have rigorous Montessori credential training, which is postgraduate work that includes comprehensive instruction on child development, intensive lessons on presenting Montessori materials correctly, work in Montessori philosophy, and so much more. Ask your local daycare facility about their teacher training requirements and compare them to Montessori requirements while you explore your options.