30 Jun Montessori Education: An Overview

Montessori education encompasses an entire teaching philosophy that has changed the way many children have experienced instruction and schooling. Montessori education relies heavily on self-motivation – with guidance from teachers and staff – that involves their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Read on to learn more about what the Montessori method is, its history, its benefits, and how we use it at Meadow Montessori in Richmond, TX.

Are you interested in pursuing a Montessori education for your child? If you live in the Richmond area, you may be a great candidate for Meadow Montessori School. Learn more about our school’s difference here!

The History of Montessori Education

Italian physician, Dr. Maria Montessori, developed the Montessori Method of education in the early twentieth century. She tested her new philosophy on her students to see how they would respond to more independence and fewer tests. Her form of education had a child-focused approach that emphasized a natural education rather than a formal one. Students were in mixed-aged classrooms and encouraged to study things and learn at their own pace. Through this, they gained independence and an eagerness to learn.

Its Popularity

Montessori Education grew in popularity and made it overseas to the United States around 1912. It wasn’t until the sixties that it spread to thousands of schools in the states, including right here in Richmond! It is now known around the world, including in Southeast Asia and India.

What Is the Montessori Method?

The Montessori Method is a unique form of education that expands beyond some of the established teaching principles we know today. The learning style is student-led and self-paced although teacher-guided. The students are in a mixed-age classroom where some are more advanced than others in their education. They can choose to work alone or in groups, and are encouraged to try something a different way if the current way is not working for them.

A Montessori classroom is distinguishable from the traditional classroom – rather it has space to practice new activities, a variety of books, and different learning opportunities. The students are focused on the task at hand, whether at their own table or in a circle of peers. The most obvious difference is that all of the students are interacting with the environment around them. They are excited about learning!

Students enrolled in a Montessori education have the freedom to explore and learn the way they want to learn. It discourages testing and grading and has an emphasis on multi-sensory learning for students of all ages.

Benefits of a Montessori Education

The list of benefits children receive from a Montessori education is extensive. Through a self-led approach, children grow up to be confident self-starters who think for themselves. They often think critically due to the various forms of problem-solving they encounter during their educational years. Montessori students collaborate easily with others in work settings and beyond. Also, they were taught to love learning because they were never forced to learn in a way that didn’t work for them, therefore they have an ever-learning mindset and are open to new ideas.

Meadow Montessori’s Method

At Meadow Montessori, we wholeheartedly believe in the Montessori educational philosophy. We have taken the Montessori philosophy and implemented it into our open classrooms. With small class sizes, our teachers create positive relationships with the students and can help them grow and experience an education their way.

If you would like to see what a Montessori school can offer for your child, schedule a tour with us today!