Montessori Education Offers An Alternative To Traditional Learning

Not all children are the same. If you are the parent of more than one child, you can see the differences between your children. Since not all children are the same, all children should not be forced into a generalized education. Never assume that what works for one child will automatically work for the next. Children should be provided with the opportunity to experience a learning environment that is tailored to their needs. A Montessori education can offer this type of learning environment. 

Learning by Experience

One drawback of a more traditional education experience is the fact that there is less opportunity to learn by experience. Instead, much of the focus is centered around text booking learning. Children are expected to read about concepts and simply get it. Montessori education often allows for a more hands-on approach.

Students have the opportunity to not only read about concepts, but they also have the chance to experience them through labs, modules, and other methods. With this type of education model, parents can be more confident that their children fully understand and comprehend the concepts they learn; not that they have simply read about them.

Self-Pace Options

There is a misconception about Montessori education when it comes to independence. Some people have the idea that children get to choose what they will and will not learn, but this interpretation is not entirely accurate. A better way to interpret a Montessori education is to think of it as a self-paced learning opportunity.

Children are still expected to meet certain grade academic benchmarks, but they are allowed some freedom to move ahead or explore different subjects since the learning model is more self-paced. This type of format is great for allowing children to excel at a rate that is best in line with their abilities and areas of interest.

Alternative Discipline

In traditional schools, the discipline model is pretty universal. When a child engages in any activity that is deemed to be against behavioral protocol, the child is likely meant with a loss of an activity, a conference, or possibly a suspension from school. Montessori schools do have behavioral guidelines and no tolerance guidelines.

However, the approach to discipline is less about proving that the child's actions were right or wrong and more about helping the child learn from their experiences. When a child engages in discouraging behavior, the child has a chance to learn from their mistakes so that they can do better in the future.

If you would like to explore more about Montessori education, contact a child care learning institution to learn more about what they have to offer.