Nursery education holds the utmost importance in every child’s life. This is when children get introduced to academic learning, social skills, maths skills, and a lot more things that they need further in their lives. There are numerous schools for Kindergarten, but the approach followed by Montessori schools sets them apart from others. The Montessori model of education is based on some basic principles that put emphasis on giving children the independence to learn. Let us explore the Montessori approach to early childhood education and understand why it is the best:
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education of children is extremely important as it builds the foundation for their future. This is the time when children develop their base of learning, knowledge, skill development, and cognitive abilities. Preschool or nursery education prepares children for formal school education and hence, its importance cannot be overlooked. This is the reason why top schools for Kindergarten put special emphasis on the learning and development of young children.
Key principles of the Montessori Approach to Early Childhood Education
The Montessori international preschools follow a different approach to early childhood education. Their approach is based on the following key principles:
- The Absorbent Mind
- Respect for The Child
- Sensitive Periods
- Auto Education
- The Prepared Environment
How Montessori Differs from Traditional Education Models?
The approach followed by Montessori schools makes them different from traditional education institutes. Children are given independence to learn as per their learning style and pace. Apart from this, the method of delivering lessons is also different and more inclined towards practicality. Some study materials are specific to Montessori classrooms and cannot be found in any other education model.
What are the 5 Fundamental Principles of the Montessori Method?
The Montessori method primarily focuses on five key principles when offering early childhood education. These five principles are:
1. Practical Life
The learning of children is not restricted to bookish knowledge. They learn how to perform daily life activities like getting ready, organising things, caring for plants and animals, and a lot more. At these preschools, children learn practical life skills at a young age, which will help them throughout their lives.
Apart from this, children get to develop their social skills as they learn how to communicate appropriately. These schools teach discipline by helping kids learn appropriate interaction skills, such as saying ‘Thank You,’ ‘Sorry,’ etc, and being kids to others.
2. Respect for the Child
Another significant factor that makes Montessori international preschools different from others is that respect for the child is their topmost priority. Children are not considered just recipients of knowledge but are believed to be active participants in their own education journey. Every child’s learning style is considered and respected.
Children can learn at their own pace, explore their surroundings and environment in any manner they like, and choose their own work. This helps children develop self-esteem and feel good about themselves.
3. The Absorbent Mind
Children of preschool age (2 to 6 years) have a highly absorbent mind. It means that young children learn from everything they see around them. Their mind is continuously absorbing some knowledge from their surroundings. The Montessori model of education keeps this in mind and follows the belief that to live is to learn.
Children are also more conscious about their senses in their preschool age. Therefore, Montessori nursery education also pays attention to the sensorial development of young age children. They get to learn how they can name the experiences they get through their senses. For example, they learn to make the difference between smooth and rough, soft and hard, etc. These sensorial skills further help them develop other capabilities, including communication, classification of things, and more.
4. Sensitive Periods
The term ‘sensitive periods’ used in Montessori education refers to a specific time period in children’s preschool years when they have the most intense urge to learn specific skills. It is also called the time for optimal learning. The Montessori education model believes that this is the time when a child gets motivation from within to learn something new. Hence, every child is allowed to explore their own skills and learn as per their interests.
5. Auto Education
The top schools for Kindergarten, such as Montessori preschools, believe that children are capable of self-education. In these preschools, young children are given the independence to learn at their own pace and choose what they want to learn. The Montessori model provides children with the right environment and encouragement they need to educate themselves.
Conclusion
Preschool education is undoubtedly important for every child, irrespective of how much they get to learn at their homes. But choosing the right school for Kindergarten is even more important. The preschool age of children is a very important phase of their lives as this is where they build the foundation of learning. To ensure that their foundation is strong, parents need to give them the right environment for learning and developing their skills. This is what children get at the Montessori international preschools, where children are respected and allowed to learn at their own pace.
