Montessori preschool programs offer parents an alternative to traditional school. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of Montessori preschools and an even larger number of parents are unaware of Montessori methods and curriculum.
Parents need to be more aware of Montessori methods and other teaching and learning strategies which will help increase their knowledge of various curricula, build their child’s self-esteem, and most importantly, increase their child’s academic achievement when they enter a traditional school.
It is important for parents to understand that a Montessori school is not a babysitting service, a play school or just child care that prepares a child for traditional school. Rather, it is a unique cycle of learning experiences which are designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive years between the ages of three and six. It is during the child’s sensitive years that children can best absorb information from an enriched environment to better prepare them for academics and life.
Montessori methods and materials are designed in such a manner as to make errors apparent to the child thereby allowing self-correction. Also, Maria Montessori believed the children learned best when they are permitted to move about freely in the classroom to make decisions, to choose both the pace and the subject.
In conclusion the ultimate goal was to provide discipline through liberty and respect for the child’s rights. Underlying all Montessori methodologies is the belief that self-chosen activity of children in the Montessori classroom leads to discovery and the joy of learning.