Long Term Benefits of Montessori Education

The Montessori Method of education is more than just a pedagogical tool, it is a lifestyle choice for most families.

The Montessori Method of education provides children with unique opportunities which help them venture out of their comfort zone and broaden their horizons.

Dr. Maria Montessori with rigorous research of human tendencies developed a pedagogical philosophy that takes the requirements and needs of the Absorbent Mind as well as the Sensitive Periods.

It is a common myth or misconception to regard hands-on learning and self-directed play to be chaotic and unorganized, but it is far from the truth.

The Montessori Method of education provides children with an organized Prepared Environment that caters to the individualistic requirements of the Four Planes of Development.

Unlike Traditional Education Institutions that use rigid rules to promote decorum and instill discipline, the Montessori Method of education directs children toward the path of self-discipline.

If you are a parent who has just now begun to research the eccentric and unconventional world of Montessori, you might have some concerns regarding its long-term effects or benefits.

Here we bring together a list of long-term benefits your child will enjoy after enrolling in this wonderful, exciting, and unique world of Montessori.

What are the Long-Term Benefits of Montessori Education?

The positive effects that Montessori promotes in children are:

1) Development of Social Skills:

The Montessori Method of education is a mixed-age level educational program that promotes children to interact with children beyond their age groups.

Children are promoted to freely interact and engage with other pupils in the classroom and create a shared experience that they will remember for years to come.

The Montessori multi-age level classroom provides children with vital tools that enhance their social skills, such as cooperation, and collaboration, as well as provides them with a higher sense of confidence.

2) Creative imagination:

The Montessori Method of education provides children with a Prepared Environment that allows them to venture out of their comfort zone and experience new possibilities.

The Montessori materials and Montessori Activities are a tool to enhance the child’s creative imagination.

Children are able to take free reign on what activities they partake in and what materials they interact with.

This freedom of choice and freedom of movement allows children to fully experience what is being taught.

3) Academic Attainments:

The Montessori Method of education allows children to independently become seekers of knowledge.

The Montessori Materials and Activities help children fully engage their senses as well as perform tasks that require prolonged periods of concentration.

These activities and materials are a tangible representation of complex concepts allowing children to fully comprehend the topics as well as build a firm foundation for the forthcoming topics.

4) Self Discipline:

Unlike traditional Educational Institutions that have rigid rules and regulations to implement discipline, The Montessori Method of Education allows children to develop discipline from within.

With the help of the Montessori Method of education, children are able to become responsible, self-reliant individuals who develop self-control, patience, and discipline without any adult intervention.

This helps children make sound decisions, helps them sustain or create new relationships, contributes to their career-related achievements, as well as has a positive impact on their lifestyle choices.

5) Emotional Benefits:

The Montessori method of education is a balanced environment that promotes them to become confident, well-rounded, and self-reliant individuals.

Children with learning disabilities can also benefit from the Montessori educational programs as it does not limit the child’s educational experience to desks, chairs, and common curricula.

Children are able to independently venture out and indulge in educational exploration and learn at their own pace with the help of Montessori Philosophy.

What is the Montessori Method of Education?

The Montessori method of education is a child-centered educational approach that focuses on independent learning.

Developed by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907, this scientific approach changed the preschool education system.

This method of education was designed to facilitate the development of independence and confidence in children along with cognitive development.

The children in Montessori schools are provided with objects which help in cognitive and visual stimulation.

This unique pedagogical approach is based on hands-on learning and self-directed collaborative play that helps children learn and grow at their own pace.

What are the Salient Features of Montessori Education?

The Montessori Method of education provides your children with systematic, structured, and organized workstations as well as a curriculum that promotes holistic development.

Here is a list of salient features of Montessori that promotes optimal holistic development for children:

What is the Prepared Environment in a Montessori Classroom?

Dr. Montessori keeping the needs of early childhood in mind prepared an environment where the children become self-dependent and confident.

The environment in the Montessori classroom brings out the true nature of the child. There are three main components of the prepared environment of the Montessori method:

• the pupil
• the environment itself
• the teacher

The interactions between these three components along with Montessori philosophy and technology help children achieve holistic development.

Montessori education lays heavy emphasis on sensorial training and the use of concrete materials. The children are aware of their capabilities and knowledge.

Refer: https://mymontessorimoments.com/prepared-environment-and-its-principles/

What are the Four Planes of Development in Montessori?

Children pass through different periods of development that require individualized materials and curricula for optimal development. 

These distinct periods or planes of development in Montessori are divided into four parts. The understanding and recognition of these four planes of development can help the parents.

The understanding of planes of development teachers to teach the child with a suitable curriculum, prepare a lesson plan, and provide the child with age-appropriate materials.

The four planes of development extend from birth to 6 years, from 6 to 12 years, from 12 to 18 years, and from 18 to 24 years.

Learn More about this topic: https://mymontessorimoments.com/planes-of-development/

What are Sensitive Periods?

Sensitive periods often refer to periods of psychological development where the child begins to show signs of intense concentration and interest as well as develop particular skills or knowledge.

These periods of prolonged concentration and sparked interest are a window of opportunity where the child is able to understand as well as learn new concepts effortlessly in comparison to other phases of an individual’s life.

The connection with the outer environment is established by the interior vitality and joy that is exhibited by the child during sensitive periods.

Essentially the Sensitive periods are phases of prolonged focus where the child has the capability to absorb only one specific characteristic of the environment with the exclusion of others.

These periods of focus and concentration do not appear in a linear pattern and overlap throughout the child’s developmental process.

Learn more: https://mymontessorimoments.com/sensitive-periods/

What is a Montessori Work Cycle?

One of the most unique features of the Montessori method is the Three-hour work cycle. Children in a classroom environment have the liberty to do activities of their choice that promotes internal satisfaction and provides the child with a sense of fulfillment.

The three-hour work cycle is self-directed, and individualized, as well as gives children a chance to work at their own pace.

Children are promoted to do activities of their choice, complete the selected activities,  interact with other pupils, and at the end put back the materials that were used to do the activities in their designated place.

Social values like coordination, cooperation, structure, order, and self-dependency are also imparted to the child through this method. Each Plane of development has different sets of requirements.

To fulfill different requirements each age group should be allotted time for an uninterrupted work cycle. 

Refer to: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-work-cycle/

How is Montessori Curriculum beneficial for Holistic development?

The curriculum of the Montessori method is comprised of five major parts:

Practical life:

Knowledge about practical life in early childhood is essential for the child’s cognitive and physical growth.

The development of a natural interest in self-care and hygiene is also important. The Montessori curriculum involves real-life activities which instill independence, order, and confidence in pupils.

Children start developing a sense of awareness towards their belongings and their actions.

Learn about Montessori Practical Life Curriculum: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-practical-life-materials/ and https://mymontessorimoments.com/practical-life-activities-in-montessori/

Sensory stimulation:

The environment of the classroom is designed to provide necessary stimuli that inspire the child’s curiosity.

This helps the developing mind of the child to compare, analyze, classify,  judge, and draw conclusions. Physical activities and exercise ensure the use and development of all five senses while learning.

Learn more about Sensory Development in Montessori: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-sensorial-activities/ and https://mymontessorimoments.com/sensorial-materials/

Language:

pupils learn how to hold a pencil, use writing instruments as well as learn how to read written material such as phonetics analysis, word skills, and reading that help them develop fine motor control for writing.

This helps children express themselves verbally with confidence and learn how to read and write in a language.

Learn more about Montessori Language Curriculum: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-language-curriculum/

Mathematics:

Mathematical knowledge ensures cognitive development and prepares the child for the gradual shift to abstract thinking.

Hands-on learning is the most effective method to instill mathematical knowledge in young minds. It is important to use concrete materials like beads and blocks for counting.

Learn more about Montessori Math Curriculum: https://mymontessorimoments.com/math-montessori-materials/ and https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-maths-activities/

Cultural knowledge:

The Montessori method briefly introduces scientific subjects like botany, biology, chemistry, zoology, physics, geography, geology, and astronomy which cultivates a natural curiosity in the child toward nature and the world.

With the help of specially designed maps, the pupil can learn geography. Cultural knowledge also includes music, history, arts, and dance.

Only after acknowledging these salient features of the Montessori Method and Montessori Education, one can easily comprehend the long-term benefits of Montessori Education.

See Also:

• Can Montessori Be Taught Online? Best At-Home Learning Options
• How Montessori can help ADHD children’s
• Montessori for Children with Autism
• Are Montessori Schools Religious?