Learning in the first six years sets the stage for learning for the rest of a child’s life. The brain is so malleable and neural networks are being laid down in the child’s first years, and they do not get these years back for their healthy brain development.  Montessori education for children birth to six years incorporates the needs of all children to learn a variety of skills when their brains are wired to acquire knowledge.

1. Children are treated with respect and dignity.

2. Montessori teaches kids how to learn instead of just what to learn.

3. Children are empowered to be leaders and to be advocates.  

4. Children learn at their own rate.

5. Children are self-directed learners.

6. Children achieve independence.

7. Children learn to focus and concentrate.

8. Montessori kids learn to respect others and their community.

9. Montessori accommodates all learning styles.

10. Children learn to keep an ordered space.

1. Children are treated with respect and dignity. 

Children deserve and need to be treated with the same respect that we accord adults. Rather than criticize “failure,” the teachers emphasize attempts to do something as part of the process of learning. Errors become opportunities to learn rather than mistakes that need to be fixed.  When children make errors, we notice them, comment neutrally on them, and then partner with the child to find a solution to the problem. Errors are opportunities to work towards mastery and to gain self-control and self-efficacy.

2. Montessori teaches how to learn instead of just what to learn. 

Children learn naturally, they are innately driven to explore, to seek out challenges, to practice skills until they reach mastery. When we allow children to follow their interests, they learn about themselves and their world. They come to know their strengths and how they are challenged.  The focus that comes from doing what interests them will allow them to learn many things and become confident learners.

3. Our children are empowered to be leaders and to be advocates.  

Older children and younger children are mixed together in Montessori classrooms. Older children help guide younger children. They are able to consolidate their learning by showing younger children what they know.  At the same time, we give children the power to make their own choices. This helps them to figure out what they like to do and what is important to them.  Once this empowerment becomes a normal part of their routine, they become outspoken and engaged in their own learning process. 

4. Children learn at their own rate.

In a traditional classroom, children learn the same things at the same pace. In the Montessori classroom, each child works on the concepts and skills currently of interest to them. The staff makes sure they are on track over larger periods of time but on a daily basis the interests of the child drives their education. At the key ages of 3-6, children learn to enjoy school and the process of learning rather than being forced to feel that work is a burden or a chore.

5. Children are self-directed learners. 

As children progress in school and into adulthood, the students who know how to think independently are often the ones who have the greatest success and satisfaction in life.  The Montessori method nurtures inner motivation and allows for the exploration of a child’s own interests. The freedom to explore and to choose areas of interest creates a willingness to explore areas that may not otherwise appeal to a child being forced to learn information in a traditional setting.

6. Children achieve independence.

All children have a drive toward independence, which leads to self-esteem, competence and cooperation. Kids become independent by learning to take care of their bodies, belongings and environment. Child-sized materials, tools and work minimize the need for help, even as the teacher encourages each child to do as much as they can without unnecessary assistance.

7. Children learn to focus and concentrate. 

Minimizing interruptions in the classroom gives children the space and time to work on their own concentration instead of being forced to concentrate. Laying a solid foundation for this skill provides an excellent base for success in first grade and beyond.

8. Montessori kids learn to respect others and their community. 

Children have multiple opportunities to work side-by-side while they work. Children may join together to complete an activity and share their mutual successes as opposed to competing for who has the best outcome. Students choose the activities they do in the Montessori classroom. This encourages children to share and work cooperatively to explore the various stations in the classroom.  The environment itself teaches children to respect one another and to build a sense of community.

9. Montessori accommodates all learning styles. 

The Montessori classroom is designed to accommodate children who learn through sight, sound or the other senses rather than simply focusing on a group response to a teacher.

10. Children learn to keep an ordered space. 

A well-tended room provides security and comfort that enables self-directed learners. It is easier to work in an orderly place and children quickly understand that and work to keep that in place. Keeping the room in order also teaches awareness and respect for others as well as cooperation. Sharing materials and asking children to work in turns helps promote cooperation and patience.