“The world of education is like an island where people cut off from the world, are prepared for life by exclusion from it.” -Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori’s observation of the state of education holds true till today. There are many educational models out there, some more restrictive than others. If we deconstruct the predominant educational model, we can easily see that it puts children to sleep, divorced from the real world, these children grow into adults unprepared for the realities of society. Modelled on the interests of industrialism, organised along factory lines, separated into subjects, children learning in batches, separated by age group–it’s a production line mentality! Sir Ken Robinson said quite eloquently, the pandemic has forced us to press pause on many of our social systems, but it’s time to press reset as well.
Children need environments that nurture them, not just ‘school’ where they learn lessons they struggle to apply to the real world.
Montessori education prepares children for life beyond school
Many educational approaches dish out facts that settle on the surface. The Montessori method uses experiences to root knowledge deeply into our beings. Maria Montessori once stated,
“Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.”
Montessori’s standards for early childhood education surpass national and international requirements, with an emphasis on holistic development. Progressing at their individual pace and compelled by their unique interests, children develop into capable adults. Supported by guides nurturing their moral, behavioural, emotional and intellectual development, your child unlocks their potential and discovers not only how to function — but how to flourish.
Research shows Montessori results in better outcomes compared to traditional education
Montessori is more than a hundred years old, and its benefits are being discovered today. A study found that Montessori education fosters superior academic and social skills to other educational models:
“By the end of kinder-garten, the Montessori children performed better on standardized tests of reading and math, engaged in more positive interaction on the playground, and showed more advanced social cognition and executive control. They also showed more concern for fairness and justice. At the end of elementary school, Montessori children wrote more creative essays with more complex sentence structures, selected more positive responses to social dilemmas, and reported feeling more of a sense of community at their school.”
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Another study showed a correlation between Montessori education and long-term well-being. When asked about the study, Angline Lillard said although it’s only a study of association, it “puts a spotlight on something that should be considered a very important element in the suite of potential school outcomes: felt happiness and meaning in life.”
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The correlation is not surprising given how important early childhood is. This is a period of tremendous growth. Science has shown that the most dramatic brain development occurs before age of three when more than eighty percent of the brain is formed. A Harvard study found that the genes associated with learning are activated based on the child’s earliest experiences. Evidently, early childhood is a period when ideas are deeply formed in the subconscious mind.
Here are a few reasons why Montessori sets up children for success in their adult life:
- A holistic education: Supported by guides nurturing their moral, behavioural, emotional and intellectual development, your child unlocks their potential and discovers not only how to function — but how to flourish.
- Hands on learning: Many educational approaches dish out facts that settle on the surface. The Montessori method uses experiences to root knowledge deeply into our beings. Montessori understood the power of hands-on learning when she said ‘what the hand does, the mind remembers’. All the materials are designed to manipulate the child’s hands. The idea is, concepts will be retained for longer if learned through their senses; touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste than if learned through routine memorisation and textbooks.
- Fosters a lifelong love for learning: Each child is on their unique educational journey. Where they stop and spend more time is up to them. The guide carefully observes the child, stepping in to offer help only when necessary. After spending three years in an environment prepared for their success and under the care of certified guides helping them unlock their potential, your child will step into elementary education with an incredible foundation of strong academic knowledge. More importantly, they will have their feet firmly planted in the path of a lifelong love for learning
- Self-directed learning: Instead of all children pursuing the same work, you will find that children are simultaneously engaged in different activities. We are happiest when we are allowed to pursue our passion. By giving each child the freedom to pursue their interests we help them discover their strengths and passion.
The future is unknown. More than ever, the world will need a generation to deal with the unpredictable, to be able to adapt. Montessori is an approach that fosters adaptability, nurturing in the children the ability to respond creatively to changes and transitions.
Equip your children to thrive not just in school but in every circumstance by providing them with a prepared environment curated for their development and success! As the best Montessori nursery in Dubai, we are dedicated to offering an unparalleled educational experience that goes beyond traditional learning. No matter what they face in the outside world, they will have the knowledge, skills, and experience to overcome obstacles and succeed in the adult world.
If you are interested in Montessori for your child, consider scheduling a tour at Revere Montessori, the best Montessori nursery and preschool learning centre in Dubai, to see the magic happen in front of you.
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