How Montessori Learning is More Important Than Ever

info • Feb 25, 2022

The world needs Montessori, now more than ever...

The world needs Montessori, now more than ever.

As parents, we all want our children to thrive, mentally, physically, and emotionally. A Montessori education develops students who are capable, accountable, knowledgeable people who have the strong sense of self they will need to thrive in the real world.

Montessori children are self-regulated, unselfish and caring, growing into capable adults who will have a strong sense of self, the ability to connect with others, and the potential to be productive throughout their lives. The Montessori method guides children to become problem solvers who have the confidence to lead successful lives by their own efforts, rather than at the expense of others.

Read on to discover how Montessori learning is more important than ever...

Children learn COOPERATION and COMMUNITY with multi-age classrooms...

The multi-age classroom recreates a family structure. Older children enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Eden Prairie’s Montessori Adults are trained to be facilitators rather than directors, it encourages children to share and work cooperatively across ages to explore the various stations in the Montessori classroom. The Adults model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution. Children in Montessori classrooms, by the very nature of the environment, learn to respect one another and build a close, caring community fostering the development of good social skills.

Montessori children learn INDEPENDENCE...

Everything about a Montessori classroom fosters independence. Our classrooms at Eden Prairie, commonly referred to as ‘prepared environments', are carefully designed with materials to support the child’s emerging self-regulation (ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), beginning at an early age. As the year progresses, all children are given developmentally appropriate opportunities for increased responsibility, freedom, positive choices and active learning. Care and attention is given to creating a learning environment that will reinforce the child’s independence and intellectual development.

Awakening a child's SPIRIT, IMAGINATION, and PASSIONS...

Many child care centers and early childhood programs focus on a specific curriculum, using a one size fits all approach. However, teachers in the Montessori classroom are mentors and guides that are there to facilitate the learning experience, rather than determine what it will look like. The pace of the classroom is strictly up to individual students- the Montessori Adults are there to ensure the ground rules are followed, strive to remain as unobtrusive as possible and encourage students to perform tasks at their own pace.

Our educators have four principle goals:

To awaken a child’s spirit & imagination
To encourage a child’s desire for independence and high self-esteem
To help children develop kindness, courtesy and self-discipline
To help children learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently

Developing CAPABLE children...

A Montessori classroom is thoughtfully designed to offer children opportunities to develop their own capabilities, whether it is learning how to dress themselves independently, multiply a multi-digit equation, communicate their needs effectively, or problem solve with others. Each classroom is filled with developmentally appropriate activities that encourage children to interact with specific learning materials, as well as to work cooperatively with others. Allowing children to make their own choices based on internal motivation rather than adult direction sets a strong foundation for developing capable children.

Raising CONFIDENT children with a hands-on approach...

One of the greatest benefits of the Montessori Method, particularly during the early learning experience, is the focus on hands-on learning. Eden Prairie Montessori preschool students enjoy a classroom and curriculum designed around their specific needs and abilities that allows them choose, explore and work freely with activities. Everything in the classroom is within reach of the child, and furniture is sized for children to sit comfortably. Children can work at tables or on rugs in a natural environment, learning to remove learning materials from their places on their own and return them when they are ready. This helps the child gain confidence and gives them the opportunity to say “I CAN DO IT MYSELF.”

Montessori children are ACCOUNTABLE...

In a child-centered classroom where learning activities are presented individually to children, students progress at their own pace. They are given opportunities to practice, review, or move forward based on their own interests and capabilities. They take charge of their own learning and become accountable for their own knowledge. Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.

If you think it’s important for a child to…

* be vibrantly inquisitive about new things
* enjoy the process of learning
* develop an analytical mind
* work both independently and cooperate with others
* respect others
* respect his/her own mind and abilities
* feel purposeful and valuable
* derive satisfaction from achievements
* become an independent, confident adult

…a Montessori education may be right for your child!