Montessori preschool environments are a bit different than you will find in traditional schools. Children learn at an early age to be responsible for themselves and take an active role in their own development. Although it may sound strange, becoming tomorrow’s great leaders begins by using self-directed, independent learning tools when they are young.
Learning Self-Organization
From the time they enter daycare, Montessori preschool children are encouraged to take care of themselves, clean up when an activity is finished, and the like. By following regular routines, children have a consistent environment for learning to follow rules and obey instructions.
Confidence and Responsibility
As children learn to take more and more responsibility for their actions, they develop a healthy sense of self-esteem. By developing confidence in themselves, children are better able– and more willing– to take on new challenges, help other students, and assume leadership roles within the classroom. One of the goals of Montessori is to teach children to be independently functional, and that can only happen once the child has confidence in their own abilities.
Social and Emotional Development
Montessori addresses whole-child development. In addition to physical skills and academic lessons, children also begin developing social and emotional skills necessary for interacting with others. From the start, they are taught the importance of grace and courtesy, practice problem-solving skills, and learn how to effectively interact with students, teachers, and parents.
Intrinsic Motivation
Montessori does not use the reward and punishment system found in many public school systems. Instead, they are encouraged to treasure learning for the sake of learning, and to act in a respectable manner because doing good things makes them feel good about themselves. This intrinsic motivation is at the heart of learning to be a leader among their peers.
Mixed Age Groups
Another major aspect of Montessori education is the use of 3-year mixed age groups. This allows every child to take a turn as one of the oldest children in the class, and being among the biggest and oldest children puts every kid into a position where they can practice great leadership skills by helping the other, younger children during the course of the day.
Not every Montessori student is destined to be a great leader, but every Montessori student is given the same challenges and opportunities that great leadership abilities derive from. The process begins with respect for the individual child, learning about grace and courtesy and the consequences of their actions, and developing into children who can approach a given situation with a calm mind and critical thinking skills.
Happenings in Education 