by Lisa Powell

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 25, 2009

Choosing Montessori education verses regular education

I am the mother of a soon to be 3rd grader, who has been in a Montessori program within a public school system now since she was in Pre-Kindergarten. I knew nothing about Montessori education before my daughter started school. I have two older children who attended public school in regular classes.

All I knew about this type of education was that several grades were taught in one classroom by one teacher. As a parent, I have always been very involved in my children's education. So I wanted to know what this Montessori teaching was all about.

I was amazed to find out that it is a very simple concept.

My daughter's class for Pre-K through Kindergarten was taught by one teacher and one assistant. There were 3 year olds, 4 year olds and 5 year old kindergarteners. Needless to say the teacher had her hands full. Luckily the class was small compared to regular classes. Approximately 5 children in each grade level.

The teacher was amazing and before long my daughter was reading and writing. It was self-paced. And a strong sense of accomplishment was instilled immediately. Children who worked through their blocks and finished them were encouraged to go on to next the block. They were rewarded for their hard work. Other children who took longer to finish work were given time to complete it at their own pace, never holding anyone back while doing so. The children who learned at a faster rate were encouraged to help those who needed extra attention, allowing them to learn leadership skills. Another wonderful thing about this type of education is that my daughter had the same teacher for all three years. Anyone with small school aged children knows that changing teachers can be a difficult adjustment for them. This is completely eliminated in a Montessori environment.

Next came, first through third grades. Same idea applied here as well, the same teacher through all three grades, only now more leadership is learned. Each first grader has a third grader to help whenever they need it. Failure is not dwelled on but accomplishments are still rewarded. The open classroom environment allows students to see what they will learn in the grade ahead. It also allows students to revisit what they have already learned in years past. This reinforces the knowledge they already have.

Now, if I had to pick between Montessori and regular education, I would advise parents to, educate themselves about both programs. It is also important to look at the way one's child learns. Some children become distracted easily. Make sure that an open classroom will not over stimulate them. This doesn't mean it will but it is best to check with a professional educator to see if your child can handle this environment.

My daughter is a gifted child and I believe that her Montessori education has only given her the tools to meet her full potential. I would recommend Montessori education to any parent, just remember, your decision should be based on what is best for your child. Education is power, and our children deserve the best we can afford them.

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