Choosing the right school for your child can quickly become a puzzle! Daycares, preschools, elementary schools... It's hard to find your way around all the options. What if you considered Montessori school?
But what really differentiates Montessori from traditional schools? And most importantly, what are the benefits for your child?
Let's dive into 5 key differences between these two educational approaches.
1. Origins: Two Visions of Education
Maria Montessori, one of the first female doctors in Italy, created the Montessori method at the beginning of the 20th century. Her goal? To provide an education adapted to the needs of disadvantaged children. Her innovative approach, focused on learning by doing, quickly conquered the world.
On the other side, public schools were founded on the principle of free and accessible education for all. Funded by the state, they offer a standardized curriculum to guarantee equal opportunities.
2. Learning: Sensory vs. Traditional
Imagine a Montessori classroom... A true sensory paradise! Games and learning materials specially designed for children to manipulate, experiment and understand the world around them.
Take the example of the Montessori Pegboard. This fun tool allows children to learn the basics of mathematics (addition, subtraction) in a concrete and intuitive way.
Public schools, on the other hand, favor a more traditional learning approach: textbooks, lectures, subjects taught separately. While this structure provides a clear framework, some find it limiting in terms of creativity and interdisciplinarity.
3. Role of Teachers: Guide vs. Instructor
In a Montessori school, the teacher is a guide, a facilitator. They observe each child and offer personalized support to help them progress at their own pace. The atmosphere is dynamic, the children work independently and collaborate on stimulating projects.
In public schools, teachers follow a predefined curriculum and manage the classroom in a more directive way. Their role is to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and compliance with educational objectives.
4. Environment: Freedom and Responsibility vs. Structure and Uniformity
A Montessori classroom is an organized space where everything has its place. This environment promotes autonomy (the child easily finds the materials they need) and a sense of responsibility (they learn to tidy up).
Public schools rely on a more structured organization: tables aligned, textbooks, exercise books. The objective is to offer a uniform learning framework conducive to concentration.
5. Age Groups: Mixed vs. Homogeneous
One of the peculiarities of Montessori is the grouping of children of different ages (3-6 years old, 6-9 years old, 9-12 years old). This mix promotes peer learning: the older ones help the younger ones, and the younger ones are inspired by the older ones.
In public schools, children are grouped by age. This allows for group dynamics and teaching adapted to the level of each class.
In conclusion, the choice between Montessori and public school depends on your child and their learning style. Montessori offers a stimulating environment, focused on experimentation and creativity. Public school offers a structured framework and a standardized curriculum. It's up to you to choose the approach that will allow them to flourish!