Why Montessori
Non-Competitive Atmosphere
Dr. Montessori said, “Never let a child risk failure until he has a reasonable chance of success”. In a Montessori environment children relate only to their own work and their progress is not compared to the achievement of others. The Montessori Method introduces children to the joy of learning at an early age, and it provides a framework in which intellectual and social discipline go hand-in-hand.
Is Montessori Right for our Family?
The Montessori Philosophy believes in the developmental potential of all children. The Montessori Program may not, however, be right for all families.
A positive experience for the child requires that parents and the Montessori Learning Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador (MontessoriNL) share common educational beliefs and values.
The following questions can help you determine if the MontessoriNL Program is the right choice for your family:
- Do I encourage my child to make choices and to take responsibility at home?
- Do I support the emphasis on cooperation rather than competition?
- Do I support the Montessori belief in fostering children’s self-reliance, responsibility, and independence?
- Is my approach to discipline based upon natural and logical consequences rather than “rewards and punishments?”
- Do I believe that my child would benefit from having the responsibility for choosing appropriate learning activities and materials?
- Do I support the three-year learning cycle as many learning goals are long term?
- Do I support Maria Montessori’s statement that, “education is not what the teacher gives, it is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual”?
- Am I prepared to participate in parent meetings and workshops to learn more about Montessori Principles at the Centre and at home?
- Do I believe in using anecdotal notes and Montessori checklists, rather than traditional, graded report cards?
If you answer “no” to one or more of these statements you should seek more information before applying to the MontessoriNL Program. If your beliefs are not reasonably similar to the underlying principles of Montessori education, then your child will face confusion and uncertainty as they move between home and school.
An ancient African proverb states that it takes a village to raise a child. In this same vein, the Montessori Learning Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador emphasises a family approach to a child’s learning, whereby parents/guardians, facilitators and children work together in a nurturing Montessori environment.