Are Montessori Schools Better?

SAN DIEGO - April 20, 2020 - PRLog -- Maria Montessori private school in La Jolla (CA) for toddlers and preschoolers shares helpful tips when parents contact them to ask 'Are Montessori schools better?'

"If you're looking for a preschool that guides children toward independence, then Montessori is right for your family," says Kelly McFarland, M.Ed., and Director of La Jolla Montessori School. "Children become independent through their own activities. From inclusion in simple daily activities at home to complement learned routines at school, your child will learn his or her own abilities and place in the family unit."

How to Grow a Path Toward Independence

In a Montessori preschool, children learn independence via three principles:

• creating their own accessible environment
• learning how to do daily activities, and
• having parents who continue this learning at home.

Following These Steps in Core Areas

The Montessori Method is based on individualized learning, peer group learning, going at your own speed, following specific interests and helping each child build an internal compass to grow their base of self.

As a result, a child should learn in preschool how to do these four core things:

• dress themselves
• the protocols of mealtime, and
• creating sleep routines.

During the school day, La Jolla Montessori School teachers guide preschoolers in these four areas. The key to independence, however, starts once the child leaves school and heads home. The independence that was taught during the day needs to be repeated at home each night.

Dressing

The child's bedroom should be situated like a Montessori preschool classroom-- everything at the child-eye level. Low mirrors, child-sized brushes, and combs; clean and dirty low-slung clothing baskets; and, clothes with Velcro, snaps and elastic waists are things parents can provide.

Eating

Since Montessori preschoolers have a daily protocol and routine with the daily lunch meal, it is a strong 'take-home' message for parents to continue those behaviors. providing a low kitchen cabinet for your child's plates and bowls, and allowing children to prepare a portion of the family meal—like prepping vegetables or salad is smart.

Sleeping

Adding a low bed in the child's bedroom allows moving around and crawling onto and off the bed. Also, creating playtime; bath time; story time; and, sleep time routines create an internal, daily regimen. That builds independence!

Summary

So, are Montessori schools better for preschoolers and Kindergartners?  See for yourself to decide whether the Montessori philosophy works for your family by visiting a Montessori school.

Kelly McFarland, M.Ed. is the Director of La Jolla Montessori School. It is located at 8745 La Jolla Scenic Drive North, two minutes west of the intersection of I-5 and Villa La Jolla Drive. Visit the school today: https://lajollamontessorischool.com/