After School – When Montessori Kids Grow Up
There is plenty of research demonstrating the benefits of Montessori education during the important early years in a child’s life. The brain develops more in the first few years of life than it will for the next hundred! We know that the early years set the foundation for future development, learning and personal growth and the Montessori approach is highly successful in providing children with individualized learning and fostering potential during these formative years. What happens once Montessori students reach the Elementary years? And how does Montessori education impact their success and quality of life as adults?
When we explore the benefits of the Montessori philosophy beyond the early years, we see compelling results. From an early age, Montessori students have the opportunity to move freely within their classroom and enjoy regular involvement in selecting their work. Through this methodology, children normalize work as being a positive experience rather than a chore. This constructive outlook of academic work, learning and community contribution is fostered over time. Older students have a strong foundation which helps them to respond to their school assignments and expectations, as well as the world around them cheerfully and with enthusiasm.
Dr. Angeline Lillard has researched the science behind Montessori education extensively. Her main body of work published in 2006 states Montessori to be An Answer to the Crisis in Education. Dr. Lillard says “Research in psychology suggests that more freedom and choice (within a carefully designed, ordered structure) are linked to better psychological and learning outcomes.”
In a Montessori setting, students learn on a global scale – they are taught to consider issues broadly and look for inclusive solutions. A strong sense of community, responsibility, and citizenship emerges and students consistently demonstrate strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. These are universal skills we use in every facet of our lives and have great impact on our successes as adults. At Kendalwood, each Elementary student is provided with an individualized education plan to guide their unique learning path. They are given responsibility and leadership over their own educational path through management of their education plan, completing projects and assignments from the plan on time and meeting learning goals. This process helps students gain skills in time management, understanding deadlines and how to ask for help when they need assistance.
The impact of Montessori education stays with students long after they have left the classroom. As motivated learners who have been given the personal responsibility, space and time to dive into their interests and take their studies further, Montessori students grow into goal-driven adults who are able to set personal goals and achieve results. Montessori develops adults who know how to think, who are prepared to confidently pursue their dreams and learn from the inevitable mistakes along the way. We feel that these are very important outcomes for our students and we strive towards these long term goals in our daily work with your children.
We’re so glad to be on this journey with our Kendalwood families. If you have found our blog and want to learn more about Montessori or our school, please contact us. We are always happy to share our knowledge and spread Montessori philosophy throughout our community.
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School is Durham Region’s first fully accredited Montessori school. At Kendalwood, we believe that our job is to inspire children to become the best students they can be. With a curriculum that focuses on developing the intellect as well as nurturing self-esteem, academics are taught, curiosity is cultivated and respect is fostered. Our approach creates an environment where students flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning.
