Education

What Essential Things to Look for in a Montessori School?

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01.29.13_FOUR CORNERS MONTESSORI SCHOOL Photo Credit: Matthew Mitchell/ MSU Athletic Communications

Montessori education is a unique concept that allows kids to create their learning path. It is built depending on students’ interests so that they can create a community of knowledge. Moreover, the educational philosophy proved successful by giving the world some of the greatest thinkers. However, choosing a montessori school Frisco, TX, is not always an easy task. Now that Montessori is a unique philosophy of education, rather than just involves step-by-step teaching, the approach of Montessori schools will vary in quality and implementation.

Get to Know the School’s Vision

Does the school follows a traditional Montessori approach, or does it allows modifications in its curriculum and educational structure with the culture change? Both are valid options, but parents must decide what will be best for their kids. Moreover, knowing the vision of a montessori school Frisco, TX, will help understand its future and, thus, make a more informed decision.

Analyze the Montessori Learning Environment 

The Montessori learning environment is unique, and many schools claim to provide the same, but, in reality, they don’t. To spot an actual Montessori structure, one needs to look for

  • A welcoming environment for kids and parents
  • Montessori learning material
  • No rows of desks, but classes equipped with child-sized furniture placed in a circular area
  • A practical or life-skills area
  • Few toys, hygienic and child-sized toilets
  • Materials placed within reach of kids
  • Lack of traditional workbooks and school papers, etc.

Watch the Students 

If the environment looks good, parents should also consider scheduling a tour of the schools when students are in the classroom. They should see students who study together and whether they act safely and respectfully. moreover, notice whether students actively engage in learning, working with materials, and freely selecting different activities. In case there is a conflict, whether students are capable enough to solve them peacefully and respectfully with the help of their teachers.

Observe the Teachers

In the montessori school Frisco, TX, the role of a teacher changes from what people traditionally thought of as ‘teacher.’ The Montessori teacher is seen as a mentor and facilitator rather than a director. Instead of standing in the front of a classroom and lecturing students, teachers will be found engaging with their students in a Montessori school.

Moreover, they will teach students how to use materials, present lessons to a smaller group, help students carry out different activities, and more. These teachers also spend a significant amount of time observing their students, determining whether any of their students need more encouragement or what materials they can introduce next.

Conclusion

With these points, it can be concluded that choosing the right Montessori school for kids requires parents to visit the same. An initial tour for having general information and observation of the classroom, students, and teachers is a vital part of the enrollment process. All it takes is to do a little homework and get to know the shortlisted Montessori schools to find the one that perfectly meets a child’s needs and embraces the Montessori education’s vision.

About author
The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.
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