Why is Montessori Relevant Today?
Dr. Montessori did not set out to start schools or develop a curriculum. Her intent was to observe children and learn from these observations. She noted definitive sensitivities and tendencies in their development, such as sensorial exploration, order, language, precision, and repetition. She developed materials to meet these characteristics across the ages, and from this developed a highly integrated educational approach.
Montessori education has a curriculum geared to the child’s ability and varied competencies, with a clear path to guiding them to the next level of competency. While learning in a mixed-age community, the growth of independence within the child is encouraged and leads to confidence and competence as they explore.
The teachers in a Montessori class use observation as a tool for ongoing assessment, which allows for appropriate skill-building in each individual or small group, as well as a way to encourage social awareness of the class, the school, and into the greater world.
Parents who choose a Montessori education, cite their desire for the children to learn successfully in the world that is their future. They see how an active role in one’s own learning results in a high level of academic development, social awareness, and character development. In this constantly changing and complex world, knowing how to integrate learning in one’s own life and apply this knowledge is of supreme value. Parents also want their child in a school where each is valued and respected as an individual.
Current research confirms the benefits of a Montessori education, which provides essential skills for future life and success. The skills that are often highlighted as necessary for success in the 21st century include: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These are also at the heart of what we do.
Some notable graduates include Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales, and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
Montessori education is indeed important, successful, and relevant today.