Playing An Active Role In Your Child's Montessori Preschool Education
A Montessori preschool, like Franciscan Montessori Earth School and Saint Francis Academy, is an excellent place for your child to grow and develop educationally and socially. However, the bud of growth begins at home. As a parent, you play the role of your child's primary instructor. Many of the lessons learned during your child's stay in preschool are built upon the foundation you created at home. Using the principles of a Montessori education you can play an active role in preparing your child for preschool.
Let Your Child Take The Lead
Much of the Montessori philosophy surrounds the idea of allowing your child to create their own path. Based on this structure, children are thought to learn better when they are able to determine what topics or subjects they want to engage in. Keeping this in mind, let your child take the lead during your periods of at home instruction. This type of approach won't just help the child learn the specific subject matter discussed, but it will also teach them independence and self-confidence.
Activity Ideas
Observe – Children learn by observation. When introducing a new activity, avoid giving detailed instructions. Instead, allow the child to watch how you are performing the task. In addition to teaching the particular lesson, your child will also learn the power of careful observation.
Think outside the box - Montessori learning is anything, but cookie cutter. With this learning style children are afforded the ability to learn on their terms. When teaching your children, make certain you are thinking outside the box.
Get moving – It's also important to note that Montessori learning is highly sensory. In preschool your child will be taught by physical engagement not lecturing. Make certain that the activities you plan at home follow this same philosophy and keep your child moving.
The Advantage
Aside from the satisfaction of knowing you are helping your child, children who have parents that play a more active role in their education do better in school. According to the National Education Association, children with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and attend college. Although your child might only be in preschool, maintaining this type of mindset will help your child be more successful throughout their entire educational journey.
Making the decision to send your child to a Montessori preschool is part one. Make certain that you are playing an active role in your child's education for a greater chance of success.