Is a Montessori Child Academy Right for Your Child?
Considering sending your child to a Montessori child academy? There are plenty of things you'll need to think about. It is first important to understand what a Montessori education entails before deciding if it is right or wrong for your child.
** Children's Education Tip ** Setting a routine and discipline for your child is extremely important. Get them to practise good study habits and self-discipline. Fix a set time for daily home study and to do their homework. Make sure the room is well-lit and conducive for studying. Have a good chair with good back support, and supply them all the necessary pencils, rulers, erasers, and a drinking bottle. Encourage them to take frequent breaks after every half hour of work.
The name "Montessori" represents an educational philosophy and is used for a number of schools and academies around the world. Maria Montessori was Italy's first female doctor. In 1907, she was given a chance to study a group of children. She took the poorest, most desolate children off the streets and put them into her House of Children, or Casa dei Bambini. Word soon spread about the progress Dr. Montessori was making with these children using her educational methods. Dr. Montessori believed that there is a special uniquie potential in every child that is waiting to blossom into fruition. Amazing educational progress can be made through placing the child in a natural environment and allowing them to learn by experiencing.
Today, Montessori's philosophy is still at work at the countless number of schools bearing her name. Do be advised, however, that the name Montessori is not trademarked or protected. It is therefore especially important to thoroughly check out any school that claims to teach the Montessori method.
Children are placed into mixed-age groups in a Montessori classroom. In this way, the younger children get to learn from the older ones, while the older ones will get an opportunity to teach and nurture. Children learn by having free time to travel between various stations. These stations can include art & craft, music, cooking, house keeping, animal care,and gardening. The Montessori method dictates that there will be no harsh corrective marks on a child's schoolwork. The child's work will always be acknowledged and respected as it is. With careful observation and analysis, the teacher will modify the child's environment and curriculum so that he or she learns the essential.
** Children's Education Tip ** Reading to your child is extremely important because it will help her learn. Start early since it will develop your baby’s language skills and attention span. It will also allow you to spend quality time with your child.
A primary consideration of parents in deciding whether to send their children to a Montessori child academy or not is price. Depending on the area and school chosen, you could end up paying anywhere to $1,000 to $10,000 per year for your child's Montessori education. However, public schools often offer Montessori programs free of charge, so if sending your child to a Montessori child academy is something you want to do but cannot afford, talk to your school administrator to find out if the school offers any such programs.
Copyright 2006 Ellen Parry - All Rights Reserved
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