The Montessori Method

Many children's classes, activities, and toys today are inspired by The Montessori Method. Highly recognized and praised by many, The Montessori Method is a child-centered method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Her method involves self and peer-led activities that encourage independent learning among children of varying ages. The belief behind this is that children learn better when they are responsible for choosing what to learn. Children are grouped with varying ages to create an environment where they have consistent and familiar faces in peers and educators for years, as well as putting less pressure on children to keep up with their peers and encouraging them to grow and learn at their own pace.

Many favor the Montessori method because of its hands-on learning style, non-traditional grading system, and its focus on students' social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development- opposed to just a standard textbook IQ grading system we see in most schools. The Montessori Method is also typically more inclusive to children with special needs- Dr. Montessori studied developmental disabilities and aimed her programming to fit the needs of those with said disabilities.

What are your thoughts on the Montessori Method? Do you incorporate this style of learning into your children's lives or do you prefer other methods?