Preschool Performance, Image by ronnie44052
Are you wondering what type of preschool is right for your child? With all the philosophies it is difficult to find one that will benefit your child’s unique needs. Let’s compare the top 5 early education philosophies that will best suit your child. We will compare Montessori, Waldorf, the High/Scope Approach, the Bank Street Approach, and various local preschools.
The Montessori Program
Philosophy
The Montessori Method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and clinical observation on the part of the teacher (often called a director, directress, or guide). It is also characterized by the use of autodidactic (self-correcting) equipment for introduction and learning of various concepts. Montessori method is characterized by an emphasis on self directed activity on the part of the child and the importance and connection of all living things, and the need for each person to find meaningful work and his or her own place in the world. Children also learn about other cultures, language, and complex mathematical skills. It also stresses the importance of adapting the child’s learning environment to his or her developmental level, and of the role of physical activity in absorbing abstract concepts and practical skills.
In the Montessori classroom teachers act as guides and observers so that they can recognize when students are passing into a sensitive period and are ready for an individual lesson on a work that will interest them and that they will willingly grasp. Montessori programs encourage a child’s sense of independence and self esteem. Montessori parents and teachers work to involve parents in their child’s education.
The Montessori Classroom
• Practical life — This area is designed to help students develop a care for themselves, the environment, and each other. Children lean pencil grip, moving from left to (to imitate reading), cleaning, pouring, buttoning, preparing food, cleaning up after themselves and much more.
• Sensorial— This area requires children to learn through the use of all five senses. Children match like sounds, tastes, materials. Children will grade colors from light to dark, sort items from smoothest to roughest, tallest to shortest and so on.
• Language arts — Children express themselves verbally and are taught to trace, recognize letters, and learn their phonetic sounds as a precursor to learning reading, spelling, grammar, and handwriting skills. (more…)