Montessori education has been known as one of the most enhanced learning platforms for toddlers and children of preschool age. After many educationists learned about the system’s advantages for child development, it gained more popularity across the globe. As a result, the Montessori method was adopted by many schools, particularly in the preschool setting, and especially in International schools in Tokyo
Many parents want to know how the Montessori method differs from conventional instruction. They enquire as to what their child will get from the programme.
The Montessori schools in Tokyo differ from traditional schooling in a few key ways. The traditional schooling emphasises theory over application. Montessori education, on the other hand, is built on active learning, group play, and self-directed activities. The founder, Dr. Maria Montessori, developed these concepts to aid children’s learning and growth.
Some of the key things that are practised in a Montessori school in Tokyo are:
Multi age classrooms
Maria Montessori believed that children learn best when they work independently and with others. When we say “each other,” we don’t always mean kids of the same age. The following age groups are most likely to be found learning together in a Montessori classroom:
Children aged 2.5 to 6 years in Preschool
Children aged 6 to 9 years in Lower Elementary
Children aged 9 to 12 years in Upper Elementary
Young children in a multi-age classroom in Montessori schools in Tokyo learn from the older ones through observation. As they mentor the younger kids, older kids serve as role models and hone their leadership abilities. There is still separate work from each student, so there is less competitiveness and more teamwork in the classroom. The system closely resembles the actual world, where individuals of all ages work and interact with one another.
Periods of uninterrupted class work
In a Montessori classroom, uninterrupted work periods entail children selecting an activity and focusing on it for at least two hours without interruption. These work times serve as a tool to recognise how differently youngsters learn. Students choose an activity they enjoy doing during a work period, work on it for however long they are interested in it, clean up their work station, and then put it back where it belongs.
If a student prefers, they may choose an alternative activity. The teacher’s job throughout the work hour is to oversee and assist the students’ progress while imparting individual instruction or small-group lessons. Students that have uninterrupted work times are more independent, coordinated, and focused.
Qualified Montessori educators
People in the Montessori programme need to receive the appropriate training. A Montessori educator must comprehend the significance of children’s natural growth.
They must be knowledgeable with the Montessori theory and philosophy in addition to knowing how to use the Montessori materials precisely and successfully. To guide, challenge, and foster a supportive learning environment, teachers need to be good observers and leaders, depending on the age group they are interested in teaching.
In International schools in Tokyo that follow the Montessori curriculum, teachers are hired considering their qualification, patience levels, and experience.
Child-centred learning strategy
Students in the Montessori programme are encouraged to embrace learning. Students are therefore free to select the activities that most appeal to them. In this approach, a youngster is more motivated, interested in what they are doing, pays attention, and feels in charge of and in control of their learning.
The activities are just one aspect of the child-centred approach. The layout of the Montessori classroom enables pupils to walk around and engage in exploratory play. Students love the learning process because they are free to find the solutions on their own.
Everything in a Montessori classroom is purposefully created to foster a child’s intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development. The classroom atmosphere evolves to meet the students as they grow.
Engaging Learning Materials
Materials used in Montessori classrooms and lessons are created especially to impart certain knowledge and abilities. In a Montessori classroom, hands-on learning is the main teaching method, making learning more useful. Students engage with the environment as they learn about various textures, colours, and other fundamental ideas.
Sandpaper letters and numbers, number boards, number rods, coloured blocks, coloured beads, and games are some of the Montessori educational tools provided.
Children retain information better when they use all of their senses and enjoy themselves while learning, according to experts. A Montessori classroom will make learning enjoyable for your youngster. Play-based learning keeps kids interested, involved, and stimulates their curiosity, which enhances their entire learning experience.
Conclusion
You can decide whether or not a Montessori programme is right for your child now that you are aware of what to anticipate when you enrol your kid in one. Due to this, several international schools in Tokyo started using the Montessori method, particularly in the preschool setting. After starting with Montessori, you might be concerned that your kid won’t transition easily to another curriculum. But this isn’t really a concern as Montessori children are highly adaptable to new curricula and varied academic settings.
