Why We Love Montessori Education

Montessori education is a method of teaching that focuses on a child's natural interests and development through hands-on learning, collaboration, and self-direction. The method was developed by Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori, who believed that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. She developed her theories through scientific experimentation with her students and the method has since been used in many parts of the world, both in public and private schools alike.

MOTHERHOOD

10/26/20242 min read

boy in orange crew neck t-shirt standing in front of white wooden table with cupcakes

My daughter has been attending an accredited Montessori school since she was 18 months old, and now, at five, I can confidently say that her experience has been transformative.

Montessori education has not only strengthened her academic foundation but also enhanced her motor skills, communication, problem-solving, and social skills. Most importantly, it reinforces the core values I’ve instilled in her since birth—creativity, courage, honesty, respect, curiosity, and appreciation.

As a single parent, finding a school that aligned with these values was crucial. The outcome? She has blossomed into an independent, artistic, loving, and well-adjusted child. The emphasis on holistic education in her Montessori environment has nurtured her development in ways that fill me with pride and joy.

What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education is a child-centered approach that encourages learning through hands-on activities, collaboration, and self-direction. Developed by Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori, this method is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and eager to learn.

Through scientific experimentation with her students, Dr. Montessori designed an educational system that has been adopted worldwide—used in both public and private schools alike.

The Montessori Classroom: A Unique Learning Space

Montessori classrooms differ significantly from traditional ones. They are:

Beautifully designed & thoughtfully arranged – No clutter, no overwhelming decorations—just a peaceful, engaging space.
Decentralized & student-led – No rows of desks facing a teacher; instead, children move freely, work independently, or collaborate in small groups.
Multi-age learning environments – Younger children learn from older peers, and each child develops at their own pace.
Rooted in real-world beauty – The classroom features calm, muted colors and natural materials like wood, thermic tiles, and counting beads to encourage focus.

Why this setup? Because we learn best in spaces that promote calm and concentration!

What Makes Montessori Schools Different?

Montessori schools often come with higher tuition fees, but for good reason. These schools:

Use high-quality, hands-on materials – Think movable maps, sensory materials, and real-life tools rather than worksheets.
Have extensively trained teachers – Montessori educators undergo specialized training in child development, classroom management, and Montessori philosophy.
Teach to the individual, not the class – The focus is on each child’s unique development, not just standardized benchmarks.
Encourage problem-solving & independence – Kids are guided to figure things out on their own, building confidence and resilience.
Create a language-rich environment – Montessori classrooms nurture communication skills early on.

Montessori Pros & Cons: What to Consider

While I love the Montessori approach, it’s important to acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Montessori Education:

Encourages independence & self-motivation
Develops critical thinking skills
Improves social skills & teamwork
Supports emotional intelligence & regulation
Enhances creativity & imagination
Fosters a lifelong love of learning
Strengthens fine motor skills & sensory development
Encourages problem-solving abilities
Supports language & literacy growth
Prepares children for future success

Drawbacks of Montessori Education:

Less structured environment – Some kids may struggle without rigid schedules.
No standardized testing – Harder to compare progress with traditional schooling.
Limited availability – Not all areas have Montessori schools nearby.
Transitioning can be challenging – Shifting from Montessori to a traditional school system may take adjustment.
Higher tuition costs – Due to specialized materials and training, tuition is often more expensive.

Is Montessori Right for Your Child?

Montessori has worked incredibly well for our family, and many children thrive under this approach. Studies suggest that Montessori-educated children often show higher literacy, numeracy, executive functioning, and social skills than their traditionally schooled peers.

That said, education is not one-size-fits-all, and not all Montessori schools are created equal. Do your research, visit schools, and choose the educational method that best fits your child and family’s needs.

Learn More About Montessori Education

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the Montessori method, check out these resources:

No matter what education path you choose, you got this, mama!