Kids always learn better when they make a choice regarding what to learn. Montessori classrooms are unique and they differ from other classroom sessions in many ways.

• In Montessori classrooms, various activities are arranged for the children throughout the day.
• Instructors visit the students seated in the form of groups, rather than standing in front of the whole class.
• The grading system is highly non-traditional.
• The whole focus is on the student – emotional, social, intellectual, and physical well-being.

Mostly, this approach is loved by parents and teachers because it gives kids the opportunity to get involved in classroom activities that ultimately boost the child’s confidence level.

The pros of Montessori

There are several benefits associated with the Montessori approach and they are best highlighted by the Montessori instructors.

• An emphasis on hands-on independent learning

Montessori classrooms are famous for their environment. These classrooms normally have a lot of natural light coming in. The classrooms are designed in such a way that they look bright and positive with the natural light.

The Montessori environment encourages the kids to work. It encourages them to learn at their own individual pace. Children are, normally, exposed to such lessons, activities, and tasks that develop their skill set. Children are provided with independent activity materials that help in improving their concentration and coordination.

•   Increased social interaction

It is a common observation that kids always get fascinated by what others are doing. They observe other children and look for clues that show how they get their work done. In the Montessori Method, children from various age groups are grouped together. Mixed-age classrooms support social interactions and peer-to-peer learning.

This approach allows the children to learn from one another which helps them to grow individually as compared to uniformly-aged classrooms.

• Increased independence

Independent learning is one of the most effective ways to increase the confidence and appreciation for freedom among the pupils. In fact, a research study has shown that having a Montessori background increases a person’s chances to develop great entrepreneurial skills.

Since much of the learning is self-directed, it develops a sense of independence and freedom among the children. They take charge of their activities which also helps in improving their management skills.

• Learning through play

Young children always learn better when they learn through play. Different playful activities have a positive impact on their physical and mental development. These playful activities also encourage the children’s love for learning.

These activities make children creative and enhance their problem-solving skills that help them to come up with the required solutions.

The cons of Montessori

There are some aspects of Montessori culture that give rise to a few issues and bring problems for some.

• Montessori can be expensive

Sometimes, it becomes very difficult for the Montessori schools to keep their prices low. Due to the involvement of high-quality learning materials used in various activities, it becomes hard to keep the prices low.

There are few organisations that provide donations for the Montessori institutes helping them to keep the prices a bit low. High prices make Montessori inaccessible for the unprivileged ones. Most Montessori programs are privately owned. It becomes difficult for people to get their kids enrolled in the Montessori program.

• Curriculum can become direction less

It is very important to keep in mind that using the child-centered approach does not mean allowing the kids to do whatever they want without any supervision. The Montessori curriculum is less structured and there is a great chance for it to lose its direction.

It is the responsibility of the instructors to monitor the progress level of the students. It is important to develop a sense of independence among the students but students must also know how to support one another. They must have a sense of collaboration as well. Cooperation is a much-needed skill that is majorly ignored in Montessori programs. 

Montessori programs have their pros and cons but if monitored properly they can help the students to grow up to be confident beings ready to enter the big world with all the required skill sets.