Montessori schools can be found just about anywhere now. Initially, they were just preschools and an alternative to daycare, but they have grown and developed curricula for older children and even middle school kids in recent decades. In the Chicago area, Dolton pre-school starts with the foundation of Montessori teachings, but then the Dolton pre-school graduates up into elementary and secondary schooling. One special topic taught in Montessori schools for older children is that practical life aids the mathematical mind. It’s a very different approach to learning math, but you will see how it applies to life.
Practical Life Skills
Rather than learn math by rote and complete problems that have no daily value as an adult, the Montessori approach of practical life aids the mathematical mind. Math skills are taught using materials that encourage children to use their own minds and ability to problem-solve and use logic to find solutions. The problems involve actual daily life problems that would require practical math skills to solve. In doing things this way, children are purportedly better able to navigate the adult world later on.
Other Alternative Topics
Math isn’t the only subject taught in an alternative way in a Montessori school. In fact, no subject is taught in a traditional way. Each child’s education is dependent on student-led, student-directed learning, something that seems so contrary to how children should be taught. Yet, for the students in these classrooms, it seems to work very well.
Check out Council Oak Montessori School for more information.
