Why Start at Age 3? | Hollis Montessori School, NH (2024)

FAQs

Why Start at Age 3? | Hollis Montessori School, NH? ›

Age 2.9 to 3! The young child's ability to effortlessly absorb information from his environment is only possible during this window of time. Dr. Montessori observed that during these early months, which she called sensitive periods, a child's entire being is molded: his intelligence itself is being formed!

Montessori learning methods encourage children to learn at their own pace as they explore their environment around them. Montessori activities for 3 year olds help in children's cognitive, physical, and social skills development in fun ways.

The best time to enroll your child into a Montessori school is between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years old, when they are most sensitive to the world around them. During this time, children master a wide set of skills while pursuing their interests. So start looking for a Montessori school sooner than later!

In addition to being a more natural and enjoyable way for children to learn, Montessori does a better job helping students develop the social, emotional, and intellectual skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. These skills, often referred to as “executive function skills,” include: Concentration.

Beginning at an early age, Montessori nurtures order, concentration, and independence. Intentional classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the student's emerging “self-regulation” (the ability to educate one's self, and to think about what one is learning), in toddlers through adolescents.

Authentic Montessori preschool is a three-year cycle designed to engage children from age 3 to 6 (preschool through kindergarten).

For children 3+ years

Look for activities that are hands on, use natural materials, allow for self-discovery and exploration, and are holistic – ie, meet the needs of their whole development from language to gross motor to self-expression to practical life to fine motor skills.

What ages do Montessori schools serve? Currently, most Montessori programs begin at the Early Childhood level (for children ages 2.5 – 6 years). However there are also programs for infants and toddlers (birth – age 3), Elementary-aged children (ages 6 – 12), and Secondary students (ages 12 – 18).

Analysing their progress at age five, Lillard found that the children who went to the Montessori school tended to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attended the other schools. And at age 12, they showed better story-telling abilities.

It's never too late.

Montessori gave us a window into the child's developing brain and what the universal milestones and needs of children from the time of conception thru early adulthood were.

Are kids happier in Montessori schools? ›

A Montessori education has been linked to elevated psychological well-being as an adult. One reason is that children in Montessori schools are allowed to choose their own work and participate in meaningful activities. They also experience greater social stability and cohesion in their classes.

Montessori education sparks curiosity in children by allowing them to explore and discover the world around them in a hands-on, experiential way. Naturally curious children who desire to learn will thrive in a Montessori environment. Montessori education also emphasizes collaboration and social skills.

Daycare is Key Difference. One key difference between Montessori programs and traditional daycare is the philosophy and approach. Montessori classrooms are designed to facilitate learning and exploration, with carefully chosen materials that allow children to work independently and develop their skills and interests.

In Montessori: There is greater autonomy for each child to lead their learning. There is more time for children to take deep dives of areas that interest them, or in areas where they crave more support. The Montessori Guides have more flexibility to personalize lessons.

Montessori education allows students to work at their own pace. The teachers develop individual learning plans for every student, as well. Rather than urging students to memorize a lesson as fast as possible for testing, a Montessori classroom gives children the independence and freedom to learn as they'd like.

While some activities are conducted in small groups, there is less focus on fostering teamwork and collaborative skills. As a result, Montessori students may have limited opportunities to develop essential collaboration abilities that are highly valuable in real-life situations.

The Montessori Method is also known for its 3-year cycle of learning. Children stay together, often with the same teacher, for that extended period, getting to know one another and themselves as they grow.

The common age to start Montessori school is 2.5 years old. Montessori school programs cover ages from 2.5 up to 18 years old. This is divided into five stages to prepare them for higher education. Remember that the age of the child is not as important as their learning capabilities, learning style, and learning pace.