Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the difference between Montessori and Daycare?
Short Answer:
Montessori education revolves completely around each individual student, not the teacher(s). It's a holistic approach to learning and is all about helping to shape each child from the inside out and has a well-rounded, tried-and-true curriculum.
Daycares are often teacher-centred who decide what can and 'cannot/should not' be done by children. Each Daycare covers its own basic topics as it sees fit, and its primary role is to care for children.
Longer Answer:
Montessori education is about holistic, well-rounded approaches to learning, and are always student-centred. It focuses on the child, not the teacher. It likes to emphasize 'process' instead of just the 'end result' of learning. It's about building great habits and mindsets that children will use for the rest of their lives. Montessori is also very much an individualized approach to allow children the freedom to ask questions, be naturally curious, explore, investigate, and think for themselves without too much "adult/teacher interference."
Daycares tend to be more teacher-centred and perhaps come with more "Do's" and "Don'ts." Directions from teachers are almost constant. Some Daycares emphasize more defined results amongst the students, rather than letting children's own inner abilities guide their own learning. Others determine the speed to progress through topics based on the average progress of the class, or filling in topics that will fit in the calendars. The priority of many Daycare centres is to mainly care for children while Moms and/or Dads attend to important life matters, and be proficient enough in basic subjects.
To read more about Montessori education, click here!
Montessori education revolves completely around each individual student, not the teacher(s). It's a holistic approach to learning and is all about helping to shape each child from the inside out and has a well-rounded, tried-and-true curriculum.
Daycares are often teacher-centred who decide what can and 'cannot/should not' be done by children. Each Daycare covers its own basic topics as it sees fit, and its primary role is to care for children.
Longer Answer:
Montessori education is about holistic, well-rounded approaches to learning, and are always student-centred. It focuses on the child, not the teacher. It likes to emphasize 'process' instead of just the 'end result' of learning. It's about building great habits and mindsets that children will use for the rest of their lives. Montessori is also very much an individualized approach to allow children the freedom to ask questions, be naturally curious, explore, investigate, and think for themselves without too much "adult/teacher interference."
Daycares tend to be more teacher-centred and perhaps come with more "Do's" and "Don'ts." Directions from teachers are almost constant. Some Daycares emphasize more defined results amongst the students, rather than letting children's own inner abilities guide their own learning. Others determine the speed to progress through topics based on the average progress of the class, or filling in topics that will fit in the calendars. The priority of many Daycare centres is to mainly care for children while Moms and/or Dads attend to important life matters, and be proficient enough in basic subjects.
To read more about Montessori education, click here!
Won't 3 languages confuse children?
Absolutely, positively NO! :) Between birth and age 6, it's the BEST (and easiest) time for children to learn languages and soak it all into their brains. Since they haven't come to the conclusion that there is a "mother tongue," young children don't think it's weird or different when they hear a different language. To them, it's simply new sounds, and it's interesting! Their natural curiosity leads them to watch and try to mimic lips for pronunciation (like lip-reading!) Neurons excitedly make new connections! In fact, a large number of toddlers in Europe learn 4 languages with little difficulty. We say, "take advantage of this sensitive period" and expose your little one(s) to different languages! Giving them this opportunity is definitely cooler than the alternative option.
To find out more about our Trilingual Program, click here!
To find out more about our Trilingual Program, click here!
Let's face it: kids will need to get real grades one day and compete, but Montessori lets children learn at their own pace. Will my child be able to transition smoothly to public school/mainstream education?
There are over 600 specially-designed Montessori materials that cover life skills: reading, writing, math, language, and even nature and cultural studies. And, because it's a holistic approach, Montessori students also develop within themselves self-discipline, independence and confidence. Montessori education always encourages children to problem-solve and think independently, which helps children be happy, resourceful and confident. A confident child settles and adapts well, so chances are, your child will easily and quickly transition to public school or mainstream education (thanks to a strong Montessori foundation!) Plus, at Pris-T-giS, we offer a Montessori Program alongside an innovative Trilingual Program, so your child gets the best of both worlds: a tried-and-true Montessori education plus all the energy, social and liveliness of preschools! We believe your child will be more than ready for their futures.
What are some statistics that prove Montessori is effective?
Research has shows that the best predictor of future success is a strong sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images, and in turn, the confidence needed to face challenges with optimism. We highly encourage parents to look up (or Google) statistics of Montessori education so that parents can see the wealth of research and positive stats about this CENTENNIAL education for themselves! :)
There are lots of benefits to Montessori, but what are some other points I should consider before making my decision?
Here are some of the possible 'cons' of having your child(ren) in Montessori (we're being honest!)
- If your child is ahead or doesn't feel challenged, (s)he may be a bit bored if/when they transition to the public school system
- Pris-T-giS is classed as a private school, and there's a tuition fee
- Montessori encourages sharing and kindness; your child might not be used to the possibility of bullying or dealing with unkind children if/when they transition to mainstream education
- Some children might initially feel a bit 'different' from their public school/mainstream education peers because Montessori students have a 'them and us' attitude, while many other students have a "me and I" attitude.
- Some Montessori students can be viewed as the teacher's favourite in mainstream education
How is discipline dealt with at Pris-T-giS Montessori?
It's going to happen sooner or later: a child is too rowdy and then it's a question of discipline. If a child's behaviour is really disruptive or upsetting, then we step in and deal with the root of the issue in a loving and caring way. But, Montessori schools believe that discipline should come from inside rather than imposed by others, so, Montessori students don't rely on rewards and punishments. Our goal at Pris-T-giS Montessori is to allow children the freedom to learn to love and care for others, and to develop confidence and control over their own behaviour ... because they WANT to, and not simply because they HAVE to or are told to do so. We want to help instill this in their little hearts so that it can guide them for the rest of their lives.