When it comes to education, Montessori in West Covina is one of the most overlooked treasures in the area. In fact, Montessori education the nation over is greatly misunderstood and underutilized. The reasons for this are many fold. Not long after Montessori education originally came to the United States, the people in charge of traditional education started a negative ad campaign that resulted in the disappearance of this amazing, science-based educational method. Luckily, a few enlightened souls fought long and hard to bring it back to the United States and since then, it has begun to thrive as more and more people realize its value to both them and their children. Myth 1: Academics One myth that has circulated around the nation is that Montessori programs are not academically rigorous. What!? Are they kidding? Study after study has shown that children who attend Montessori preschool programs are more prepared for kindergarten math and reading skills. In fact, for professionals working in Montessori programs, it seems that their students are, generally, already exceeding the expectations for kindergartners. If you were to compare what goes on in a Montessori classroom and what goes on in a traditional preschool program, you would wonder just how this myth ever got started. What sounds more educational: red and blue number rods correlation or playing with Barbie? Guess which one is a Montessori work. Myth 2: Boundaries Another myth that seems to be hard to squelch is that Montessori education doesn't provide any boundaries for children. Many people hear that Montessori programs allow children to choose their own works and somehow equate that with children running around the room, throwing things, and eating playdough. Nothing could be further from the truth. While it is true that children are allowed to choose their own works, they must do so in an orderly fashion. Children are taught to ask or otherwise indicate to their teacher which work they are going to do. Before a child is allowed to do a particular work, they must have had a lesson on how to correctly do it. Teachers keep careful track of who is prepared to do each one. Once again, if you were to compare a Montessori classroom to a traditional preschool, you would be left scratching your head as to why this myth is still circulating. Myth 3: Franchises Did you know that not all Montessori schools are the same? The Montessori Method is a science- and observation-based approach developed by Maria Montessori. Due to the cold reception it received from educational professionals, there was never a strong, governing body. When you take your child to a Montessori school, be sure to ask what credentials and training the teacher has, and ask to watch a class. Only through observing the particular school you are considering will you be able to decide whether that particular Montessori school is appropriate for your child. While most Montessori schools are not affiliated with a governing body, there are a couple of organizations which put out standards, including the American Montessori Society and Association Montessori International. Myth 4: Gifted Children Finally, there seems to be a belief that Montessori programs are only for gifted children. Did you know that the Montessori Method was actually developed while Maria Montessori was administering a school for mentally delayed children? This entire method was created out of her belief that she could get special needs children to perform at the same level as normal children, and she succeeded! The Montessori Method works for children of all ability levels. Whether your child is advanced or delayed, he or she will find exactly what they need in a school teaching Montessori in West Covina.
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