As your child approaches kindergarten, you may be weighing the decision of whether to continue their Montessori education or opt for a more traditional route. At Cy-Fair Montessori School in Houston, Texas, we understand and respect your decision, and we want to highlight the significance of the kindergarten year in the Montessori program. The Montessori method is designed on a three-year cycle, with the third year being the most crucial. Continuation of the program through kindergarten provides numerous benefits and reinforces the foundation set in the previous two years. In this post, we'll explore a few of the reasons why it's important to consider continuing a Montessori program through kindergarten for your child's development.
Why Continuing Montessori Through Kindergarten Is Important
The Culmination of All They Have Learned
The Montessori method of education is designed to be cumulative. The first two years of preschool set the foundation for the third year. On the foundation of the first two years, kindergarteners are in a position to take everything they have learned and apply it to more abstract learning. With the Montessori method, children aren’t simply memorizing facts to regurgitate — they are learning why and how learning happens.
A Chance to Lead
During the third year of Montessori preschool, students are able to step up and be leaders in the classroom. Your child has waited two years to step into a mentor role and help younger children, as their older peers did for them in the past. It’s common for the five-year-olds in a Montessori classroom to teach the younger children, and this benefits them both. Having the opportunity to mentor younger children is a learning opportunity to help them become more confident and independent.
Progress at Their Own Pace
The Montessori method is based on the idea of meeting children where they are — at a Montessori school, children have the freedom to progress at their own pace. Rather than forcing them to keep up with their peers or holding them back to make sure everyone is at the same level, the Montessori method allows each child to lead their own learning journey. This means they can move ahead if they are comfortable with a certain concept or take more time if they need it. No matter what level your child is at, they will be supported and encouraged to learn and grow at a pace that suits them best.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
Your child has already spent two years at our Montessori preschool. They know their classmates and teachers well and feel safe and secure at our facility in Houston. This type of nurturing environment is the most conducive to learning and growing. Why rock the boat? Transferring your child to a traditional school means that they will have to spend the first several months adjusting to a different kind of classroom, new students, and new teachers, delaying their educational process.
Support for Their Academic Future
The Montessori method offers a distinct advantage over traditional educational models. Montessori preschools are set up to foster a full understanding and appreciation of the learning process. This sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning, fostering the curiosity they need to succeed academically for many years to come.
At Cy-Fair Montessori School, we are proud to offer a unique learning experience for all our students that doesn’t stop once they reach kindergarten age. If you’re interested in learning more about our Montessori preschool in Houston, contact us today to schedule a tour.