Montessori education is a “whole child” approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

 

That said, parents may find that Montessori schools do things a little differently than traditional schools. This is not right or wrong; it is simply a different way of encouraging children to learn, and one that may or may not be the ideal fit for your family.

 

Let’s look at the questions from our quiz and which answers resonate most with Montessori parents. This will give you a better understanding of the Montessori classroom so you can decide if it is right for your child.

 

1. My approach to my child’s independence is:

 

I encourage my child to learn independently and solve problems on their own.

I prefer to guide my child through every task so they do it correctly.

 

Encouraging independence empowers children to become confident decision-makers and resilient problem solvers. Montessori education emphasizes giving children the tools and freedom to explore tasks, cultivating self-reliance and adaptability for lifelong learning.

 

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2. When my child is struggling with a task, my instinct is to:

 

Step in and show them the “right” way to do it.

Allow my child to take their time and figure it out in their own way.

 

Allowing children to work through challenges builds persistence and problem-solving abilities. Montessori environments nurture these skills, fostering a growth mindset where mistakes become valuable learning opportunities.

 

 

3. My child does best in:

 

A fast-paced environment where they are constantly stimulated by new activities.

A calm and organized environment where things are structured but flexible.

 

A peaceful, organized space helps children focus deeply on meaningful tasks. Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to balance freedom with structure, enhancing concentration and intrinsic motivation.

 

 

4. I believe children learn best when:

 

They are guided step by step through a standardized curriculum.

They have the freedom to follow their interests and learn at their own pace.

 

Individualized learning fosters curiosity and intrinsic motivation. By following their passions, children become engaged learners who embrace challenges and develop a lifelong love for discovery.

 

 

5. When it comes to discipline and behavior:

 

I believe in external rewards and punishments to manage behavior.

I try to help my child understand the natural consequences of their behavior.

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Natural consequences teach accountability and critical thinking. Montessori methods help children reflect on their actions, nurturing empathy and self-discipline without relying on external rewards or punishments.

 

 

6. I value education that:

 

Focuses primarily on academic success and meeting set benchmarks.

Focuses on developing the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. 

 

By prioritizing holistic growth, Montessori education prepares children to excel in life, developing social-emotional intelligence, physical coordination, and intellectual curiosity alongside academic skills.

 

 

7. My thoughts on collaborative activities for my child:

 

I believe children benefit from working collaboratively with peers and learning to respect others’ differences.

I think children learn best when they compete and strive to do better than their peers.

 

Cooperative learning builds communication, empathy, and teamwork. Montessori students develop these life skills by working with peers of different ages and abilities, preparing them for diverse social environments.

 

 

8. My preference for my child’s schedule is:

 

A tightly structured schedule where every moment is planned and guided.

A flexible schedule that allows my child to spend extended time on activities that interest them.

 

Flexible, uninterrupted work cycles promote deep focus and mastery. Montessori classrooms respect children’s natural learning rhythms, allowing for meaningful, self-directed exploration.

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9. My child’s ability to focus is:

 

Better when they are given freedom to work for long periods on something they love.

Better when I redirect them to quickly finish tasks and move on to the next one.

 

Concentration flourishes in an environment that values sustained engagement. Montessori education provides extended work periods that allow children to develop deep focus and intrinsic motivation.

 

 

10. When it comes to my role as a parent in my child’s education:

 

I see myself as a partner and guide, working alongside my child and their teacher to support their growth.

I see myself as the authority who ensures my child stays on track by following a specific path.

 

Montessori education views parents as collaborative partners. Engaged parental involvement, in harmony with teachers, supports a holistic, personalized educational journey for the child.

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If you are interested in learning more about Montessori education and its unique benefits, we encourage you to schedule a tour.