Preschool is an important time for your child and for your child’s development, so choosing the correct preschool philosophy is extremely important. Here are a few overviews of the more popular preschool philosophies and why a Montessori preschool in Buena Park is the best option for your child.

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Montessori Preschool Philosophy

This approach to teaching was developed in Italy by Maria Montessori and was created to be centered on the children rather than the teacher. There is an intense focus on academics, but also on the child’s ability to learn, self-correct, and independently determine the correct answer. Through letting the child discover their interests by diving into the provided materials by themselves, the child can learn at their own pace. One of the ways in which Montessori is different is that there are toys that the children use to teach themselves that are called manipulatives. These toys are self-corrective; this means that a child knows if they assembled a puzzle correctly. Overall, the Montessori Method creates very independent and creative children and sets up a child for a great academic career.

Waldorf Preschool Philosophy

A Waldorf preschool is very different from any other preschool, especially because Waldorf schools focus on play rather than learning. These preschools have a very dependable and predictable structure; for example, certain days of the week have set activities like baking or gardening. Rather than too many academic-based curricula, there are more creative activities like reading, singing, acting, and other creative learning activities. This method is thought to help a child find his or her individualism.

Reggio Emilia

Lastly, a Reggio Emilia school was also founded in Italy but was developed to help students become better citizens and encourage students to explore their surroundings. This school works as a project-based approach and lessons are based on the interest of the students, similar to the Montessori Method. This program is also known for documenting, through videos, photos, and observations, the child’s activities.

Why Montessori Works Best

Overall, the Montessori Method combines all of the above methods to create a well-rounded, independent, creative, and curious student. Montessori is a great academic school, and encourages students to learn at their own speed and their own pace, but also is proven to effectively increase the independence and skills of their students. Visit Academy on the Hills for more information about the Montessori Method and to see the method in action. Call today for more information!