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An excellent early childhood education is invaluable for children of all learning levels. It’s an important first step in developing skills and talents, work habits, socialization, and participation. Before enrolling a child in preschool, many parents seek to explore different educational methods to ensure their child’s future success in kindergarten and beyond. Most parents will look at either traditional teacher-centric preschools or a Montessori preschool. Understanding the similarities and differences between these two teaching methods is essential to figuring out which will be right for you and your child.

Traditional preschools are considered to be teacher-centric. The teacher is the focus of the classroom and students must listen to a lesson and then do it when they’re told. On the other hand, in a Montessori preschool, the child is the focus and teachers serve more as guides. Children set their own pace for learning and teachers work one on one with students, developing lessons based on their progress in the class. Children are also typically the same age in a traditional preschool and have no real interaction with children of other ages. They are expected to be on the same level developmentally, intellectually, and socially. Montessori preschools group children aged 3, 4, and 5 together so that older students may serve as role models for younger ones and share what they have learned. Children are allowed to learn and discover individually and only work in groups if they choose.

In both traditional preschools and Montessori schools, there are still rules and guidelines that all children must follow. While the majority of those rules in a traditional preschool will focus on doing tasks exactly as instructed, participating in a group setting, and completing work on time, a Montessori school will have rules about creating an active learning environment and focus more on relationships with other students, respecting each other, and self-constructive activities. While traditional preschools may have assigned seats for children, which they may not leave unless given permission to do so, Montessori schools allow children to freely mingle with each other while visiting the different learning areas set up for them.

If you are interested in giving your child a Montessori education, Learn and Play Montessori School (LPMS) provides an academic curriculum that encourages your child to learn with all five senses and be an independent thinker. We provide preschool, Pre-K, kindergarten, and after school programs for children in the San Francisco Bay Area. With five locations in Fremont and Dublin/San Ramon, there is sure to be a campus near you! Our accredited Montessori and early childhood education teachers are trained to provide the highest quality of support and guidance for your child. Contact us today by visiting us online at https://www.learnandplaymontessori.com to find out more about the programs we offer and how we can contribute to the successful development of your child’s natural creativity!