Imagine a bustling classroom where children choose their own activities, work independently, stay disciplined, and manage their emotions effectively. This isn’t a daydream; it’s the reality of many Montessori preschools. Could this unique learning environment give children a head start in self-regulation, impacting their success in traditional schooling?
Research suggests it might. A 2021 study published in Early Childhood Development and Care compared self-regulation skills in Montessori and non-Montessori preschoolers. The results revealed that children in Montessori programs scored significantly higher in key areas like emotional regulation, attention control, and inhibitory control. As Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study, put it, "Montessori education appears to provide opportunities for children to develop self-regulation skills that may contribute to later academic success."
But how does this happen? The answer lies in the core principles of Montessori education. The Montessori approach to education is centered on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Materials in a Montessori classroom support an aspect of child development, and Montessori classrooms are designed to meet the needs of children in a specific age range.
A key feature of the Montessori system is that it values each child as a unique individual. The school accommodates various learning styles and allows students to learn at their own pace. Another significant feature is that the Montessori system allows students to enjoy freedom within limits. Students are encouraged to be active seekers of knowledge, participate in deciding what the focus of learning will be, and pursue the answers to their questions in the environment provided by the teachers.
Additionally, the Montessori classroom places significant emphasis on self-correction and self-assessment where students are encouraged to critically evaluate their work, fostering the development of skills in recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors. In doing so, they become skillful in recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.
The impact extends beyond the classroom. Most Montessori students often transition smoothly to traditional schools, demonstrating remarkable focus, resilience, and emotional intelligence. This supports the findings of a 2010 study published in Montessori Life, which linked Montessori education to improved work habits, enhanced executive function, and positive school attitudes.
So, do Montessori preschoolers have a self-regulation advantage? Evidence suggests they probably do. While further research is needed, one thing is clear: fostering self-regulation in early childhood holds immense potential to benefit children, both academically and personally, for years to come.
References
Anon. n.d.-b. “Montessori Life | Magazine of the American Montessori Society.” https://amshq.org/Educators/Membership/Montessori-Life-Magazine.
Aybüke, T. (2021). A study on the effect of Montessori Education on self-regulation skills in preschoolers, early child development and Care. Sci-Hub. https://sci-hub.se/downloads/2021-08-11/fe/tiryaki2021.pdf
Ervin, B. (2010). A 3-Year Study of Self-Regulation in Montessori and Non-Montessori Classrooms. MPPI. https://montessoriadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-3-year-study-of-self-regulation.pdf
Thompson, K. (2018). How a Montessori prepared environment builds executive function in a primary classroom. Montessori Resources for Schools, Teachers, Families and Parents | American Montessori Society. https://amshq.org/
Yonkers Public Schools. (2023). Montessori philosophy / What is Montessori education? Yonkers Public Schools /. https://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/domain/2908
Comments