Is Montessori Right For Your Special Needs Child?

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If you're looking for early education for your special needs child, a Montessori school may be just the option you're looking for. Montessori-style education has been around for a long time -- it dates back to 1907 when Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first school based on her methods in Italy. Montessori has thrived in recent decades, with about 500 schools in Canada as of 2013, according to The Globe and Mail. Montessori teaching methods aren't restricted to children with special needs, but this unique educational approach can give children who require special considerations or accommodations a chance to flourish.    

What Is Montessori?

The term "Montessori" can mean a lot of things, and no two schools are exactly alike. There are similarities, however. Montessori schools usually group children together in multi-age classrooms. This means your 3-year-old most likely won't be in a group of only 3-year-olds -- there will likely be older children, perhaps as old as 5 or 6, in the same classroom.

Montessori educators allow children to spend a lot of time working on things they want to work on, and much of the teaching and learning is done through hands-on play. You won't find a lot of modern, battery-operated toys in a Montessori classroom. There's a strong focus on sensory activities, which are offered in abundance, as Montessori educators believe children learn best by experiencing the world around them. Independence within limits is strongly encouraged and educators look for opportunities to address social and emotional learning, as well as general intellectual learning. 

How Can a Montessori Education Help My Special Needs Child?

• Emphasis on play-based learning. Montessori schools allow children to dig in and learn through their natural play styles. This is particularly important for many young children with special needs since they may find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time. Children aren't usually confined to playing with things the "right" way either -- it's all about allowing the child to explore the world and learn in the ways that best suit him or her.
• Education that follows the child's lead. Most Montessori schools, especially those for nursery and kindergarten-aged children, do not focus on grades or tests. Children are encouraged to work at their own paces and learning occurs by allowing children to explore the things they're most interested in.
• Consistency. Since most classrooms combine children of different ages, children who attend a Montessori school often have the same teacher and many of the same classmates for several years. This is particularly important for children with special needs who struggle with adjusting to changes in routine.
• Social interaction. A Montessori education (such as is provided by Colwell Nursery School montessori) provides plenty of opportunities for children to engage in social activities. Children who are on the autism spectrum or who have other social difficulties may find it easier to engage with their peers through the open play opportunities provided in a Montessori school. Montessori focuses on respect and cooperation, so children with special needs are less likely to be made fun of or feel like outsiders.

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13 August 2015