Page 32 - waterfall Issue 12 2021

Waterfall News

soME QuEsTions you MighT Ask

As a parent, choosing a preschool for your child is a big generally thrive in any school, work or social situation
decision, especially when it comes to schools with a different because they have developed a love for learning and the
approach to education, such as Montessori. Here are some ability to focus, cooperate, and work independently.
of the common questions that might help demystify
some facets of the Montessori approach to education. Can my child stay in a Montessori school
throughout primary and high school?
is Montessori for every child? It’s a common misconception that the Montessori approach
The short answer is yes! The Montessori approach has been is only for younger preschool-aged children and that they
used successfully with children from all socioeconomic should go to a more conventional school once they get
levels. This includes those in regular classes and the gifted, older. However, research has shown that Montessori students
children with developmental delays, and children with consistently outperform traditional schools in social, moral,
emotional and physical disabilities. All children are unique, cognitive and emotional levels throughout their entire
and Montessori offers an individual programme tailored school lives. While children can certainly adapt to a different
to the strengths and challenges of each child to help them schooling system, there are many Montessori schools across
learn according to their interests and at their own pace. South Africa that offer primary and high school options.

does Montessori follow a curriculum? are Montessori children successful later in life?
Montessori schools teach the same basic skills as Over and above scoring well on standardised academic
traditional schools. Many of the subjects are similar, such tests, Montessori children are ranked above average when it
as mathematics, science, history, geography and language, comes to following directions, meeting deadlines, listening
which are presented through an integrated approach that attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility,
combines separate strands of the curriculum together. asking provocative questions, adapting to change and
new situations, and showing an innate love for learning.
Will my child be able to adjust to a traditional Montessori graduates range from the founders of Google
school after Montessori? and Amazon.com, to the youngest Rhodes scholar, and
Many Montessori students will eventually switch to the youngest artist to ever exhibit at the united Nations.
another type of school. However, Montessori children
Why don’t Montessori schools have textbooks,
homework or grades?
Montessori students are encouraged to take ownership of
their own learning, which is vital in fostering the child’s natural
desire to learn. Internally motivated children are more likely to
become confident and responsible students and individuals
instead of the conventional model of threats and rewards.
Montessori students do not receive grades or reports for
their work and progress, as grades have proven to have little
lasting effect on a child’s efforts or achievements. Instead, the
enrolments are open now for Montessori approach nurtures motivation from within. The
Directress closely and continuously observes and assesses
Littlehill Kikuyu and Littlehill each child’s progress and readiness to advance to new lessons.
The Polofields for 2022.
Visit https://www.littlehill.co.za/book-a-tour/ Where can i learn more about Littlehill?
If you’d like to take a peek inside a Montessori classroom
Call: 071 609 0289, or email: info@littlehill.co.za or simply learn more about LittleHill, you are welcome to
arrange a tour of your nearest LittleHill Montessori school.

30 Waterfall Issue 12 2021