They have learned to work independently
and in groups. Since they've been
encouraged to make decisions at an early
age, these children are problem solvers
who can make choices and manage their time
well. They have also been encouraged
to exchange ideas and to discuss their
work freely with others and good
communication skills ease the way into to
new settings.
To facilitate the transfer, good
communication between the Montessori
school and the traditional schools in a
community must be maintained. Montessori
parents and teachers can visit traditional
schools and prepare the child for whatever
will be different. Teachers from
traditional schools can be encouraged to
visit the Montessori classes to observe
the level of academic work.
Any good teacher will meet a child at that
child's own level of development and make
the necessary allowances for what the
child has already achieved. It is
important for parents to monitor their
child's work in the new academic situation
and to keep in close contact with their
child's teachers. Parents and
teachers working together can ensure that
the child will continue the love of
learning acquired at Montessori Episcopal
School.
The habits and skills which a child
develops in a Montessori classroom are
good for a lifetime. They will help
him or her to work more efficiently, to
observe more carefully and to concentrate
more effectively, no matter what he or she
does. If the child is in a
stimulating environment, whether at home
or at school, their self education - which
is the only real education - will
continue.
Research has shown that the best predictor
of future success is a sense of self
esteem. Montessori Episcopal, based
on self directed, non-competitive
activities, help children develop good
self images and the confidences to face
new challenges and change with optimism.
By Aline D. Wolf
