Children are not only curious about the world around them; according to National Geographic Kids, research has shown that children also have an innate proclivity for creativity from an early age. When this creativity is nurtured, it can, in turn, foster innovative thinking and problem-solving while children grow and develop.
As your children transition from a toddler program to enter Montessori primary, parents can benefit from understanding just why creativity and problem-solving are so important, and why they are involved in every facet of the primary curriculum. Here is how the Montessori method nurtures these areas for primary students.
Freedom of Choice
Young children up to about age six exhibit what is known as the absorbent mind, which is characterized by an incredible capacity to unconsciously absorb information about the world. Encouraging Montessori primary students to explore their innate curiosity starts with providing a prepared environment that supports exploration and creativity.
Within the prepared environment, everything is sized for children to ensure that all materials are accessible, and classrooms are designed to offer variety. This helps to stimulate each child’s natural curiosity.
In addition, students are encouraged to make choices about activities and interests. This freedom of choice helps them think independently, experiment and innovate, and discover solutions in a self-paced environment.
Hands-On Learning
Sensory engagement is an important aspect of interacting with the world for young children. Exploring and experiencing lessons in a direct and tactile way helps to foster curiosity and reinforce learning.
As children manipulate objects, use tools to complete tasks, and experiment with items in their environment, they discover at their own pace. This serves to improve motor skills and drive cognitive development, but it also makes every lesson more engaging, cementing critical creative and problem-solving tendencies.
Open-Ended Lessons
Studies suggest that as children age, they lose some creativity, according to National Geographic Kids. This is partially neurological, but traditional, structured school environments also play a role. Standardized testing is one prime example of stifling creative impulses by pushing a narrative that answers fall into a binary system of “right” and “wrong.”
In Montessori primary, however, students enjoy an open-ended environment that encourages creative, self-motivated learning and problem-solving. Open-ended activities and materials offer multiple solutions for children to explore.
For example, art projects with paints or natural materials allow for self-expression, with no approach or outcome being inherently right or wrong.
Learning Through Trial and Error
Another element that sets Montessori programs apart from traditional academic institutions is that children are given plenty of space to try. A typical classroom might keep kids on a short leash of teacher-led, monitored, and graded activities. But Montessori students are encouraged to identify problems, explore solutions, and self-correct with gentle guidance from instructors.
Teachers are trained to ask open-ended questions that encourage students to think through problem-solving and come up with creative solutions. Instead of simply providing the “correct” answer, they allow kids to get creative and work through the process.
Creativity Thrives at Montessori West
Young children aren’t hampered by limitations to learning. Every bit of sensory input and interaction is an opportunity to understand the world around them. Through a supportive environment that prioritizes exploration through freedom of choice, hands-on learning, open-ended lessons, and trial and error, the Montessori primary program nurtures children’s creativity and problem-solving.
Are you looking for a learning methodology that values the whole child and supports a creative mindset? Montessori West has a philosophy and curriculum designed to instill a lifelong love of learning. Contact us now to schedule a tour and learn more about our programs.
