The world can always use more leaders, and it can especially use more leaders with compassion and an intrinsic desire to help those who need it most. These are the exact kinds of leaders that we try to inspire at Montessori elementary school, and we do it in a variety of ways.
Some children may be born with the sensibilities of a leader, but these qualities are something that can be taught, fostered, and encouraged, too. Take a look at how we can help your child develop their inner leader as they make their way through elementary school.
A Sense of Independence
Leaders think independently, which is something that’s not always easy for children, as they are so rarely independent. Montessori elementary school provides a safe environment for children to have some autonomy, and this allows them the chance to think independently and develop the self-esteem necessary to be a leader.
Self-guided learning is a big part of the Montessori philosophy, and it’s also something that can hone leadership qualities. Having a sense of independence along with the sense of responsibility for oneself that self-guided learning requires can help elementary school students feel the confidence they need to lead and teach others.
Dynamic Classrooms
Montessori classrooms contain a blend of different ages, and this offers a unique opportunity for your child to observe both older and younger children and get a sense of the dynamics between them.
They’ll have role models to look up to in their older classmates, and they’ll be role models for their younger classmates. This gives them a sense of both ends of the leadership dynamic.
When children enter elementary school at the age of six, they’ll find themselves among children from age six all the way up to nine years old. They begin as followers and learners, but as they continue their journey they’ll slowly build up the knowledge, experience, and confidence it takes to become a leader and a teacher.
A Conducive Setting
A traditional classroom setting generally rewards followers. Students are expected to listen, fit in, avoid mistakes, and meet expectations. In Montessori elementary schools, students are allowed more autonomy, less expectation, and plenty of room for trial and error.
With the opportunity to figure out what works best for them without fear of reprisal should they make mistakes, children hone skills that help them lead rather than follow.
Mutual Respect
Great leadership requires reciprocal respect. Montessori elementary school children learn about respect in a variety of ways, from respecting their environment to respecting their classmates and teachers to being respected themselves.
That final aspect is incredibly important, as you can tell a child all about how to show respect, but if they’re not shown it themselves they’re unlikely to understand how to show it to others.
We allow children to develop their own sense of respect and set the parameters for it themselves, and then we honor those parameters. This not only teaches them to think critically about the concept of respect but also provides them with an example of what it looks like when someone shows the respect that all great leaders are capable of showing.
Interested in Montessori Elementary School?
If your child is ready for elementary school and you’re interested in what the Montessori method can offer them, contact Flagstaff Montessori today and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.