Precociousness

Montessori, a pedagogy that fits precocious children!

We used to call them intellectually gifted, we now talk about “high learning potential” or “precocious children”. From time to time we use abbreviations like “HP” or concepts such as “zebra”… and so on. But no matter which word is chosen, the reality is the same: an intelligence that does not use the usual paths and has specific needs. And rather than erase those differences in order to make them fit an illusionary norm, it is much better to welcome them and use them as strengths! It is why choosing one of our schools based on the Montessori pedagogy ,starting from preschool, can be positive.

Montessori for precocious children: honor curiosity!

And why are they stars in the sky? And why do animals have paws? And why do we have to respect the rules? Everyday hundreds of questions cross high potential children’s minds. And “why?” is probably their favorite word. This fierce will to discover the world, to ask questions is not impudence but the opposite. Most of the time it reveals their anxiety toward a system they do not completely understand. In order for them to feel safe, precocious children need to feed their curiosity, get answers to their questions or at least be guided in their interrogations.

In a Montessori school, like our schools in Paris , Clichy or Marseille, everything is made to fulfill this need. First, we focus a lot on the cultural area: scientific experiments, geography, botany, zoology, history…and so on. Starting from preschool, our 3-6 years old are immersed in knowledge. We give them keys to comprehend the universe and the way it works. It is not only comforting but it also helps them find their place in the world. We also work on The Five Great Lessons, a particularity of the Montessori pedagogy.

Maria Montessori suggests introducing the study of science with five great initiation lessons. Through a very general angle, the main fields of knowledge are covered: Coming of the Universe and Earth, Coming of Life, Humans Come to Earth, Communication and Writing, Numbers. HP children really enjoy those lessons, their passion for discovery and their grasp to learn about the mystery of the world are fulfilled. We make sure to take the time to welcome all of their questions! Rather than making them silent, like it is usually the case, we take the time to open spaces where they can express freely like during our philosophy workshops. When taken care of this way the why becomes the most beautiful word!

Montessori for precocious children: respect sensibility!

A precocious child is not only a curious child, it is also a child with an hypersensitive sensory system. Noises, lights, heat and all of the external stimulus can disrupt him. His attention is shifting so it is essential to encourage his focus. Here also the Montessori pedagogy is the appropriate answer. In our schools, we designed the space in order to ensure children’s sensorial comfort: neutral colors, soft lights, whispering in class, structuring routines and so on.

Also one of the areas in Montessori is dedicated to sensorial life. The aim is to educate and fully develop the senses to make sure we are fully aware of them. And to go further, transmission takes place in a very structured and supervised space, with very precise activities, realised individually. Concentration is encouraged because the stimulus are limited. HP children are respected in their needs.

Montessori for precocious children: follow the pace of each child!

There is also an undeniable truth: precocious children suffer when we limit them from learning. The classic system does not offer other options than skipping a year which does not always fit the emotional maturity of the child. But in Montessori schools, we approach the learning process not based on the age or a level but according to the rhythm of each child. The processes offered are individual and respond to a child’s personal needs. For example, if a child is ready for reading at 4 years old we will give him the right tools to do so. Listening to each child’s needs is key to success!