One unique aspect of the authentic Montessori experience at Keystone is the 3-year cycle, which is the period of time during which children remain in the same classroom with the same teacher, and work on various activities at their own pace. The 3-year-cycle is the cornerstone of each level from our Children's House through the Adolescent environment, and we are happy to share some of the benefits of this Montessori practice.
Familiar Teacher & Environment
The 3-year cycle allows for a stable learning environment for children. In traditional school systems, children change classrooms and teachers every year, which can be disruptive and stressful for some children. In contrast, Montessori programs provide a stable and familiar environment for children for three years, which can help them feel more comfortable and confident in their learning. This stability also allows teachers to build strong relationships with their students and develop a deeper understanding of their individual learning styles and needs.
Community
The 3-year cycle provides children with a sense of community and belonging. In a Montessori classroom, children work together in a mixed-age group, with children helping each other. This creates a supportive learning environment where children learn to work cooperatively, develop social skills, and respect each other’s differences. Each year, two-thirds of the students return to the same classroom, with a new younger cohort joining them. By remaining in the same classroom for three years, children can develop a strong sense of belonging to their classroom community.
Individualized Learning
The 3-year cycle allows for individualized learning. Montessori teachers present lessons when children are ready for them, not necessarily when a national yearly curriculum dictates that they’re ready. This allows each child to learn when they show readiness and eagerness for a particular subject, which is when learning happens most effortlessly and deeply. Children move uninterrupted through the curriculum at their own pace. This removes much of the frustration and boredom that can hinder positive learning experiences in conventional education.
Leadership Skills
The 3-year cycle provides children with the opportunity to develop leadership skills. In a mixed-age classroom, older children often take on a leadership role, helping younger children with activities and modeling appropriate behavior. This allows children to develop leadership skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which are essential for future success. By remaining in the same classroom for three years, children can take on increasingly more significant leadership roles as they grow.
Deeper Learning
The 3-year cycle allows for deeper and more meaningful learning. In traditional school systems, children often spend a significant amount of time reviewing material from the previous year. In a Montessori classroom, however, children can build on their previous learning and delve deeper into topics that interest them. With the same teacher for three years, children can develop a deep understanding of core concepts, and they can also explore related topics in greater detail.