The last week of February is Montessori Week, marking the culmination of our month-long celebration of our Montessori Preschools at Creative Playrooms. This week is an opportunity for our schools and teachers to highlight and celebrate the Montessori method of education, which empowers children to take an active role in their learning.  

First pioneered by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, Montessori programs are characterized by interactive learning, child-led activities, and trained teachers that help build learning around each student’s interests to create more meaningful educational experiences.  

At Creative Playrooms in Cleveland, Ohio, students have benefited from the wide range of educational programs offered since the center’s first location opened over fifty years ago. The founders saw the value of offering a range of educational options to meet the needs of their diverse community’s needs.  

To learn more about Montessori at Creative Playrooms, we spoke with Melissa Lahowe, Center Director at Creative Playrooms in Parma:  

Could you tell us about Parma’s Montessori program? 

Our Montessori program provides an environment rich in activities for every area of learning. The children retain their freedom and get to choose their own work. Their freedom contributes to their self-confidence and independence. The teacher will guide and introduce them to new activities and ideas, she will then shadow them to help complete the work.  

How does the Parma Montessori program prepare children for kindergarten? 

We give our students the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Students discover the joy of learning, become creative independent learners, and then explore and experiment with the world around them. Students acquire concentration and good work habits, become aware of special strengths, abilities, and uniqueness, and become self-reliant, independent thinkers. 

What do parents love most about Parma’s Montessori program? 

They love the atmosphere our Montessori teacher, Ms. Miaya, provides in her class. She teaches the children how to be peaceful with one another and they learn how to be independent. The parents praise her for the way she conducts her class in a positive manner. It is evident to our families that she truly cares about the education of the children.  

What skills do students learn in Montessori? 

They learn to be independent, speak with and treat each other respectfully, and learn about cultures all over the world. As well as counting, writing, reading sight words, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers. 

Looking to learn more about Montessori at Creative Playrooms? Get in touch or schedule a tour!  

Learn more: 

Montessori Spotlight: Meet Parma’s Ms. Miaya 

55 Years in Childcare: Creative Playrooms Celebrates a Huge Anniversary 

Thriving Through Fun: 6 Benefits of the Play-Based Approach to Learning