I used to think “Montessori” is another word used for “Pre-school/Play School” until I received the message “Please be advised that ours is not a play school. It is a Montessori School and we would like you to refer to it as Montessori School” from the School, for which I had sent an enquiry e-mail to enroll my then 2 year old daughter. This happened in the year 2015.
After this, I got curious and checked with some of the parents who have experienced the ‘Pre-Schooling’, about the difference between the two. But didn’t get any clarity! A quick google search landed me on Wikipedia page which stated “The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Italian physician “Maria Montessori” is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children.” Though this statement looked interesting, I didn’t bother to explore more at that time!
“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.” ~ Maria Montessori
My kid joined that School and from the very first day we felt it is something different. Whenever I used to go there for my daughter’s pick up, I could feel the positivity in the environment. Some of the things I used to observe and admire while waiting outside:
- Very calm environment, everybody talks in a soft voice.
- Every child is treated with respect.
- All the students follow the rules without teachers screaming at the top of their voice.
- Teachers acknowledge even the very obvious/expected behaviour of the child. For Ex: Thank you for listening, Thank you for helping your friend, etc.
- It is a tendency to ignore some of the words said by children, but here everything what the child says is listened and properly acknowledged/responded by the Teachers/Staff.
- Children are encouraged to be independent. For Ex: Washing their hands, Wearing the shoes, etc.
- Discipline is not taught, it is their way of life so it gets imbibed in the child naturally.
My daughter completed 4 year Montessori (M0 to M3) cycle in that School. and as the days passed we started to understand the true essence of this system. Everyday my kid came home and surprised us with her new skills and abilities. We thoroughly enjoyed this phase as she progressed with her learning.
I have heard from some friends about how they had to pressurize their kids to learn reading and writing, as the school expected them to do so. May be this journey was so easy for us because of the Montessori techniques. There was no pressure to make the child do something for which she is not ready.
“The goal of early education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn”- Dr. Maria Montessori.
School taught her everything at her own pace according to the Montessori principles, by providing proper guidance and encouragement at the right time. They also gave instructions to parents about inculcating certain habits and routines which made the entire learning process smooth and fun. It was an enriching journey not just for the child even for us parents.
Considering the fact that children have to transition to traditional system of education, this School had planned and executed the Curriculum in such a way that child learns in Montessori environment, yet beautifully transitions to be competitive for traditional education at next level.
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
The 4 years Montessori journey gave new perspective to our way of parenting. Now it is 2 years since my daughter graduated from the Montessori school, but whenever I hear the word Montessori, my mind revolves around that first message what I received, what I experienced later and how I totally agree with that statement because Montessori system deserves much more respect!
“The child is truly a miraculous being, and this should be felt deeply by the educator.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
These days many pre-schools use the term Montessori but in reality the principles are not followed. So to experience the real Montessori way of life one has to choose the right school, where the teacher/system has passion and respect for this wonderful gift called Montessori Education by Dr. Maria Montessori.
P. S.- The Montessori School which I mentioned here is called GMS, it is located in Green Wood Regency, a residential property in Sarajapura Road Bangalore. This School is run by Smt. Katyayani Madhira and Sri Chandra Madhira.
