frequently asked questions

One is familiar with the traditional system of schooling in India. Montessori system of education offers an alternative which is not assailed by concomitant infirmities. A Montessori presents a prepared environment designed to inspire inquisitive interest among children. The trinity of environment, materials and the guiding adult creates a child centric eco-system where all activities and everything is for the benefit of the child. Subject to discipline, she revels in opulence of freedoms – freedom to choose activity, games, movement. In the process, she teaches herself by means of experience and observation. Steering clear of constrained fixed courses or learning by rote, the Montessori system focuses close attention to discover and stimulate each child’s individual abilities and allows her to learn and develop at her own pace.

It has been seen that at two and a half years of age a child reaches a critical juncture of development. Having formed an understanding of the environment immediately around since birth, the child now begins to apply her senses to interpret, relate to and analyse the wider world to which she gains gradual exposure. Her mental faculties are primed and she is engulfed by a keen desire to know more. At this crucial, defining point the Montessori environment with its mix of other children, sensory materials, activities, guiding adults etc opens a learning gateway. This spurs the child to absorb eagerly new and exciting things.

In choosing a suitable Montessori for your child, apply the following litmus.

• The school must offer uncompromised assurances of safety and security of the child.
• The school must have good infrastructure including bright and cheerful inner and outer environment. It should offer child friendly amenities.
• The school should ensure and practise impeccable hygiene.
• It must have specially trained and zealous Montessori teachers along with dependable and caring support staff.

When a child has to make a transition from a Montessori to a traditional system of education she faces a task of adaptation which is binary in nature- the social and the academic. Having been schooled in the Montessori ethos which, since the very inception, placed her in mixed age groups, bridging the social gulf is her forte. Having progressed through diverse social, linguistic and cultural mixes, she has subconsciously built an intrinsic ability to mingle, making social adaptation a smooth process. As far as academic adaptation is concerned, in the Montessori system the child, presented with freedom of choices, has learnt from observation and experiences. She has been taught to apply her learning skills to overcome hurdles. Consequently she has learnt how to learn. When necessary she will automatically apply these acquired abilities to adapt to the the new academic structure.