Why I chose an Elementary Montessori for Z?

Image Courtesy: Google

 

Z, who is now a confident 6 year old, introduced me to the world of Montessori education. She joined this amazing House of Children in June 2013, and she literally blossomed into someone who is curious, confident, independent and aware (for her age); into someone who likes learning.  She doesn’t need to be entertained; she loves her company as much as of her friends and family. 

 

Now, that she will be completing almost 4 years in her current school, it is time to bid adieu to one of the most amazing schools (not just Montessori). Siksha Montessori (her current school), unfortunately, doesn’t offer Elementary Montessori.

Last September, Z got admitted in a very good school and we had decided to go ahead with the same. It seemed like the perfect choice for us, many of the kids who come to MLCB go to this school and I received a positive feedback. Besides, it was walking distance from our home and my work place.

When she went to give the entrance test and interaction, she did fare well; but seemed a little lost. We decided, it is a new environment and she will adjust easily. She was also looking forward to join this new big school.  

One thing that was bothering us was that she was already reading chapter books, doing multiplication, carry forward and borrowing, she knows about most parts of speech, she has also read so much about the world around us, space, environment, animals etc. Wouldn’t she get bored in a regular school environment? Yet, we were happy with our decision.

Then out of nowhere, we got a pamphlet about an Open House in an Elementary Montessori. Now, we did receive a couple of information pamphlets about Elementary Montessori schools, and since we had decided to go ahead with the big school, we weren’t paying heed to any information brochures. This one stood out, and since, the open house was on a Saturday, we decided, my husband and Z would visit the school, just to look around (my Saturdays are busy, hence I couldn’t). When they came back, both of them had liked the environment a lot. We decided to fill the application, just like that and we did. When after a month we went for an interaction, we learned about the approach and the school, we really liked it.

What stood out for us was how our little girl blended in with the environment. Usually, when she enters a new environment, she takes her own sweet time to open up, but here, she was, talking to adults, roaming around in the environment, and just happy to be there. She owned the place. That was an eye opener for us, we knew, we should choose a place where she is happy, and if she is happy, we will be happy.

That was the day; we finalized our decision and enrolled her. For us, it was like making a decision between two good choices, yet, we didn’t have to think twice about our final decision.

Z will join her elementary school in end of May Insha’Allah, and we can’t wait. She is sad (make it very sad) about leaving Siksha, but she is happy to join her new school.

I have no doubt that Z would have been ‘just fine’ in the other school, but is that ‘just fine’ enough?

Observation in a Montessori

Observation is an amazing experience a Montessori parent goes through. At least, I can say that for me and the husband. It was our 2nd observation since Z joined Siksha. Just see her and the other kids around work in the environment is amazing. I felt a sense of pride, seeing Z do her work (Masha'Allah). 

 

Getting a feedback from her teacher was such a relief. I remember, back in our days, we use to be scared before our PTMs. Even parents of the brightest child (academically) had to hear some not so good things. The way Montessori trained teachers are so good. Its not about presenting a huge list of complaints in front of the parents. It is always about how we as parents and the teachers can work together for the child. I did have a problem with Z not showing any interest in writing, and all her 'Aunty' said was, 'She is working hard at it, I know she will get there...'

Another reason why I love the Montessori environment. I wish there were Montessori schools in India when I was younger. Anyway, I'm happy I'm getting this experience through my daughter.

Montessori Activity - Cutting Paper

Cutting is a crucial practical life activity but it is also very dangerous. When I went to Siksha before Z's admission for their open day, to take a tour of the school and activities... I was impressed as well as a little taken aback when I saw the Cutting Paper activities. 

Z loves cutting paper and when she does cut a strip you can hear her shout "See... WoooHooooo'

Materials:
Scissors (In school they use normal scissors, I used child-friendly ones... and now Z tells me 'Siksha Scissors are better'
Paper
Tray

Mat (I skipped that Z wanted to keep the tray on her lap)

 

I placed the scissors and paper on the tray, as Z instructed. I told her to hold her scissors properly and she told me, 'Yes, two fingers in big hole'. She cut the paper into small strips (sharp end pointed up) and then cleaned up when she was done.

This video helps you understand the activity better.

Activity - Recognizing Sounds

Z knows all the basic 42 sounds, and we have a song to go with it. Thanks to Jolly Phonics am able to do various exercises with her at home. I'm also planning to enroll her in my MLCB phonics from April onwards. We as parents might be struggling to take out time for Z, but there are things she should be happy about. 

I bought a sound box for my class and Fizz being Fizz brought one for Z as well. Z loves making words and showing how well she knows her sounds. She can sit with her sound box for an hour at a stretch and I make sure we do a round of sound games every day. 

Montessori Activity - Spooning Grains

I'm so obsessed with the Montessori activities, that now I do one activity every day and now I have decided to cover it in the blog on a daily basis. Spooning grains is one of the simplest practical life activities. It not only develops the spooning skills, it helps in coordination of movement. Concentration improves as well.

Material

- A Tray (the one here in the picture doesn't has a tray but now I have realised using a tray is better)
- 2 Identical Bowls
- 1 Spoon (preferably an oval teaspoon)
- Grain (I used Toor/Arhar Dal)

Gripping the Spoon:
Hold the spoon from the middle, lift it completely from the tray. Wrap 3 fingers around the spoon handle and grip it firmly. Lifting the spoon in the middle of the bowl is the right way to do it.

Here is a video for the activity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HErAgsNmT8

Z was busy for 10 minutes and she didn't give up till all the grains were transferred.