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.

Toddler’s School Tales

So the Toddler started school more than a month back and I’m glad to say that she has completely adjusted to the new environment. She has not only adjusted but she loves going to her ‘Sikshuks Monnesseri’ yes… that’s what she calls Siksha Montessori. She wants to go to school even on weekends.

I was talking to the principal the other day and she told me “Zoe is comfortable and has adjusted to the environment very well. She is actually Vanya Aunty’s (her teacher’s) pet.” Well, I don’t know how much of a pet she is, but she loves Vanya Ma’am and Neetha Ma’am. All she keeps saying the entire day is their names… others from school she remembers is her Akka. She has made 2 new friends Ishika and Jainish, the entire day she keeps going on “Ishika was crying, I said Ishika Don’t cry” and something or other about Jainish.

Her vocabulary is becoming better and we see a change for good almost everyday (touchwood). She keeps on surprising us every single day. Today she got her 1st note from school which says she needs to get grated cheese to school tomorrow as they are making pasta at school.

That’s it for the day, I have to make Ms. Z go to sleep.

Why did I choose a Montessori School for Zoe

Written for MyCity4Kids

Zoe (2.5) has just started going to school and from the time I started my research on various methods adopted by different schools, the Montessori way of education attracted me the most. Why did I pick a school which doesn't believe in teaching my daughter alphabets but phonics... which does not believe in having tables and chairs but has floor mats.... where my child will do many things that a regular school wouldn't allow kids to do.

I visited my daughter's school couple of times before her admission, but I went as an observer once and that's the time when I was sure this is what I wanted for Zoe. Couple of things which I loved about the setup:

Disciplined and Peaceful environment: When you enter a Montessori school and a class is going on, you will be impressed by the kids sitting there and working peacefully. They are so disciplined and know exactly what they want, if they need help they will politely go up to a teacher. I have not noticed any kind of shouting, shrieking or unnecessary running around. Though kids are so disciplined, still there is no dearth of activity and the class is always buzzing with it.

Mixed-Age Classroom: As parents, we accompany the child to their classes when the kids join school. Zoe's 1st day left me even more impressed with the system. A 5 year old was told to help Zoe as she takes long to get comfortable with an adult. Seeing Zoe work and talk with an older child peacefully made me a happy mum.

Independence & Responsibility: Teachers and staff work more as an observer in a Montessori setup. They step in only when the kids need them. Seeing a 3 year old pour water from a small pitcher to a glass, making puzzles without help and do so many things on their own was amazing. After seeing this I was sure I want a Montessori school for Zoe. Since kids become independent at a younger age, they also become responsible. They believe in doing things on their own. They believe in finishing the task at hand.

Curious kids: A Montessori environment encourages kids to be curious, kids are introduced to many equipments and environment is such that they get exposed to many age appropriate things. This help rise their curiosity where kids are also encouraged to find their own answers

Children are not confined at one place: Kids sit on mats, they aren't restricted to their desks. When I researched why floor mats? Here is what I got "Children’s working on the floor on small rugs is a practice born out of Montessori’s astute observation of children. Her medical and anthropological background came together in establishing this practice. As a scientist she realized that children needed an environment where they could freely express themselves in spontaneous activity. It is a well recognized fact today that children need to move and change positions. Yet, as children grow, their need for movement varies. The baby, with 68% of her height in her trunk, will naturally lie on her back with feet and hands up in the air. The child of 2.5, as she enters our Children’s Houses, has longer legs in proportion to the trunk; the trunk then is only 62%. These children are at the point of developing a perfect equilibrium. We can see them often lying on their stomachs with the legs bent at the knees and feet up in the air. The leg muscles are stretched in this position. Children between 2.5 and 5.5 years old often seek a resting position on the floor and raise their head and shoulders by supporting them with their elbows."

Teachers are not 'authority figures': You will hardly find them scolding your child. They might be stern if need be, but the teachers are trained in such a manner they understand children beautifully.

No grade/rank system: The system keeps a track on how kids advance without any tests, stars or rating system. The kids do not compete with each other but the progress is seen basis the kid's own ability

Check this video out to know more

A tip: Go and observe a Montessori school and you will know for yourself what I'm talking about.

The Toddler turns into a 'Preschooler'

Yes, the day came and she did it. Zoe started school on the 10th of June 2013. She is going to Siksha Montessori, which is very close to our place. I went with her and sat there in her class for 2 days and then the teacher told me she can come alone tomorrow, let's try. I was not prepared for this, I was told it takes a week or so and here I see my little Z exploring the place from the word go.

I had already told her last night, that tomorrow Zoe will go alone to school... Mommy will say Bye-Bye and we will come to pick you up. When we dropped her this morning, she was crying but the moment she entered she became quiet in some time. When I dropped her at the gate I immediately sat in the car, but Fizz kept standing at the gate for sometime. When she was out of site, Fizz and me waited outside the school premises. There was a girl who was constantly crying, Fizz kept on saying its Zoe, and I kept saying she doesn't sound like her. After sometime the teacher came out with a kid who was hauling (who Fizz was mistakenly calling Zoe). The teacher told us, she stopped crying when she entered and now is fine. Once the 30 minutes got over, I heard Zoe's teacher calling her to come to the gate so that we can take her home. It took her 2-3 minutes to come as Miss Z was busy playing and we could see that from the gate.

I'm so proud of my Baby that I promised her an ice-cream treat tonight when Fizz comes from office. Another milestone accomplished successfully.

P.S one of the main reason she loves the school is the star and smiley face she gets every day at school :-)

And the School hunt begins

There'll be many posts on this very topic and since this is my first, let me first give a brief on what things I'm looking for in a Pre-school for Z.

1. Location- I would love if the school is walking distance from our apartment. Now that's an added advantage and not something I'll rule out a school on. Even if I have to take a short auto ride to reach the school, its going to be good for me. When she'll go to big school, I can send her a little far, but not in case of Pre-Schools.
2. I'm looking for a Montessori school. I totally am in for Montessori, I don't believe that schools which load kids with a lot of 'knowledge' work for us/Z. In a Montessori set up, each child learns at their pace, and per me they'll enjoy the whole experience of learning.
3. I'm not a huge fan of Franchise based schools which open up in every single nook and corner. For me these schools are nothing but Money Making machines. Similarly brand names don't impress me, the school should appeal to me when I visit it and not it's full page colored advertisements in the newspaper. And more than me, Z should feel free in the environment.
4. The teachers and management should know what they are doing and should be bloody good at it. I'm extremely particular about language development. I'd want the teachers to communicate properly and they should be good with kids. The school should focus on extra-curricular besides just studies.
5. The school shouldn't be very fancy. Be it Infrastructure or people. I would be at ease if Z attends a school which is grounded.
6. A good Student - Teacher ratio for sure is important, especially in Pre-Schools
7. I remember in my school La Martiniere we didn't carry any books to school all our books were locked in our classroom. We didn't have any exams just assessments (those didn't happen every week either). We did not get any homework. This was followed till standard IV. This resulted in lighter bags and less burden on us and our parents. We were encouraged to participate in Extra-Curricular activity and SUPW. I have grown up as an above average student, but someone who loved participating in Dramatics, Debates, Creative Writing, Dance and the works. I want a similar environment for Z. I don't want Z to miss out on all the fun things one can do in schools.

I don't know if the list is huge (I don't think so.) I know getting admissions is tough (especially in big schools). Still, I wouldn't want to compromise a lot. If it means a lot of hard work and many sleepless nights so be it. After one's house, school is the 2nd most important place for a child and I'd definitely not want to compromise on that.

What's your take?