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.

Observing Z at School!

We as parents have made a lot of mistakes in the 3 years of bringing Z up, and we have done some good things as well. While we learned from our mistakes and try to move on... the good things do make us feel amazing. One of the best thing that happened to us was choosing Z's school, Siksha is like that school Fizz and me had planned for Z, and we are happy we chose the school. 

We recently had an observation at school, which happens twice a year (that is what I've heard). We observe Z work in that environment and then have a small chit-chat with the teacher. Z had completed 6 months in Siksha and it was the first time she saw 'her Fizzy' in her class. So all she wanted to do was sit in Fizz's lap and not do anything. Seeing how patiently her teacher Ms. Vinaya made her come and sit on the mat was beautiful. Besides R, an M3 student made sure Z was comfortable and showed her proud parents what she was capable of doing. 

Loved seeing her work on the movable sounds (she knows all the sounds), using the 2nd box of colour tablets. It was so amazing to see her fold her mat with precision. 

Her teacher told us about her language skills which are great (Masha'Allah). We were told she loves stories, music and artwork.

The moment of the day was seeing her assemble the world map puzzle. At 3 did we know the names and locations of all the 7 continents? Well, Z does. 

Its magical to see Z work in this environment and growing (literally). We feel blessed ...

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.