Some questions that you might face before selecting a preschool. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you. If you have a question that is not answered here feel free to call us on 83559-58781 or email us at savimontessori@gmail.com
1.What is the difference between Montessori preschool and traditional school
| Montessori Program | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|
| Prepared Environment: The environment is designed to enhance curiosity of the child to explore on his own | Unprepared environment: The environment does not cater to self learning |
| Active: The lessons are hands-on and concrete performed by children | Passive: The lessons are orated by teachers, child learn passively |
| Individualised Curriculum: Curriculum is organised according to child’s individual pace | Mass Curriculum: The whole cohort learns the same thing irrespective of individual capacities |
| Uninterrrupted Workcycles: Children can work uninterrupted on their work which encourages them to explore more | Block Periods: Children are subject to fixed time limits, because its mandatory |
| Focus on holistic development: Shared emphasis on intellectual, social, academic and emotional aspects | Focus on academics: Main focus is only on academics |
2. What is the best age to send my son/daughter to Montessori preschool?
As a rule of thumb, your child should attend preschool from the age of 15-18 months of age. Every child is unique and his/her growth milestones may differ from peers. Some children seem physically and mentally mature at a younger age, you could talk to the school teacher to figure out if your child is ready for preschool.
3. Do Montessori children transition well to CBSC, ICSC and State boards?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations. Although there is no research available on Montessori children in India, Montessori parents seem to attest that their children cope better to school life.
4. Do Montessori children interact well in social settings ?
Montessori classrooms are mixed age. Meaning children of 2 years to 6 years all share the classroom and materials inside the classroom. With interaction among children, Montessori children do interact well in social settings as they are tuned to mentor younger children and seek advise from elder children.
5. If children work at their own pace do they fall behind?
Mathematics, languages and culture are shared with Montessori children at an age earlier than traditional schools. The focus of Montessori is to make the foundations of each concept rock solid. Typically when Montessori children enter formal school they seem to be ahead of the cohort because of their strong foundations.