Montessori PLUS
The Montessori system, developed in 1913 is recognised world over as one of the best systems for early childhood learning. Association Montessori Internationale, the recognised international authority when it comes to applying the Montessori approach at different levels has been continuously researching and refining techniques and resources used in the Montessori approach to learning. At Tharakans Montessori, we follow the rigorous standards expected from a certified Montessori House of Children, but we also add value to the learning process by ensuring it is better adapted to modern Indian society and culture. We call this the Montessori PLUS approach which has four main elements.
Parent Connect
The Montessori system is a primarily student driven learning system where teachers are facilitators and guides who channel children’s natural curiosity and energy towards activities and games that help them acquire fundamental skills and knowledge. Since this process of learning is very different from the traditional methods of teaching, parents are usually requested to refrain from teaching their children at home as it may disrupt their learning process. At Tharakan’s we believe in this tenet as well. Once you entrust your child to us, we take the responsibility of making sure your child learns and develops to their best. Therefore, the time you share with your child can be spent having fun and making memories.
However, we know that, as parents, you will want to be involved in your child’s education, hence you will be continuously updated about your child’s learning progress. You can use the specially designed materials we provide you to keep track of your child’s growth and progress and understand what your child is learning better. You will also have complete access to your child’s ‘progress book.’ We will send you notifications about your child’s major achievements and milestones. We also provide you with access to real time CCTV camera feeds of our play areas and learning spaces so you can check on your child at any time.
Love for Learning
The Montessori system, as we have mentioned before is a child focused, self-driven learning process. Learning in the Montessori process is a natural process which uses the child’s inherent curiosity and personal interests to engage in activities that stimulate learning. The Montessori method does not believe in exerting any outside pressures upon the children to learn. Nor is there an artificial structure to the learning process that the child is expected to follow. The learning process involves self-directed activities, hands-on learning and collaborative play which makes learning so much fun that children learn faster through the Montessori system rather than the traditional methods of teaching. Additionally, though there is no structured syllabus, the strategies of learning appeal to children of all interests and strengths. We have observed that children in a Montessori system achieve learning milestones faster than their progress in learning via traditional methods of teaching. We also do not limit your child’s growth to an arbitrary level ascribed to a set syllabus. We encourage our children to acquire knowledge and skills at a pace they are comfortable with, but we never limit how much they can learn. A child who has grown and studied in a Montessori system till the age of 6 may find themselves much more advanced in subjects they are interested in compared to students who have studied in a traditional pre-school system.
Most importantly, in a Montessori driven system, the learning process is given great importance. Children learn, because they enjoy learning, not because they crave approval or attention from the adults who are a part of the learning process. This fundamental difference between the Montessori system and traditional systems of teaching, is integral towards a more wholesome cognitive development among children studying in the Montessori system.
Understanding Holistic Child Development
Early childhood development is usually divided into specific domains. These are motor development, language development, cognitive development and social and emotional development. The Montessori system encourages children to participate in activities that ensure their growth in every domain used to measure child development. Every activity and technique that is a part of the Montessori learning process contributes to the development of several of these domains. The Montessori focusses on the phonetics approach to language learning which is the ideal method for children to acquire languages. The mixed learning spaces with children of different ages learning together will help in their social and emotional development. The autonomy to interact freely with the learning materials and other children, in a structured environment, as part of the learning process, enhances cognitive and social development.
At Tharakans we methodically apply the techniques that are an essential part of a good Montessori education. We also strive to go beyond the mainstream established routines of the Montessori system. Paediatricians and child psychologists associated with Tharakans keep abreast of the latest research and trends when it comes to child development and ensure our Montessori teaching methods and resources match the world standard. As part of this endeavour, we have dance-driven learning activities for toddlers which contribute to gross and fine motor development and performance-based activities for young children to help with their language skills and social and emotional development. We are strong believers in the efficacy of experiential learning and we rely on live experiments to help children understand the world around them. For instance, our children learn about the life cycle of butterflies by observing the entire process live in a terrarium that is set up in the learning area. Watching a caterpillar hatch from an egg and then develop into a chrysalis before breaking out as a butterfly is an experience your child will treasure their entire life and will inspire in them an appreciation and love for the beauty of nature.
Sanctuary for Children
Tharakans Montessori is a space that is a sanctuary for children. At a fundamental level, Tharakans provides a space that is completely safe for your child. We believe in a rigorous safety standard that we stringently follow. All our staff are vaccinated and maintain strict sanitary standard. The entire school is sanitised regularly. Every space that is accessible to students is made accident proof and child safe, to ensure the safety of your child. The learning materials and resources are proven to be child safe and selected from materials recommended by certified Montessori centres. Every Tharakans Montessori centre also collaborates with the nearest paediatric hospital or clinic to ensure your child has easy and quick access to medical care in case of any health emergency. In addition to the physical safety of your child, Tharakans believes in providing an emotionally secure space for child to freely explore and learn within a structured environment and healthy boundaries. The Montessori system, through its learning system, stresses the importance of the emotional development of a child. Today’s children undergo quite a lot of stress and uncertainty, especially those children with two working parents. This can show itself in your children as a lack of focus, hyperactivity or mild learning difficulties. At Tharakans we provide an environment that provides stability and emotional security which helps children learn better. This will translate well to their lives outside the classroom as well.