Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Montessori come from?

Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She discovered an educational method based on her observations of children’s learning processes. Years later, today we have scientific proofs and researches being conducted to validate its relevance and applicability to today’s era.

In fact the philosophies and the methods that she has propounded are very simple. They are the theories about child’s natural behaviour. It stands extraordinary because of the method of education that she has modelled around these omnipresent behaviours of children. Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first school Casa dei Bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.

What's different about Montessori?

Montessori schools take a holistic approach of developing all aspects of a child: emotional, social, physical and academics. Montessori programs focuses on a child-centred approach where activities and lessons revolve around each child's unique interest & abilities.

Are Montessori children successful later in life?

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 criteria such as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori environment learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Are all PRESCHOOLS same as MONTESSORI SCHOOLS?

No, in fact, "Montessori" is not trademark and not even synonym to the word ‘kindergarten’ or “preschool”, which means that any school can claim to be "Montessori". Some "Montessori schools" do not even adhere to the traditional principles and methods of Maria Montessori yet claim to be Montessori schools.

The only guarantee that a school actually implements the totality and authentic standards of the Montessori Method is through visiting the school and understanding its working process.

There are also some school recognised under IMC – The Indian Montessori Centre, Bangalore, which are considered to be the authentic Montessori Schools.

Myth - There doesn't seem to be any opportunities for pretend play, the materials don't seem to allow children to be creative, and children don't seem to be interacting with another very much.

When Dr. Montessori opened the first Children's House it was full of pretend play things. The children never played with them as long as they were allowed to do real things - i.e. cooking instead of pretending to cook. It is still true.

There is as much interaction as the children desire, but the tasks are so satisfying that, for these few hours a day, children want to master the challenges offered by them. Then they become happier and kinder—true socialization. Also, since concentration is protected above all, as all "work" is respected, children learn early on not to interrupt someone who is concentrating.

What to expect in our Montessori House of Children?

A genuine Montessori House of Children will have these features -

1. Child centric approach – Teacher qualified in child observation, instruction and child developmental psychology, works with each child separately to preserve his uniqueness.

2. No classrooms – We don’t divide children into classrooms based on their age. It means they all work in same environment, yet uniquely in accordance with their developmental age.

3. No rote learning – We will never ask your child to fill-in pages and books writing numbers and alphabets. Instead, hands-on learning, concrete experiences, physical discovery, social interaction, and explorative approach is what we us stand separate on rather than constant direct instruction.

4. Social skills: Don’t be surprised to find children interacting with each other or working on a project without any direct instruction from an adult in the environment.

5. Cognitive stimulation: Young children should not simply be taught — they should be challenged and stimulated in a manner unique to their learning style and age. Our Montessori program aims to engage child’s senses and preserve their love for learning.