Preschools in India

Montessori Method of teaching children has become famous all across the globe considering the effective training that it imparts to children. This method uses various techniques that help the children to learn and grasp easily.

Some of the Montessori schools in Mumbai are:

• Kidzee , Mira Road, Mumbai Address: Punam Sagar Complex Mira Road, Mira Road , Mumbai- 401107, Maharashtra, Landmark: Near – New Asmita Super Market, Phone:  Home(022) 32522727
• The Tree House, Shastri Nagar, Bldg No. 8, Gr. Floor,behind Billabong School, Link Road, Goregoan (W) Mumbai – 400104 Ph : (91)-(22) 28777624, Website : www.treehouseplaygroup.net
• Child Kare, 2S.V. Road (Thakkar Shopping Mall) Gr, Borivali West Mumbai – 400092, Ph : (91)-(22) 28333389
• Activity Infant School, 2, Naoruji Gamadia Road, Mumbai – 400026. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 23510446, 23517909. Fax : 91 22 23515448, Email : sheroodesai@yahoo.com
• Harmony Montessori, Neel-Nandini, 8th Road, off Linking Road, Khar(W), Mumbai – 400050. Maharashtra,           Ph : 91 22 26486967, 9821095927, Fax: 26463772, Email : parekh_beena@yahoo.com
• Anandi My Play School, B/12/192Chittaranjan Nagar, Ghatkopar Rajawadi Mumbai – 400 077 Ph : (91)-(22) 25160124
• Casa Bambino Montessori, Khatau Mansion, Oomer Park, Warden Road, Mumbai – 400006. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 23636408
• Besant Montessori School, Theosophical Society, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 26154178
• Blue Bells Montessori, 1, Kunnath House, Sitladevi Temple Road, Mumbai – 400016. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 24440916.Email : nairlata@hotmail.com
• Sunshine Preschool, Plot no. 156, Sunbeam (above SBI), 18th Road, Chembur, Mumbai – 400071. Maharashtra   Ph : 91 22 56007301
• Blooms Montessori School, 5 Happy Home R H B Road Mulund West Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 080 Ph : 25680678, 25911292
• Casa Montessori, 214, Marine Drive, Oceana Building(grd fl), Mumbai – 400020. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 22021356.Email : pinazmin@hotmail.com
• Aseema, PCMS, St.Josephs Road, Bandra, Mumbai – 400050. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 26407248. Fax : 91 22 26407248 Email : contact@aseema.org Website : www.aseema.org
• Kidstuff Play school & Nursery, Colaba , Mumbai Ph : 2871851
• Humming Birds Playgroup Nursery & Day Care, 14/ 2Dadabhai Cross Road (Chaman Bungalow) Andheri West Mumbai – 400 058 Ph : (91)-(22) 26232522
• Smile Montessori School, 254- Nepali house, Ground floor, Mumbai – 400006. Maharashtra Ph : 91 22 23638678, 23682219 Fax : 23638678Email : smileorg@yahoo.com Website : www.smile-ngo.org

Montessori schools quintessentially educate the infants based on the creative methods of Dr. Maria Montessori who was an Italian doctor who devoted herself to educating the young children through her unique methods. Today, all round the world there are thousands of Montessori schools that teach infants and young children and provide them the first step into the world of knowledge. There are quality Montessori schools in India also.

Some of the Montessori preschools in Delhi are:

• Sacred Heart Montessori, D-1/121, Janakpuri New Delhi,110058
• Salwan Montessori School, Rajindernagar, New Delhi – 110060 Ph : 25781118
• Auroville Nursery School, M-54, Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019 Ph: 0 11 64-37559 Email : aurovilleschools@hotmail.com
• Modern Montessori School, 48, Surya niketan Delhi, 11092 Ph : 011 214-2537
• Shemrock Fort, KP- Block (Opp. KP-50) Pitumpura, Delhi -88 Ph : 27327767, 47016022 / 1 Website : www.shemrock.com
• Bachpan Play School, S.K. Educations Pvt. Ltd. 3rd Floor, P.P Towers, Netaji Subhash Place, Main Road,Pitam Pura, Delhi-110034      Ph : 91-11-27351462-63 Fax : 91-11-27351461 Email : response@bachpanglobal.com Website : www.bachpanglobal.com
• Kids Innovations Fun And Play School, D 2/18 Model Town Part Iii Model Town 110009 Delhi Ph : 011-27227932,011-27442299
• North -Ex Preparatory School, H-32/45, Sector – 3, Rohini, Delhi 11085 Ph : 27271126, 27169072
• Shadley Montessori Public School, Z-8, Rajouri Garden New Delhi Ph :25413535
• New Public Montessori School, K1282, Jahangirpuri New Subzi Mandi Delhi, 110033 La Montessori School, 2289, Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110 0 Ph : 011 25721926
• Adarsh Montessori School, G-14 A, Mansarovar Garden New Delhi, 110 015 Ph : 011 554-7631
• Montessori Middle School, Lodhi Colony New Delhi, 110 003 Ph : 011 2461-8838
• The Saraswati Early Learning Centre, C-69, Rajouri Garden New Delhi Ph : 25111456, 25423358
• Twinkling Star Montessori School, C-11/2, Model Town-I 11 Delhi 110009 Ph : 27426136, 27210407
• Montessori World, S-179 B, Pancheel Park, Ground Floor, New Delhi – 17 Ph : 91-11-26014483 / 85
• Sharma Montessori Secondary School, Mata Sundri Road New Delhi, 110 002  Ph : 011 23234114
• Sharma Montessori School, Lodhi Road New Delhi, 110 003

They say, very few things can match the magic of creative imagination. This just does not hold true for artists or leaders. Creative imagination is needed and aspired for, in almost every sphere of your life. Creativity is an essential ingredient of success. Now look at the same creative imagination factor in view of children. Kids, as we know are very creative and imaginative. They have a very low attention span. Now, if our education system could use elements of creative imagination in the curriculum, it is going to be greatly beneficial for the kids.

Creativity of the child must be encouraged. It is a great strength of have and Montessori education system knows it and designs its curriculum in such a way so that child’s imagination is fully encouraged. A child’s imagination is an extension of his understanding of the real world dynamics and subsequent interpretation. Both boys and girls are equally attracted to the imaginative play. These plays are great confidence boosters for the kids. Just imagine a situation where two kids manage to create a crown and wand and perceive themselves as prince and princess. They start to act out the role and in the process feel empowered and confident.

Montessori education encourages such imaginative plays. The basic teaching of alphabets and number systems etc are well combined with dashes of creativity. Imagination is more like a bird which shouldn’t be caged. If a child is encouraged to pursue his creative imagination streak, he can do wonders with his life. Observing child’s creative thinking pattern also gives us an idea of his interests, likes and dislikes. Montessori schools try to provide opportunities so that they can become thought leaders of the future. Remember, leaders are always known for their independent thinking. Montessori schools must be given credit for encouraging young children to become creative and independent thinkers right from the very beginning.

The Montessori elementary school system is supposed to be the best education model for kids. Montessori schools command respect all over the world. The Montessori system is in existence for more than a century and it has lost none of its significance. In fact, the kind of competitive world we are living in, this education model has become even more relevant. These schools operate on a specific learning method established long back by a teacher named Maria Montessori. The reputation of school is such that many schools claim to be a part of the Montessori program. However, it is important for parents to explore the inner workings of the school to determine whether or not it is truly Montessori.

The biggest difference between Montessori school and other traditional school is the mode and method of the education. In a normal school, most often than not, children are not really aware of what they are learning and how it is going to benefit them whereas in Montessori, a child learns information that caters to his/her interests. Children form their own learning technique in an encouraging classroom environment. Teachers just assist the child in developing his techniques instead of providing materials. That is the single biggest different between a traditional school and Montessori school.  The needs, requirements and interests of an individual child are given highest priority in Montessori.

There is a simple philosophy that runs Montessori education model and that says, a child should be provided an environment where he/she develops his own independent thinking. Education materials should not be forced on child. It is the job of the teachers to find out individual interest of each of the children and develop activities that would help the kid in learning and retaining information. Children are encouraged to come up with their own ideas and theories and then test them out. This way, child will learn what works and what does not. This helps the child in becoming self-independent and confident of his abilities.

All these methods and models make Montessori schools the best choice for early child education.

Learning is an intriguing process. There are no set procedures regarding how different children learn. Different children have different learning methods. Irrespective of their abilities or interests, they learn in contrasting ways. This fact is so well understood by Montessori schools that realise that in order to make students reach their full potential; they need to be provided with appropriate learning environment keeping in mind specific needs. Even children with learning disabilities fit in Montessori schools. The schools have equipments designed for best learning modes. The education method in Montessori schools has been designed in an interesting way. Different items of interest have been integrated with different subjects that help kids in learning the basics. If we take the example of Geography subject, the books are plenty including on maps, animal figures, globes and pictures. Segregating one subject in different themes and books make children more comfortable with the subject material and they gain all round knowledge of a particular subject.

One striking aspect of Montessori school education is emphasis on teaching independence. Children are made active by indulging them in different tasks. These tasks could include serving at the drinks break or taking care of learning equipments, tying shoe laces, polishing, sweeping and making sandwiches etc. Children do these activities on a daily basis and that helps them in being independent.

Montessori education method also scores when it comes to not setting any standards of achievements. Children learn at their own pace. The school focuses on gifts, talents and needs of each child and provides them total freedom to do things that children love. The Montessori culture also encourages students to help and respect each other. Good quality equipment used in Montessori schools play a vital role in imparting quality education.

Parents want nothing but best for their children. It is a natural desire of the parents to provide best ever facilities to their kids. On such facility is education. We are living in a time where good education is the key to better living.

However, when it comes to choosing right schools for their kids, parents need to be very selective. They should be firm about their choices and weigh all the pros and cons associated with educational institutions. When it comes to choosing a first school for your little one, parents tend to feel nervy. After all, it is going to be a life-defining moment for both parents and the kids. However, parents will feel more secure with Montessori Method of education.

An Italian lady named Maria Montessori is credited with founding Montessori Method of teaching. She was the firstwoman in Italy to graduate in medicine from the University of Rome. She worked in several capacities like teacher to mentally retarded children, university teaching positions and study of child psychology and philosophy. She spent considerable time in researching philosophy, child development and education.

Montessori schools are wonderful results of lifetime of her efforts. A Montessori school differs from others schools in many ways. The most basic difference is that aim of Montessori is to provide a stimulating, child oriented environment where children are able to explore, touch, and learn without fear.

Each child has a different pace of learning. If a child is pushed into learning, it is not likely to yield desired results. It is important for teachers to understand and encourage child to learn at his own pace so that he can enjoy learning. This way, child feels happy and positive about his path.

Maria Montessori founded Montessori schools. She was an educator of Italian origin. The Montessori schools are popular all across the world. They have become synonymous with pre-school education. All credits to Maria Montessori for revolutionising the education for small children.

Montessori schools all over the world including India, follow the principles developed by Maria Montessori. Her principles were focused on developing the child mentally, physically and emotionally. Most of the Montessori schools in India are targeted at children in the age group of 2-6 years. However, there are some schools that also provide courses for elementary, middle and high school.

Montessori schools in India are either affiliated to Montessori association or simply tend to follow the Montessori Method with some modifications of their own. A good number of Montessori schools in India are affiliated and recognized by Association of Montessori Internationale (AMI) set up by Maria Montessori in 1929. There are few Montessori organizations in India like Indian Montessori Association (IMA) and Indian Montessori Centre (IMC) to whom many Montessori schools in India are associated.

It is the strongest desire of each parent to provide his child the best education. But academic achievement is not the only thing that plays a crucial role in child’s development. As a child grows up, he also starts having certain vital needs. The primary aim of Montessori education is to fulfillment of these individual needs.

According to the Montessori Method, a child has the inbuilt tendency to learn by himself. To further develop his naturally gifted skills, he needs an encouraging environment and that’s where Montessori schools come into the picture. Montessori Method has key elements of self-education, instructive materials, trained teachers, individual attention and specially prepared environment.

Montessori schools in India are equipped with different types of Montessori Apparatus that has been categorized into arithmetic material, sensorial material, and language material and so on. At some schools, there are more than 100 types of Montessori apparatus. This way, children learn to grade and classify impressions. Most of the Montessori schools in India are located in metro cities. It has yet to spread its reach in rural or semi-urban areas. However, with changing times, various Montessori schools are coming up in small towns and cities of India.