Preschools in India

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.

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.