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Montessori: Choosing the Right School



Choosing the Right Montessori for your Child
It is an extremely daunting task to choose the right Montessori for your child. Fortunately, Bangalore is buzzing with Montessori Houses of Children around the city. There are a few problems associated with the same as well. The term “Montessori” has now become an adjective to attract parents. There are some great Montessori schools out there and a few which have attached the term Montessori for namesake. 
Before you decide you’d be choosing a Montessori, you will have to do two things:

 You have to ask yourself a question: Is the Montessori Method right for you and your family? As Montessori is a way of life, you have to be certain you understand and agree with the same.
The first step wouldn’t be complete if you don’t understand the method, hence you have to take out sometime and understand the Montessori Method.

To choose the right Montessori you have to 'experience it' and then take your decision. You can look at the following when you choose to visit a Montessori environment.
  • You can look for the elements considered essential for an authentic Montessori program; this includes mixed-age classes, Montessori learning materials, and teachers who are more of observers and helpers. The center of attention is the child and not the teacher.
  • Since Montessori is based on “Follow the Child” there is no set curriculum in a Montessori
  • Ideally, it is recognized by an authentic Montessori body. Having said that, it is not mandatory for schools to go in for recognition or affiliation with any Montessori body. What one needs to enquire is if the Adult is Montessori trained. The majority of teachers and assistants are Montessori certified for the level(s) that they teach. 
  • Classrooms are clean, well-organized, and inviting, with soft colors and uncluttered spaces that help children feel focused and calm. Instead of desks, you’ll see spaces suited to group activity and mats for individual activity. Some children might use chowkies, yet some more might be seen sitting on tables and chairs.
  • The ages in an authentic Montessori classroom typically span 3 years (in India, it’s mostly 3-6 and 6-9 years in some schools). A big role the older children serve is of role models and helpers, and each student feels supported as part of a close, caring community. 
  • Students handling materials respectfully and carefully. 
  • Mostly children look happy & healthy and have a good rapport with adults.
  • Usually, discipline in a Montessori environment is not enforced but a way of life. 
  • The furniture etc. (and the toilets) should be such that the child can use them independently. 

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