All About Montessori
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sunset_dae:
My son has been in a montessori CC since 2.5 years old, currently coming to 6 yrs old. I must admit I didnt really want to put him in a monte envir as it always gives me the impression that children in the centre dont learn much and they have the freedom to do their own activities.
Gosh, u know what.. you're not the only one who has this misconception. If i have more time, i'll try to write up abt this freedom part in a Montessori environment. If......sunset_dae:
Every material the child works with are being observed by the directress and there are detailed emphasis on every material on how it's supposed to be done and why. Finally teachers record if the child has grasped the concept & able to apply the intended objectives of each material. Don't know abt other centres or teachers, but i'm very thorough with the checklists as Montessori is known for its uniqueness in adapting to a child's individual pace and so these checklists and observations are very important for directresses. It helps us recognize the areas the child has inclination towards during the Sensitive Period and work with them to ensure the can maximize their learning potential.was until I visited his monte CC then I realised my perception was totally wrong. The monte programm are very structured, children still have lessons and activities in class, however after they are done with their lessons, worksheets or phonics lessons, they are given the freedom to do montessori material. They are allowed to choose their own material to do/play with however each time they change to the next material, they are taught to keep away the exisiting one.
sunset_dae:
Staff turnover is very important. Never downplay this aspect when selecting a centre.My child had learn to be v independent and discipline throughout these few years, and recently he even told his class teacher dont need to shower for him, he can do it by himself! Environment, caring teachers, and the turn over ratio play an important part too.
sunset_dae:
Agree. Branded or most expensive doesn't equate to very good... when it comes to preschool shopping. The individual teachers play a part. Preschool is the only time you can choose the type of learning style you prefer your child to adopt.. the teacher you prefer your child to learn under.. the kinda school you would like your child to remember his childhood in.. Because you have a choice.There are always very branded monte CC in the market and yet pple will chiong to sign up. I have ever been to view a branded monte CC and it looks more like a market to me and yet the centre is filled with so many students.
From Primary School onwards, you have no such power. So, if you can help it or if you can afford it... choose well and your child will be ensured a happy learning experience apart from being primary school ready.
..... and in Montessori, that's where a child first begins to love learning.. will be self-motivated to learn.. and the stuff they learn in Montessori are the stuff that prepares them for life, not just P1 ready. -
STmummy:
Thanks for your reply. Had replied your PM too. Think Buds is too busy with her 4 kids. Still wondering how she manages. Really like to learn from you buds.
I'm busy... yes. But not just busy being a mom.
I'm happily busy being other things apart from being just a mom. Like...
1]... being a wife :evil:...
2]... being a friend (to my close girlfriends) :snuggles:... we catch up chit chat, go hi-tea, have play-dates, attend parties.. etc
3]... being a daughter... catching up with my folks and checking in on them from time to time and getting the lil kiddies spend time with gramps...
4]... being a daughter in law... who will never measure up to expectations... (so i'm less busy being this wan.. .. cos i already gave up. :rotflmao:
5]... being an educator to my fast growing boys! So big oredi! So fast! *pant pant*
6]... being Aunt Aggie, trying desperately to answer PMs when i have time to sit in front of PC to reply
7]..... and enjoy being buds in KSP. :please: For my buddies! :celebrate:
I like to have balance in my life. I already have too many regrets. I don't wanna add more to that list. So i can live life happy but contented that i didn't miss out on too much while i still can.
My 4 are growing and doing great and so am I. Still managing, thanks..... i try my best and hope my best is good enuff. -
STmummy:
There is this saying.... Betta late than neva! :celebrate:Dear Buds/ Cantbearit2,
I had read through from page 1 (skipped some pages in between) to the current page, and boy am I impressed with Montessori teaching methods now!
Welcome to the cult! Muahahahahaa! :rotflmao:STmummy:
I also have no help leh.. My baby is coming 5mths very soon. Fast hor..I have a 3.5 year old boy and 1 year old girl. My son is currently in full day CC located in pair ris (we stay in Punggol). I am a SAHM. We let our son go for full day cc mainly because I need to care for my baby (no help at all).
STmummy:
When you mention schedule of classes, did you mean to say... the academic hours?But lately my son has been showing signs he is not interested to go school at all. One of the reasons was because of the nap time (the kids in CCC will nap from 1230 to 3), but my son only wakes up around 8+ to 9+ everyday, so he cannot nap during that timing, and he said his teachers will always 'scold' him asking him to sleep. I also find it waste of time for him to be there 'pretending to sleep', and the schedule for classes is early morning (which he will miss if i'm the one sending him to ccc, due to the travelling and getting everyone ready) and after their nap.
Now that my girl is bigger, we try to fetch DS home earlier, but that means he will not be able to attend some of the classes. Therefore, lately I had been thinking of changing school for my son (thinking of those go for 3-4 hour classes instead).
I am just staying 1 bus stop away from Shekinah Montessori at Punggol Plaza, and recently met a mummy whose son (5 yr old) had been with them since 3, gave me good feedback with them. Went to visit them (walk-in as I called them and left my number, but nobody return my call). But as I'm not familiar with Montessori teachings, am not sure if this is one of the 'good' ones? Any comments?
In a full day childcare, both morning and afternoon sessions have academic time. Different centres though will carry out lessons in varying nature. For example..
1]CC 1 may do exactly the same lessons for am and pm but the full day children get to be in other enrichment pgrms held in-house be it from their own pool of staff or from external vendor. Pgrms range btwn speech and drama (Eng/Chi).. Music Appreciation.. Art.. Creative Writing.. etc.
2]CC 2 may have same theme for everyday but varied extension lessons for different group of students..
3]CC 3 may adopt a learning centre style of rotation where every child gets to do a different thing a day.. 2 to 3 teachers required for this.
Full day children are encouraged to nap as they stay in the cc longer and with some rest the teachers take turns to have lunch.. to watch over the sleeping babies.. prepare lessons or teaching aids.. catch up with parents via phone calls and/communication book or student diary.. etc It also offers 40 winks for the children so that they are fresher for the afternoon pgrm and not droopy eyed in the afternoon right up till dismissal.
My DD2 used to wake up late like yours as well, so we opted for afternoon pgrm only. We don't need the care part of the childcare pgrm like shower, makan, sleep and all that... since i am a stay home mom. The afternoon pgrm suited us best. It also meant DD thrived in it as she is active at that few hours in the afternoon since she wakes up later than the normal kids.STmummy:
I dunno about NE. But in E.. here's a few that you guys can check out.- you mentioned you are staying in NE area and had explored most of the centers here? Care to share which are the ones I can consider?
1. Josiah Montessori
2. Character Montessori
3. The Learning Curve
4. Brighton
5. Children's Vineyard i think... (one of our forum member recommends this ctr)
Shekinah in NE has mixed reviews but i think it's probably a different experience towards different teachers/staff and also parent's expectations. I say see to believe. Forum reviews are based on individual person's experience.STmummy:
Basic care must do so thats not a choice.. Housework done in btwn their milk time, tv time, nap time (i don't really take PM naps), night time (i don't really need that much sleep ).. Hence their waking hours i try as much as possible to be there with them to work with them (the materials).. to play with them.. sing and dance with them.. laugh with them and hug them lots. :love:Buds - I had been reading on your posts and am so interested to learn more so that in turn I can teach my kids too. But it's so tiring and difficult when we need to care for them, do housework, cook. How did you manage with 4 kids??? :udawoman:
I reflect each day before bedtime if they have had sufficient happy hours being with me doing the fun stuff with them and remembering their smiles and laughter during their waking hours. It gives me motivation to do more the following day and the next and the next... :please:
As for the management part.. honestly.....
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I think i've been conned. :rant:
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To do more than the average woman... :siao: more than i should... :slapshead: I only found out after i joined the SAHM club here in the forum. :stupid: I definitely need a raise. -
My tiger_chubs is sedated (with meds) ..he's a little under the weather.. so that's why i have some quiet time tonight. Or else he'd be latching on and i'd fall asleep with him.
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Hi,
Need some help to select the Montessori kindergarten for my boys, age 3 and 5 tis year. They are currently in a 3 hrs church kiddy. Not learning much, or sufficient enuff to prepare them for P1.
I have been scouting around over the past weeks:
1. Ismart Montessori at bangkit (Bukit panjang)- quite new, started in 2011. Teachers seems quite caring. Children will have 1 hr playtime with the Montessori tools. Once a week 30 mins outdoor play. Not sure about the academic part. Seems quite average. $1200 per term, Aircon.
2. CS Montessori at Bukit timah plaza- spoke to the teachers and seen the class work. Super impressive. The k1 and k2 are doing p1 work already, especially maths. But, very exp $1800 per term,Aircon. Class ratio smaller, maybe the fees too high.
I have been other centers. Phoenix is out, ichiban is out. Early learners is too far, no place for morning sessions too.
Any others recommendations? I stay around Bukit panjang, choa chu kang, upper Bukit timah area.
Many thanks -
If you said iSmart is quite ok and logistics wise is much nearer to your residence, you should go for it. If you don't have your own transport, CS Montessori does offer trasnport service but the fees are very expensive! :yikes: The last i looked at CS Montessori, it only has one classroom... but the brightest one that faces the streets.
Phoenix was out for me as well. Super HOT! Not comfortable for kids with eczema like mine. I won't even go into the staffing part, but the materials and syllabus are very good.
Ichiban was the least impressive. In all aspects. But that's just my own opinion.
If any of the shortlisted centres offer trial sessions, do consider to do it to have a better feel of the quality of the teachers and to see how programmes are run in the centre .... plus not forgetting, how your child takes to the place. All the best! -
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Thanks buds,
Yr rite, CS is the mos expensive. Was worried about the traffic jam at Bukit timah in the morning. If not, I may put my 5 yrs old there only.
I will visit Ismart again, to review their homework, they r quite new, not sure about their experience. The principal is an ex childcare teacher.
MMI at phoenix I would not recommend. My boy was there for 6 mths, pull him out immediately after seeing some teachers yelling at the kids. Son learn pinching also, hear frm other parents, they experience tis too. They seems to favour Indians too.
My boys are pretty independent, should not have a problem to adjust.
CS has quite a few classrooms now. The K1 and K2 are in one, pg and nursery in another room. 3rd for mandarin lessons. Student to teacher ratio was good. -
Hi any feedback on Mmi at west coast recreation center or at international biz park? Or any childcare in clementi area that practise Montessori teaching? Thanks in advance.
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Thereβs one Early years at sunset way.