All About Montessori

[schnapps_7]

Hi Buds


Can I have your views on Josiah Monti? My son has started attending that school for 4 months now and they are planning for fee hike. I am wondering if I am getting the " bang for the buck". Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks.

[buds]

piefreak:

Hi everyone,


I am pretty new here and have been a slient reader and is impressed with Montessori teaching method, especially reading a number of informative posts from Buds. Thanks Buds!

Hi to you too! :peekaboo:

piefreak:

I have a couple of questions, wondering if anyone can help to provide some insights on these queries?

Here is how it goes, after much sourcing around, we finally decided to send my son to a Monte Preschool. However, after some observation we noticed this Monte Preschool's teacher looks quite serious and the school environment seems very quiet. Is this one of the Montessori feature?

I guess then wherever i work will be an odd Montessori feature then.. cos i'm the noisy sort... and long winded... as you should already know by now after having read my sharings in the forum. Oh i forgot to add one more feature. Notti oso. That wan is prominent feature.

In most Montessori centres, i must say yes, our Montessorian children are well-behaved or in Montessori terms they call it normalized. Normalized children have very good concentration & attention span (after adapting) and they use their entire time in centres engaged in purposeful work almost oblivious to everything else around them, especially during individual mat activity. During this time they observe presentations, learn, try, make mistakes, try again... until they get it right... after which they move on to the many extension activities from that one presentation itself. Concept is key for once concept is concrete the rest will flow. That said however, it does not mean that interaction is not allowed entirely. Most Montessorian children do not like to waste time while at the centre. There are so many things to work on and they want to work on as many as they can before time is up to go home. Apart from that, there is circle time, where stories and rhyme and music and movement are also included in a Montessori centre. The other factor could probably also be that the centre has lower enrollment (if they are a new establishment) and/or that the different groups/classes cater to a special teacher: child ratio... as we know... Montessori has a good teacher : child ratio. This enables the directresses to observe and facilitate the individual child's curriculum to the students under their wing.

The opposite of a normalized child is a deviated child... who has yet to adapt to a Montessori environment. Not that it refers to an ill-behaved child but one who may require more time to come to the phase where they won't get distracted too easily. A Montessori environment encourages children to build good concentration and attention which in turn sees children working effectively. At this stage, some may be almost oblivious to even visitors who comes to view the centre at any time where lessons are being conducted. Which is normally the reason why most centres do not allow parent-visitors to engage directly with children who are at work. It can disrupt a child's full attention while working on an activity and can get the child distracted. Some children may get upset but most are willing to look up, smile and manage a sweet hi but return to their activity quickly. Where a child is a willing party, he or she won't mind to engage in short conversation with parent-visitors from time to time. Parents of the children attending the centres also pay good money for their children's education and as such you can also say time is money. Which in reality is not entirely false.

piefreak:

Another thing is this Monte Preschool only starts teaching Phonics at the age of 3 and above. So currently my son of 19mths is exploring with Montessori material but no Phonics yet. Is this because young toddler only learn about practical life at this age? I would like to understand more about this method used on young toddler. Anyone know about it, please assist.

Thank you!

Official phonics is at that age yes. However in Playgroup stage (18mths) they are introduced to the sandpaper letters, the objects beginning with corresponding single letter sounds, some centres incorporate phonics songs (external) and there are crafts done up to reinforce the sounds learnt. This is the informal introduction. Not so much testing whether they really know or not know but more so a phonemic awareness at this stage.

Practical Life is best for children of this age as they help refine their fine motor skills so children can hold a spoon correctly to allow for independent feeding during meals.. encourages good pincer grip in preparation for tracing and writing.. etc. Practical Life reflects on day to day activities we all do everyday and in a mainstream setting this is often overlooked but in a Montessori setting this is crucial to the needs of a growing child.

Sensorial activities are fabulous activities for children this age.. as they explore beyond shapes and colors alone but instead exposed to 3D shapes and colour gradation as well. Children refine the use of their senses from visual to auditory to tactile and it creates the best opportunities for children to derive many small successes before their big ones for the environment allows for every child to work from simple to complex banking in on their self-confidence and esteem that it is ok to work at their own pace. In a non-threatening environment like the Montessori environment, offers children a safe place to learn things slowly (if they need more time) or to accelerate (if they are fast learners). They also get to work on their sense of smell and taste with real life experiences all in the comfort of the centre.

Besides covering the 5 areas of Montessori, my Montessorian children get a taste of organized games, birthday celebration or themed parties like Halloween or Valentines, group-projects or group work or even just reading books to one another. As much as we value the need for concentration to work on individual activities and materials, we encourage children to engage in thoughtful conversations and discussions. They love Cultural Studies for we often do not have enough time to discuss everything under the sun. Everyone always has something special to share. This allows them to portray their experiences and their learning journeys better... for us (directresses) to observe their sensitive periods, their milestones and the kind of progress we can help them achieve with their potentials. We allow them to be the children that they are.

I dunno abt other centres but where and how i teach... nope... pin-drop silence is not a feature of our environment. In fact, where the space of a centre is good... there are also outdoor playgrounds, water/sand play, even cycling as well.

Not sure if i answered your question (cos i told you i'm long winded, right?) but well, that's my sharing for you.

[buds]

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/montessori-phonics-introduction-single-letter-sounds-lesson-1


The first link leads to the article i shared (a bit) with regards to Montessori Phonics introduction.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5768

The second link above, i pasted for you should you wish to follow up on discussions over the thread.

The final one below is if you wish to follow up on my other threads as well.
> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/blogs/buds <

Cheers. Have a great Sunday. :celebrate:

[Expatmum]

[quote Any others recommendations? I stay around Bukit panjang, choa chu kang, upper Bukit timah area.

Many thanks[/quote]

Arts Kidz have just opened a new branch at The Old Fire Station, Upper Bukit Timah Road.

[Twin-mama]

What about MMI Woodlands? Any feedback about the centre??

[tiredmummy1972]

My sil wants to put her son in Montessori playgroup ( not childcare). cant seem to find any in hougang where she stays. Any recommendations? or any other playgroup is hougang?

[buds]

schnapps_7:

Hi Buds

Hello there! :peekaboo:

schnapps_7:

Can I have your views on Josiah Monti? My son has started attending that school for 4 months now and they are planning for fee hike. I am wondering if I am getting the \" bang for the buck\". Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks.

In all honesty, i've never stepped into Josiah Montessori as i never saw the need to recce for a school so far away from where i reside hence the reviews i share on Josiah are purely by word of mouth either from fellow friends or from other parent acquaintances.

Only some simple questions of reflection is required on your end to decide.

>Has your son been more than happy to go to school these 4 mths and being treated well by his teachers?

>Has the past 4 months seen him being a more motivated learner?

>Do the teachers brief you about his progress periodically?

>Does the centre explain the activities or curriculum they are going to cover with him? Via newsletters, parent-teacher meet-ups, communication book, etc?

>Have you had any issues with the centre at all since you enrolled him there?

If your answer is yes to most (if not all), there should be little reason why you should contemplate an environment adjustment for him. Having a happy child eager to attend school every time is already half the battle won. The rest is up to the teachers to facilitate and us parents to support.

By far, Josiah has maintained a good standard of Montessori Education from what has been gathered by most feedbacks pertaining to the centre, teachers and its curriculum. As for the part on getting the bang for the buck, if you ask me personally... if i could afford to (which i can't) send my child to a centre that hires the best teachers and treats them well, it transcends to having happy teachers teaching my children, which indirectly means having me ultimately being a happy parent... for i know when my child is firstly.. happy to learn; can the learning then begin from the heart...

I cannot answer the question for you but i am sure as a parent, you are the best person to decide what's best for your child after reflecting upon his learning journey thus far.

Share here once you have decided.

[buds]

Off123:

Hi All and Buds

Hi there! :peekaboo:

Off123:

I went to see Ideal Montessori. The pax in charge was very good with telling everything we need to know and want to hear. I like the surrounding very much and most importantly, there seem to be very few montessori near boon keng mrt so I doubt I have many choice...pls correct me if i am wrong!

What an ideal name for a centre isn't it? It's nice that the person in charge did a run-through with you about your doubts & concerns. I like it when a person calmly takes me through the centre's everything.. even when i already know most of it. A rushed presentation or welcome is too much like a transaction.. I once visited a centre where i could not even cut in.. the administrator went on and on abt the 5 areas, the timing, the schedule, blah blah.. and when she finally paused for breath, i said, \"Sorry dear, can i cut you in just for a few seconds?\" She heaved a sigh of relief and nodded... swallowing her saliva. Camly i resumed.. \"I do know a little about Montessori and it's ok, you don't hafta explain all the areas for me. I'm ______ and this is my daughter _______. She's ______ yrs old and i'm here to look at your classrooms and if possible see a class in session or if not perhaps i could opt for a trial class. Please do tell me how i should address you, cos i didn't catch your name earlier.\"

Off123:

The thing that is making me have second thoughts is that throughout my time there, i didnt feel the presence of kids... ie. very quiet! They are there but very quiet. No laughter, no questions, I dont even hear much from the teachers. Maybe they are very well behave and ask teachers in very `disciplined' manner...but I thought a cc should have a fair amount of buzz??

Let me know what you all think?

A Montessori classroom is usually a well organized one where all children are engaged in purposeful work and where the children are older or normalized (already adjusted to the Montessori environment) they are more calm and focused with activities. This fosters good work habit in children as they build on concentration skills. The Montessori environment does not only encourage discipline but more importantly respect. Respect for the environment ie. care for materials and school property and the materials used by their friends.. they cannot cross over someone's work mat or step on them.. and if they too wish to use a certain material, they ask if they could either work on the material together or if not, perhaps let the friend know he/she is keen to work on the material next.. treat all apparatus with care so everyone gets to use them.. flip books softly by the corners so everyone gets to read clean and non-tattered books.. etc. Respect for one another.. ie. whisper or speak in a low voice when they need to discuss privately or ask about something so as not to disrupt another peer's attention to activity.. take turns to speak (instead of all at once).. speak politely.. etc. Respect for authority.. ie. social grace and courtesy is part of the Montessori education.. ie. we discuss how they should always remember their please and thank yous.. render assistance when necessary.. they are encouraged to speak properly and politely to a person of authority within the environment and that they are free to seek help whenever the need arises..

These are values important for life and not just a mere prep for primary education. Montessorian children are nurtured to observe.. to listen.. and then articulate their thoughts accordingly.

Off123:

My kid is under my parents care and is talkative at home. To me, being vocal (not demanding or rude) is important as I myself grew up as a shy person and it hinders my interaction. I didnt shed this shyness and was only able to speak infront of groups much later. So to me it is important to be confident infront of group.

It is good that your child is vocal at home. It helps him to express himself well so people around him know and understand his needs or concerns that he may have. Speaking confidently and speaking loudly has two different effects. There are many opportunities for children in Montessori environment to exercise confident public speaking skills. In fact even presentation skills. In Montessori children are sometimes paired or grouped together to delegate the roles to play for group activities and craft. There's puppet play presentation.. read to the class session.. show and tell session.. music and rhymes.. where children take turns to lead the group during circle time. In my Montessori sessions, we allow children to take turns to talk about their weekend.. how they spent it with their family and relatives etc. Post learning journeys/excursions, we carry out mini projects (sometimes even mini cooking/baking sessions) & discussions... and let children present them to the class.. in fact, we also do have mini presentations for parents as well.

Off123:

Thanks!

Different centres cater & offer different activities aside from the core Montessori programme that are carried out every day but these can be integrated as to how and what we learn from the Montessori Education.. more like complementing the approach to further reinforce certain concepts. So, while what i have shared are how i have run my classes, no two classes are the same. Teachers also come in different calibres and have varying depths of knowledge of Montessori Education. I merely shared mine.. for my classes are quiet as well it is not that they are not encouraged to voice out their thoughts, or to express their opinions or in short.. to speak. Montessorian children are by no means shy and they definitely definitely can articulate themselves confidently not just in a group but actually even in crowds... for Montessori Education tailors to the pace and the fit of the child enabling him/her to be first and foremost confident of him or herself with their varying rates of progress.

While some children can be shy due to personality or from home environment, the Montessori environment seeks to bring out the best of every child. If there should be concerns that a child is exceptionally shy, parents are welcome to raise it with the teachers and i'm sure they are more than happy to assist with the concern by providing extra exposure.

[schnapps_7]

buds:

schnapps_7:

Hi Buds

Hello there! :peekaboo:

schnapps_7:

Can I have your views on Josiah Monti? My son has started attending that school for 4 months now and they are planning for fee hike. I am wondering if I am getting the \" bang for the buck\". Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks.

In all honesty, i've never stepped into Josiah Montessori as i never saw the need to recce for a school so far away from where i reside hence the reviews i share on Josiah are purely by word of mouth either from fellow friends or from other parent acquaintances.

Only some simple questions of reflection is required on your end to decide.

>Has your son been more than happy to go to school these 4 mths and being treated well by his teachers?

>Has the past 4 months seen him being a more motivated learner?

>Do the teachers brief you about his progress periodically?

>Does the centre explain the activities or curriculum they are going to cover with him? Via newsletters, parent-teacher meet-ups, communication book, etc?

>Have you had any issues with the centre at all since you enrolled him there?

If your answer is yes to most (if not all), there should be little reason why you should contemplate an environment adjustment for him. Having a happy child eager to attend school every time is already half the battle won. The rest is up to the teachers to facilitate and us parents to support.

By far, Josiah has maintained a good standard of Montessori Education from what has been gathered by most feedbacks pertaining to the centre, teachers and its curriculum. As for the part on getting the bang for the buck, if you ask me personally... if i could afford to (which i can't) send my child to a centre that hires the best teachers and treats them well, it transcends to having happy teachers teaching my children, which indirectly means having me ultimately being a happy parent... for i know when my child is firstly.. happy to learn; can the learning then begin from the heart...

I cannot answer the question for you but i am sure as a parent, you are the best person to decide what's best for your child after reflecting upon his learning journey thus far.

Share here once you have decided.

Thank you so much for your views. Initially, there were a lot of struggles when my son started Josiah. Now it’s ok just that occasionally, he says he doesn’t want to go to school. I think that’s just that he being very playful, he rather stay home and play. I can’t tell if he is a keen learner.. he is an active child and prefers to play than sit and learn. I don’t have much issues with the school other than the admin staff keep telling me that they are going to increase the school fees etc. They sure keep me informed about his progress and all. Lately, I heard negative feedback around mgt and the yearend concert experiences which totally surprised me and upset me and kind of bugs me. I don’t want to be caught in that situation thus I wanted to get views on this school. Anyway, I am looking around the east for a school. I have 2 kids and $200 or more raise is substantial and more so as I have another kid who needs to attend preschool next year. Surely, will update on my decision. Thanks.

[Jenny Lam]

I visited a new Montessori school at level 2 Bedok CC more than 1 wk ago. They have other centres elsewhere. All by same operator and not franchised. Not sure if the fee is cheaper than Josiah. They have a expat Montessori teacher. Nice environment. You may want to look at their website first? I havent decide whether sending my child there cos I got to work, I need to put my child in full day school. :sad: