Recognized

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When you are considering a Montessori House of Children look for the following:

 

1. Recognized by The Indian Montessori Centre (IMC)

IMC is the only authorized body in India as of date to recognize Montessori house of Children. The certification issued by IMC confirms that the house of children is adhering to the principles of the Montessori Method and practicing the same. 

 

2. The Teaching Style

Montessori teachers don't teach in the normally accepted sense of that word. They facilitate, guide and direct their students. If you see a teacher talking to or lecturing a group of children sitting and listening, chances are that the House of Children does not adhere to Montessori methods. Montessori trained teachers teach 1:1 with each child.

 

3. The Class Will Include Several Ages.

You won't find a 1st grade per se in a Montessori House of Children. Students will be in groups spanning a range of several years. The idea behind that is that the older children in effect teach their younger classmates. The interaction of older and younger children is a fundamental part of the Montessori approach. Montessori age groupings are typically in three year cycles, 0-3,3-6, 6-9, 9-12.

 

4. Work Is Not Graded.

The essence of Dr. Montessori's method is that children learn by doing and exploring at their own pace. A Montessori teacher never hands back work with red marks and grades on them. The teacher suggests things to explore but ultimately the child is at liberty to choose what he wishes to learn at any given moment during his day at House of Children.

 

5. Teachers Trained and Certified in Montessori Methods and Techniques.

The IMC has designated training centers IMTC (Indian Montessori Training Courses) that provide individuals with a diploma in Montessori method which is a nine month certification course.

 

6. What is a Montessori classroom (environment) ?

Montessori classrooms are designed in a multi-age mix from toddlers through adolescents which allows for both individual and social development. The classrooms are beautiful by design. They are set up in an open style, with work areas throughout the room and materials available on accessible shelving. Most lessons are given to small groups or individual children while other children are working independently. 

 

The House of Children uses stories, Montessori materials, charts, time lines, objects of nature, treasures from the wealth of cultures around the worlds and sometime conventional tools to teach the children. Guided by the teacher, Montessori students actively participate in planning their time and taking responsibility for their work.

 

7. Is the child free to do what he/she chooses in the classroom ?

The child is free to move about the classroom at will, to talk to other children, to work with any equipment he or she understands, or to ask the teacher to introduce new material to him or her. The child is not free to disturb other children at work or to abuse the equipment that is so important to the child's development.