Children all develop at different paces. They have different strengths and interests. Knowing this, parents have become more open to exploring other types or methods of learning other than the traditional classroom. For parents here, one of the many options is the Montessori education method.
And while the Montessori method is not something new, many parents still have questions about this education system.
So if you’re a parent looking at better understanding how the Montessori education differs from other methods and the characteristics of the Montessori preschool you should be looking for when making a decision, read on.
The Montessori Education
Developed by the first female Italian physician Dr Maria Montessori, this method of education is characterised by respect for a child’s natural development—physically, psychologically, and socially.
The Montessori education emphasises children’s independence through self-directed activities, hands-on learning, and encouraging children to move with more freedom but within limits.
Montessori preschools provide opportunities for children to learn at their own, individual pace, and use a child-centred education approach personalised to each child’s learning style, development stage, and interests.
Yet, Montessori preschools aren’t just schools where children do whatever they want, as many seem to think or believe. Montessori preschools see teachers or guides as facilitators, helping based on each child’s development and allowing them to be active participants in learning rather than just receivers of knowledge when being taught.
And because children learn at their own pace, education in Montessori preschools becomes something enjoyable and less like a chore.
Why Choose Montessori In Singapore
Though developed over a century ago, Montessori education has only become more and more relevant through the years.
Through her scientific observations, Dr Montessori learned that children need to move and learn through experiences rather than just memorising. The Montessori method harnesses a child’s natural curiosity, which allows learning to be effortless and fun. The method then helps set the foundation for a lifelong love for learning among children.
Furthermore, Montessori education promotes the development of the “whole child.” When it’s time to graduate and move to primary school, each student is also extraordinarily well-prepared for the transition, both academically, socially, and emotionally.
Aside from language and mathematics, the Montessori education teaches about culture, practical life, and sensorial learning. The system recognises that all aspects of children’s learning and development are intertwined, hence viewed as equally important.
Children in Montessori preschools develop responsibility as they are given the freedom to make their own choices while being guided to understand their limits.
Because of the try-and-fail learning opportunities, children in Montessori grow up to be empowered and responsible adults.
In addition, children in Montessori are taught how to regulate their social interactions and how to negotiate, share, mediate, and compromise. They grow up to be confident, responsible, and accountable to both themselves and their community.
Ultimately, Montessori education is not just an alternative to traditional education. Studies have proven that this education system has allowed students to achieve high levels of competency in their academics and social lives.
While parents here are given plenty of options for Montessori education providers in Singapore, not everyone is created equally, and not everyone might be as faithful to the teachings of Dr Montessori.
So if you have decided to send your child to a Montessori in Singapore, your next question perhaps is: how do I choose the best one for our child?
It is important to note that the term Montessori isn’t a trademarked term, which means that there will be a variety of Montessori providers that might adhere to the practices developed by Dr Montessori but also apply the teachings of the method differently.
A leading provider of Montessori education in Singapore, House on the Hill prides itself as a true-to-tradition” Montessori method preschool of teaching developed by Dr Montessori.
Founded in 2012, House on the Hill— a family-run group of three preschools —provides an open and stimulating environment for each child’s purposeful and holistic learning experiences.
House on the Hill focuses on the following to help promote the optimum development of each child:
True to the Teachings of Dr Montessori. House on the Hill is one of a few Montessori preschools in Singapore with mixed-age groupings, freedom of choice and uninterrupted blocks of time for work.
Their child-centred approach focuses on hands-on experiential learning in stimulating environments.
Every child has an individually-tailored curriculum for optimum development and progress is monitored exclusively one child at a time.
Prepared environment. True to the Montessori method, House on the Hill preschools offer a purposeful learning environment. Spaces are warm, inviting, and specifically designed to be safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. House on the Hill preschool is equipped with Holland-made Neinhuis Montessori materials developed by Albert Nienhuis and Dr Montessori herself. These are crafted from natural materials such as wood to nurture each child’s sensorial development.
Social harmony. House on the Hill Montessori preschool is made up of mixed-age classrooms, which allows for greater collaboration and social learning. This allows for mentorship among their peers and leadership development. House on the Hill is one of few Montessori preschools in Singapore to offer vertical mixed-age learning.
Expert nutrition. To support the health of their growing children, House on the Hill provides well-balanced meals, freshly prepared on-site daily, that uses only the highest quality produce and has no added salt or sugar. Their menu, developed by world-renowned nutrition expert Ian Marber, is certified by the Singapore Health Promotion Board.
Early advantage. House on the Hill believes in starting Montessori as early as possible, that’s why they created the Montessori for Infant Program called Nido. The program caters to children from 2 to 17 months of age. They are among the first preschools in Singapore to provide Montessori-led infant care and development.
Furthermore, House on the Hill’s child-centric approach to education goes beyond the walls of its schools. House on the Hill provides parents with workshops, tools, and booklets to help them extend Montessori learning at home. Their Parent Support Group is very active and helps to facilitate social events as well as providing feedback on the day-to-day operations of the school.
House On The Hill
Nestled in lush greenery with ample outdoor and indoor spaces, House on the Hill preschool centres can be found in the three locations:
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Mount Sophia
33 Mount Sophia,
Singapore 228481
6337 4635 / 6337 3940
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Balmoral
2H Balmoral Crescent,
Singapore 259887
6258 6061
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Pasir Panjang
396 Pasir Panjang Road,
#02-01, Singapore 118733
6251 645
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Sign Up For A Montessori Preschool Tour
If you are looking at enrolling your child in a Montessori preschool, be sure to consider House on the Hill for a true Montessori education for your child.
Sign up for a school tour during their Open Week with Virtual School Tours on 16 and 18 November 2021. Visit House on the Hill for more information.
