While most conventional teaching methods are based on rote learning, the Montessori method encourages students to think ‘out of the box.’ It is designed to meet a child’s developmental needs from birth to the age of 18.
In the Montessori system, students are considered smart enough to think critically. They learn at their own pace. They have freedom within limits. In addition, teachers only act as guides on a one-on-one basis.
This creates a thoughtful, supportive and student-led learning environment. This experiential learning has spread across the globe. And for all the right reasons.
Montessori Preschool Singapore: What Is The Montessori Method?
Image courtesy: Inno Montessori
This child-centred educational method was first developed over 100 years ago by Maria Montessori – Italy’s first female doctor.
Dr Montessori believed that children learn better when they’re choosing what they want to learn and that philosophy is present in Montessori classrooms today. In fact, a Montessori classroom looks different from conventional classrooms.
Features of the Montessori method of learning
- Various activity stations for children to choose from throughout the day.
- Specially designed learning materials that aren’t toys.
- Focus on four key areas – Practical Life, Sensorial, Language and Mathematics.
- A non-traditional grading system.
- Teachers move from group to group instead of standing at the front of the classroom.
- Mixed-age classrooms facilitate peer learning. Younger kids learn from older kids, and the older kids reinforce their own learning by teaching the younger kids.
- Uninterrupted blocks of work time (typically in three-hour intervals).
Inclusive of these features, the Montessori method fosters independence, leadership skills, and self-control in children. And while it is progressive and unique in its own way, it also has a few pros and cons.
Pros of the Montessori method:
- Emphasis on hands-on independent learning
- Increased social interaction
- Inclusive of children with special needs
Cons of the Montessori method:
- It is expensive
- Not accessible to everyone
- Less structured curriculum
- Open-ended structure of the classroom can look intimidating to some
However, even with these disadvantages, it is safe to say that this teaching and learning method is far superior than most methods in the education industry.
A 2006 study by Science Magazine found that by the end of kindergarten, Montessori children “performed better on standardised tests of reading and math. The kids also engaged in more positive interaction on the playground and showed more advanced social cognition and executive control. The children displayed more concern for fairness and justice.”
9 Best Montessori Preschool Singapore Has To Offer
Image courtesy: Lodestar
There are several Montessori preschools in Singapore that are true to the method and work towards the overall development of your child.
For your convenience, we’ve listed some of the best-known and well-established Montessori schools in Singapore, in no particular order and based on quality of education.
Why you should consider:
- Semi-mixed classes in age (kids are grouped by 1.5 to 3 years, 3 to 4 years and 5 to 6 years, as opposed to the traditional 3 to 6 years)
- School utilises traditional Montessori materials
- Brainy Child’s international staff have received Montessori training (though some were trained locally at MMI, which is not affiliated in any way with AMI).
Contact: 65 6733 7669
Image courtesy: Early Years Montesorri FB
Why you should consider:
- The Early Years Montessori takes a ‘project-based’ approach to its curriculum.
- It features a strong bilingual Mandarin-English programme.
- Classes are not mixed age – they’re the traditional N1-K2.
- Trained staff by AMI or “equivalent” organisations.
Contact: 6469-1572
Why you should consider:
- It is the only school in Singapore recognised by The American Montessori Society.
- Children aged 18 months to 6 years are welcome for half and full-day sessions.
Contact: 65 6634 0922
Why you should consider:
- Teachers at this preschool in Singapore have formal Montessori training (though not necessarily AMI).
- No mixed-age classes.
- The preschool makes use of traditional Montessori materials.
Contact: 6235 5741
Image courtesy: Lodestar Facebook page
Why you should consider:
- It is the first ever elementary school offering Montessori in Singapore.
- Run by AMI-trained Montessori educators.
- The school caters to children aged 2.5 to 12 years and is open to both Singapore PRs and DP holders.
- The school teaches children in a loving, cosy and mistake-friendly environment.
Contact: 6241-8985, 6481-3550
Why you should consider:
- Montessori purists consider this preschool the only ‘true’ school for Montessori in Singapore.
- Teachers at Montessori for Children are AMI-trained.
- Classes adhere to the mixed-age structure.
- Classrooms feature the traditional “prepared environment” with classic Montessori materials.
Contact: +(65) 62563952
Why you should consider:
- It has a full Montessori curriculum and bilingual immersion programme.
- Semi-mixed age classes
Contact: (+65) 6444 2582
Why you should consider:
- The school offers holistic, learner-focused Montessori with an integrated thematic curriculum for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
- The teacher-child ratio is low.
- Kids work in the traditional uninterrupted blocks of time.
- Kids are able to choose their own activities.
Contact: 65 6755 3218
Why you should consider:
- The school adheres to the core Montessori principles of practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics.
- The curriculum is for children between 18 months to 6 years.
- The school encourages children to explore their own interests and choose their own activities.
Contact: 65 6251 0817
How To Secure Admission In A Montessori School
Schools have their own admission criteria that adhere to the rules and guidelines set by the country’s academic authorities.
In case of Singapore, admissions to a Montessori school begin from nursery onwards. So if your child is anywhere between 2.5 and 5 years, he/she is eligible to enrol.
- To apply for admission, you’ll need to apply directly on the school’s website.
- Fill in the admission form and register your child. In terms of documents, keep your child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, recent passport-sized photograph, and a recent medical certificate ready.
- The next step will be in-person on an online tour of the campus. At this stage, you’ll also need to pay a one-time non-refundable fee to secure a seat.
- The final few steps involve getting in touch with the admissions team to pay the prorated and admission fee.
Typically, the Montessori system allows schools to keep the admission process open all year-round. So you can fill in your details and apply for admission accordingly.
Why You Should Consider A Montessori School For Your Child
Since Montessori teaching methods do not have a rigid curriculum, any school can call itself a Montessori, even if it barely follows the core principles. It is natural that you may fret about how your kids will perform in P1 in a system without grades of testing.
But there are actually many satisfied parents who feel that Montessori instils critical thinking skills and independence in their kids. They also develop a strong foundation in reading, writing and math. Children are usually highly adaptable and the strong foundation of educational curiosity seems to be the winner.
Make sure to do a lot of research before you admit your child to any of these schools. As a rule, speak to the parents of current and former students before finalising your decision. Your child’s school is their second home and it needs to be a happy space for them to learn, nurture and grow.
Feature/lead image courtesy: Brainy Child Facebook
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Faith Montessori – Why The Montessori Method Raises Smart Kids
MMI – An Authentically Montessori School!
