1.      What does “Montessori” mean? The Montessori method is named after Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy, who devoted her adult life to the observation and study of children. Rather than “teaching” a child concepts, the Montessori environment is designed to stimulate the child’s interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities with little or no adult intervention. In this environment the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. According to Maria Montessori, “the child is the father of the man.” The child  begins to develop within himself the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning, favourable attitudes toward school, and habits of concentration, initiative, order and persistence.

2.    What is in a Montessori classroom? The Montessori classroom is a child-size world. Whatever is in the world outside can be incorporated meaningfully in the Montessori classroom. To a child, the world is overwhelming – it is big, complex, and confusing. By careful selection of materials by the teacher, an environment is set up that allows the child a place to explore life on a level he can understand. The materials or exercises are designed to stimulate independent exploration. This prepared environment entices the child to proceed at his own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, the child’s natural curiosity is satisfied and he begins to experience the joy of discovering the world around him.

3.    How is a Montessori Preschool different from other preschools? In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. In a Montessori preschool the children learn concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the many materials in the environment.

4.     What is a typical day in a Montessori classroom? Children come into the school, greet the teachers, hang up their bags and begin their days. They move about the classroom from activity to activity, unrolling a small rug for work on the floor or sitting at a table, talking or working with a friend or choosing to work alone, sitting back to observe as they wish. Each child manipulates materials of interest to him, receives lessons from the teacher on new material, shares snack with a friend, and so forth. The materials in the classroom are grouped into the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Art, Science, Geography, and Cultural. Toward the end of the morning, the children gather in a circle to hear a story read aloud, share news, sing songs, and recite poems. The final half-hour of each morning is spent at outside play, weather permitting.

5.     I’ve heard Montessori means kids can do whatever they want. Is this going to be another one of those 'free-for-all' school? Montessori education seeks to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Montessori provides an environment and method that encourage internal self-discipline. The child actively participates in learning. The Montessori certified teacher is the facilitator, responsible for creating the learning environment, setting work expectations with each student, and providing individual and group instruction. Students move about the classroom, choosing mentally appropriate, hands-on teaching materials with which to work and replace them when finished. They also learn through productive interaction and activities with peers and the teacher. The teacher assesses each student regularly and ensures the student works with materials in all disciplines.

6.     How does my child transition from Montessori to “regular” school, whether that be to middle school or a personal move that causes the child to be moved to a different area? Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in group. Since they’ve been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make appropriate choices and manage their time well. Encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others, such students’ good communication skills ease the way in new settings. Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs based on self-directed, noncompetitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

After transitioning from a public Montessori elementary program to a traditional middle school, research has shown Montessori students rank high in the following areas using basic skills; being responsible; showing enthusiasm for class topics; following directions; turning in work on time; listening attentively; asking provocative questions; and adapting to new situations.

7.      How do Montessori children adjust to public school? Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily  to the public school situation. They generally spend their time in productive ways because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning. Montessori children are quite adaptable since they have learned to work on their own without constant supervision.

8.      What is the best age to enroll a child in Montessori? Maria Montessori outlined various periods of “sensitivity.” During these times, a child is capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. At age 2 ½ to 3 ½, a special sense of order, concentration, coordination, and independence begins to emerge. This time is ideal to enroll a child in a Montessori preschool as he is at the perfect period build a strong foundation for future learning.

9.      Who is the Montessori method designed for? The Montessori method is an “approach to learning” and as such has no distinction of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all types of programs, including Head start, gifted and talented, mentally retarded, average children, and so forth.

10.      Is Montessori expensive? Montessori preschools have extensive materials, an encompassing environment, and trained staff. These elements can sometimes cause tuition in Montessori schools to be higher than other preschool. To give your child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive year is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life. Many educators believe it is wiser to invest in a child’s preschool education than his college education. The child who enjoys learning and becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit throughout all his years of learning.

11.      Why do you recommend a five-day Montessori experience? A child who attends school for five consecutive days each week will have the greatest opportunity for smooth spontaneous learning. A child taken in and out of school frequently does not have the same opportunity and consistency to pursue his unfolding interests.

12.      How do children interact in the environment? As the children develop their sense of pride in their work, a feeling of confidence, well-being, and joy begins to manifest itself in each child. A general spirit of respect and cooperation among the children emerges.

13.      What is the role of the Montessori teacher? The Montessori teacher facilitates classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children, and she helps children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually, allowing him to choose from many activities within his range of ability. She stands back while the child is working and allows him the satisfaction of his own discovery.

14.      With all the freedom, isn’t there confusion? The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturb others. Actually, the children having the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

15.      What about socialization and group work? Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom you’ll notice children interacting continuously, choosing to work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones. Each day there is some group activity and outside play.

16.      How do I enroll my child in your school? The first step is to call and schedule a tour of the facility, at which you can put your name down on our waiting list and hopefully you will be convinced to enroll and be part of Tadika Sri Puncak.

17.      What are some of the school activities? Field trip: Visit National Planetarium, picnic with special needs children, National Day celebration, Open Day, Mini Bazaar and Teacher Appreciation Day and etc.

18.      Do you have a PTA? Yes, it is called Report Day

19.      What are your Teacher / child ratios?  2½ - 3 year old 1:8, 4 year old 1:10, 5 year old 1:15 and pre-K, 1:15

20.      What is circle time? Circle time includes morning lesson time, music & movement, and story time.

21.      What type of clothing should my child be wearing? Children can wear comfortable school T-shirt. On Monday wear the school uniform. We ask that the shoes they wear are Velco type shoes as this assists the teachers in preparing the children for playtime, changing, etc. Giving the teachers more time to spend together as a group.

22.      What type of food can I bring for my child’s birthday? Parents are asked to bring small treat to share with their child’s friends in their class. Please discuss with your child’s teacher before bringing anything, so we are aware. If you want to bring hats and party favours you may do this as well, but please discuss with the teacher before you do. Candies are strictly not allowed.

23.      How do you encourage toilet training? Once the parents have started the toilet training process at home, we will initiate it at school, typically between age 2½ - 3 years.

24.      My child doesn’t eat very well away from home. How do you cope with that? We ask parents to send food that is easy for the child to eat and that they are familiar with. In the Toddler program we assist them with eating, but once they go in the Primary class they need to eat on their own.

25.      Do you provide snacks during the day? Yes, we provide morning and afternoon snacks.

26.      What happens if my child gets sick? The child is cared for in the office until the parent is able to pick up the child. We ask that the parent come within ½ hour being called.

27.      Do you encourage parent involvement in the School? Parent involvement is expected in activities which are scheduled throughout the year. Activities include social events, fund raising, work days, and opportunities to become more educated about the Montessori classroom and your child’s experience there. Events are generally scheduled in the evenings or on weekends in order to accommodate various schedules.