The Montessori Method

Montessori is a scientific method, practical and time tested for bringing forth the very best in young children as they really are, nurturing their enthusiasm and creating an environment to fulfill their emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual needs.

Children by nature, want to learn. Montessori is an attempt to provide them with the environment, the material and the freedom to do so. When their needs are met, children glow with excitement and develop a drive to play, to work, to learn and to create.

At The Hidayah International School this philosophy is combined with religious learning making it all the more purposeful and meaningful.

The Environment

The essence of Montessori lies in its informal settings – No benches / desk/ black boards and no one-way lectures. Children either use short tables (chowkis) or floor mats to work with different materials.

Mixed age groups – activity level is based on intellectual capacity rather than age. No ready made text books or “one size fits all” syllabus.

The Material

The stand out factor that differentiates Montessori method from other play school is indeed the activity material. Though they appear as playthings, they are not so. Each material is designed to serve a specific well defined purpose and to imbibe a specific concept. They may appear as toys for the child but are actually excellent teaching aids for the teacher. The material covers all areas of learning – physical, mental and disciplinary.

As a rule, pencil and paper work is minimal and starts in the higher age group.

The Freedom

The environment is that of supervised freedom.

The child has the free choice of selecting the material to work with. The time frame is flexible and there are no deadlines.

The books are minimal and there is no burden of homework.

The teacher work with child and play the role of a facilitator. Her role is to maintain decorum, encourage ideas and interaction, imbibe values and train the child in maintaining discipline.