Month: August 2024

Pre-primary school education matters a lot in a child’s educational journey. This is where a child starts gaining academic knowledge and builds a foundation for learning. Therefore, choosing the right pre-primary school for your child is extremely important. As a parent, it is your responsibility to take every step carefully and ensure that you make the right decision. If you are looking for the best schools in Madurai and want to choose one that suits your preferences, this guide is going to help you:

A Guide to Choosing the Best Pre-Primary School

Here are a few essential factors to consider when choosing a pre-primary school for your child:

Academics & Extracurricular Activities

The academic excellence of a school matters the most. This is one of the essential factors you must consider when choosing a pre-primary school for your child. Look at the past academic results of the school and try to find out about its academics from neighbours or ex-students of that school. 

Apart from academics, extracurricular activities also play a vital role in the overall development of the child. Make sure that the school allows children to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, dance competitions, drawing competitions, etc. These activities help children explore their interests and identify their hobbies. 

Travel Distance

Proximity becomes another important factor to consider when selecting a pre-primary school for your child. The school should not be too far away from your residence. You must ensure that children are comfortable going to school every day and do not have to go through a long hectic journey. 

A recent study has even found that long journeys to schools can have a negative impact on children’s academic performances and their health. You can find plenty of good schools in Madurai or around your local area. Simply ensure to conduct thorough research.

Have a Physical Visit

It’s fine to do research using the internet and other resources. But until you physically visit the school, you won’t get an actual idea about it. Once you have shortlisted some good schools in Madurai, visit them to get their real experience. Look at the infrastructure and make sure every essential facility is there. 

Apart from this, you should check factors like hygiene and safety measures, the school’s curriculum, teacher-student ratio, staff of the school, and the feel of the overall school environment. Considering all these factors is important to ensure that your child gets the right environment that they deserve.

Parent-Teacher Interaction

As a parent, you will definitely want to track the progress of your child. This is what you can ensure by choosing a school that frequently holds parent-teacher meetings. These meetings help you understand how your child’s learning is going on. Apart from this, you can meet other parents and build a strong parent community to ensure a better learning experience for children. 

Student-Teacher Ratio

The student-teacher ratio is also an essential factor to take into account. Some schools only have a few teachers for pre-primary classes even when there are so many students. A ratio of 12-15 children per teacher is considered ideal. If a single teacher is managing a class of more than 15 children, they won’t be able to give equal attention to each child. To ensure that your child doesn’t lack behind, look for good schools in Madurai that have an optimum student-teacher ratio.

Infrastructure and Facilities

The infrastructure of a school should also be considered before making a final decision. The school should be well-maintained and must have all the necessary facilities. Check if there is enough clean water to drink, clean and hygienic washrooms, and a first-aid facility for emergency health issues. These factors will ensure that your child gets a comfortable environment for learning.

Fee Structure 

You should also check the fee structure of the pre-primary school. Choose a school that provides high-quality education, but is also affordable. Staying within your budget is important as you also have to save for the upcoming education of your child. You can look for the top schools in Madurai and compare their fee structures along with other factors to choose the right one. 

Check Reviews and References

Last but not least, check the reviews of the school before admitting your child to it. If the school has an online profile on Google, you can check it for reviews. Also, you can talk to your neighbours or ex-students of the school to learn about its academic excellence, learning environment, and other factors. 

Conclusion

There are numerous factors that you have to take into account when finalising a pre-primary school for your kid. With plenty of schools in Madurai, it may be a challenging decision to make. But by considering all the essential factors like the school’s academic excellence, infrastructure, parent-teacher meetings, fee-structure, and more, you can make the right choice. Just make sure that you do some good research and select one of the best schools in Madurai that provides the right learning environment for your kid.

Nursery education holds the utmost importance in every child’s life. This is when children get introduced to academic learning, social skills, maths skills, and a lot more things that they need further in their lives. There are numerous schools for Kindergarten, but the approach followed by Montessori schools sets them apart from others. The Montessori model of education is based on some basic principles that put emphasis on giving children the independence to learn. Let us explore the Montessori approach to early childhood education and understand why it is the best:

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education of children is extremely important as it builds the foundation for their future. This is the time when children develop their base of learning, knowledge, skill development, and cognitive abilities. Preschool or nursery education prepares children for formal school education and hence, its importance cannot be overlooked. This is the reason why top schools for Kindergarten put special emphasis on the learning and development of young children.

Key principles of the Montessori Approach to Early Childhood Education

The Montessori international preschools follow a different approach to early childhood education. Their approach is based on the following key principles:

• The Absorbent Mind
• Respect for The Child
• Sensitive Periods
• Auto Education
• The Prepared Environment

How Montessori Differs from Traditional Education Models?

The approach followed by Montessori schools makes them different from traditional education institutes. Children are given independence to learn as per their learning style and pace. Apart from this, the method of delivering lessons is also different and more inclined towards practicality. Some study materials are specific to Montessori classrooms and cannot be found in any other education model. 

What are the 5 Fundamental Principles of the Montessori Method?

The Montessori method primarily focuses on five key principles when offering early childhood education. These five principles are:

1. Practical Life

The learning of children is not restricted to bookish knowledge. They learn how to perform daily life activities like getting ready, organising things, caring for plants and animals, and a lot more. At these preschools, children learn practical life skills at a young age, which will help them throughout their lives. 

Apart from this, children get to develop their social skills as they learn how to communicate appropriately. These schools teach discipline by helping kids learn appropriate interaction skills, such as saying ‘Thank You,’ ‘Sorry,’ etc, and being kids to others.

2. Respect for the Child

Another significant factor that makes Montessori international preschools different from others is that respect for the child is their topmost priority. Children are not considered just recipients of knowledge but are believed to be active participants in their own education journey. Every child’s learning style is considered and respected. 

Children can learn at their own pace, explore their surroundings and environment in any manner they like, and choose their own work. This helps children develop self-esteem and feel good about themselves.

3. The Absorbent Mind 

Children of preschool age (2 to 6 years) have a highly absorbent mind. It means that young children learn from everything they see around them. Their mind is continuously absorbing some knowledge from their surroundings. The Montessori model of education keeps this in mind and follows the belief that to live is to learn. 

Children are also more conscious about their senses in their preschool age. Therefore, Montessori nursery education also pays attention to the sensorial development of young age children. They get to learn how they can name the experiences they get through their senses. For example, they learn to make the difference between smooth and rough, soft and hard, etc. These sensorial skills further help them develop other capabilities, including communication, classification of things, and more. 

4. Sensitive Periods

The term ‘sensitive periods’ used in Montessori education refers to a specific time period in children’s preschool years when they have the most intense urge to learn specific skills. It is also called the time for optimal learning. The Montessori education model believes that this is the time when a child gets motivation from within to learn something new. Hence, every child is allowed to explore their own skills and learn as per their interests.

5. Auto Education

The top schools for Kindergarten, such as Montessori preschools, believe that children are capable of self-education. In these preschools, young children are given the independence to learn at their own pace and choose what they want to learn. The Montessori model provides children with the right environment and encouragement they need to educate themselves. 

Conclusion

Preschool education is undoubtedly important for every child, irrespective of how much they get to learn at their homes. But choosing the right school for Kindergarten is even more important. The preschool age of children is a very important phase of their lives as this is where they build the foundation of learning. To ensure that their foundation is strong, parents need to give them the right environment for learning and developing their skills. This is what children get at the Montessori international preschools, where children are respected and allowed to learn at their own pace.

The competition in every industry is only increasing with time. To prepare for such a highly competitive world, children need to learn much more than what is given in their textbooks. They need to develop their cognitive, social, and communication skills from a young age. This is what Cambridge curriculum schools ensure. Children not only gain academic knowledge but also get to develop all the necessary skills that help them establish a promising future. 

Parents are often worried about choosing the best preschool for their child. One of the best options you can consider is Cambridge Montessori Preschool. These schools follow a different approach to early childhood education, allowing children to learn at their own pace and explore their interests. Let us understand the significance of Montessori preschools in further detail:

What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education is a unique approach to education for young age children. It was developed in the early 1900s by Italian educator Maria Montessori. These preschools believe in the concept of self-learning and allow children to educate themselves. In Cambridge Montessori preschools, children are allowed to choose activities for themselves, explore their surroundings, and learn as per their own style and pace. 

Montessori education is based on five key principles, including respect for the child, a child’s absorbent mind, sensitive periods, auto education, and a prepared environment. Children not only get to learn from their environment but also develop their sensorial skills, language, knowledge of maths & science, and cultural understanding.

Why Choose Cambridge Montessori Preschool?

Below are some most significant reasons of why you should choose a Cambridge Montessori preschool for your child:

1. Accreditation

When choosing a preschool for your child, you cannot just make a random decision without checking the school’s curriculum and approach. One of the most significant factors that make Montessori preschools better than others is their accreditation. These preschools follow a standard Cambridge curriculum, ensuring proper training for teachers and well-designed study material for students. 

The top Montessori preschools are accredited by two major organisations, including the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Make sure to check for these accreditations when admitting your child to a Montessori Preschool 

2. Teacher Training

If teachers are not trained enough, they cannot deliver the right education to children. Therefore, teacher training becomes another important factor. All the teachers of Montessori preschools are trained under a specialised training program specially designed for Cambridge curriculum schools. 

They get proper training in the Montessori approach, methods, and study materials. Teachers of the top Cambridge Montessori preschools have a Montessori certification from either AMS or AMI. Make sure to check for these certifications before you finalise the preschool for your kid.

3. Prepared Environment

The environment of a classroom plays a vital role in how well your child is able to explore and learn about things. The classrooms of Montessori preschools are specially designed to provide young children with an excellent environment for learning and exploration. The materials are arranged on low shelves so that children easily access and choose their activity on their own. This gives children the independence to learn and explore things as per their interests. 

4. Nurturing Young Minds

Cambridge Montessori preschool focuses on nurturing the minds of young children to prepare them for becoming future leaders. Children are taught about cultural, emotional, and patriotic values. With this, children develop a love for their country and respect for soldiers from a young age. These preschools not only focus on knowledge, but ensure the overall development of children by helping them improve their communication, social, and emotional skills.

5. Parent Involvement

Parental involvement is also necessary to check whether your child is getting the right environment for education or not. Montessori Cambridge curriculum preschools allow parents to observe how classes are going on. Also, regular parent-teacher meetings are organised to help parents understand the progress of their children. 

When choosing a preschool for your child, you must check for parental involvement policies and make sure that you can get regular insights into what and how your child is learning.

Conclusion

Cambridge Montessori preschools keep the individual needs and interests of every child in mind. The approach followed by the Montessori education model sets it apart from all the other educational institutes. Every child’s learning style and preferences are respected. Children are allowed to learn and explore things on their own. This prepares them for formal school education. Also, the skills that children develop in these Cambridge curriculum schools can help them throughout their future. 

When selecting a preschool for your child, make sure to check for all the necessary factors, including accreditation, parental involvement, teacher training, etc. Cambridge Montessori preschools have all of them and this is what makes Montessori education the top choice for parents.

The preschool age of children is the time when their minds are ready for cognitive development and learning other skills. Providing your children with the right preschool education at the right time is vital for their overall development. It serves as the base of a child’s educational journey.

If the base or the foundation is not strong enough, it may impact the academic performance of your child further in school and college. From a parental perspective, it becomes quite essential to choose the right international preschool for your kid. 

The right preschool education can prepare your child for school and help them gain the right confidence to prepare for the school curriculum. Let us deep diver into the benefits of preschool education and understand why preschool admission at the right time is important for your child:

Advantages Of Preschool Education For Children

Preschool education, also known as nursery learning, plays an important role in building the foundation of learning in young children. This is the first step children take towards their educational journey and career.  The benefits of preschool education are much more than just academic development; it offers numerous advantages as listed below:

1. Overall Development

Preschool education plays a vital role in the emotional, cognitive, and academic development of a child. Children get to think critically to make decisions and find solutions to their problems on their own. This improves their decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Not only this, but they also learn to control their emotions or express their emotions in front of others.

Apart from this, preschool education also contributes to children’s academic development. They learn basic numbers, the alphabet, pronunciation, and many more academic skills, which help them further in school. By choosing the right international preschool, you can ensure the overall skill development of your child. 

2. Socialisation

Children also learn to socialise in preschools. Preschool years is the time when a child develops basic communication skills. Preschool education gives them the platform they need to socialise. By interacting with other kids of the same age, sharing their goods, or learning in groups, children can get better at socialisation from a young age. These social skills can help them a lot in the future.

3. Emotional Development

Preschool education not only revolves around the social and cognitive development of children but also improves their emotional skills. Children learn how to regulate their emotions, express their feelings, and solve conflicts. 

Apart from this, preschool teachers focus on improving essential emotional skills, such as empathy, honesty, kindness, etc, in children. Without the right emotional development, children cannot achieve academic success in school or college. 

4. Language Development

The importance of language learning for young children cannot be overlooked. In preschool education, children learn new words and phrases. Also, they get to know how they can frame sentences using different words and phrases. 

Good international preschools not only focus on verbal language development but also pay attention to the written skills of children. Language learning helps children improve their communication skills, which will ultimately help them be successful in their school life as well as their careers. 

5. Cultural Exposure

By socialising with other children of their age group, kids get the required cultural exposure in their preschool years. Preschool education helps children learn moral values and understand the significance of culture for everyone. They get to know their own culture while learning to respect the culture of others. This contributes to their overall well-being and makes them a more responsible person. 

6. Improved Self-Esteem

Another advantage of considering preschool admission for your children is that it improves their self-esteem. All the learning they get and the skills they develop during preschool make them feel confident about themselves. Preschool education gives them a sense of achievement, which boosts self-assurance and helps them understand their worth. 

7. School Readiness

Preschool education plays a major role in preparing children for formal school education. Preschools focus on making children habitual of disciplined routines and systematic learning. It gives children a basic idea of academic learning and helps them adapt to the school environment more easily. Also, preschools give them a sense of happy learning and build a love for learning in children. 

Conclusion

Preschool education builds the foundation for a child’s overall development. They not only get a basic idea of academic learning, but also get to develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Also, international preschools focus on providing the right cultural exposure to children, contributing to their well-being. Children develop multiple skills in their preschool, which gives them the confidence and self-assurance they need to prepare for school education. 

But in order to ensure the right preschool education for your child, you have to choose the right preschool for them. Top preschools like Vikaasa Public School put special emphasis on providing children with the right exposure they need at a young age.