Nursery Vs Montessori

Parents should know the answers to these as they prepare for their child's school admission..

What is the difference between Nursery and Montessori ? Which one is better ? 

Nursery (pre-K.G.) has the traditional teaching methodology which we all are more used to. Its more teacher centric and has a more structured curriculum.

Montessori is a teaching pattern wherein children have access to many more teaching materials as compared to a traditional pre-primary class. The classrooms are more child-friendly. At the same time, there is a lack of structure as the learning is more child-centred which means children learn at their own pace without being pushed around. Montessori at pre-primary level consists of three classes - Montessori I, Montessori II and Montessori III which correspond to Nursery, LKG and UKG in traditional school terminology. 

Now, to the question "which one is better" - it depends. Some parents think that the montessori method will suit their kid's needs well while some go on the traditional route. Some parents put their kids in montessori I and then later shift to LKG in a traditional school thinking that it might be difficult to get admission in traditional school after three years of montessori.

Note - In some cities, montessori term is used very loosely. Many montessori schools do not adhere strictly to the montessori methodology. So one would want to ascertain that the teachers are montessori trained and the school has a good amount of teaching material in place.

Which is better - Nursery in mainstream schools or in a playschool ?

Nursery in a mainstream schools might be a bit high standard than playschool. In play schools, the environment is supposed to be more playful. The school timings will be around 3 hours in both the cases. Again, the choice depends on an individual. Some parents put their kids in a mainstream school in order to avoid the admission hassles later on (Getting admissions in Nursery is easier). While some parents take it easy and put their kids in playschol and then shift to a minstream school later on i.e., in LKG or UKG level.

SchoolConnects has more insights on schooling and parenting that can help you

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

Is your child ready for kindergarten? It’s the first rung on the academic ladder, and sometimes parents wonder whether their children are primed for both the academics and the social interactions in a kindergarten classroom. We talked to a few educators and experts in the field about areas parents can work on this summer to help prepare kids. Some may surprise you.

1) Citizenship. Teachers want students to be aware of their community and be willing to be a part of it. They want children to understand they are an important part of a larger group. Give your child simple jobs around the house that help the household. Explain why it is an important job. Examples include making their bed, clearing their dishes from the table and cleaning up toys.

2) Empathy. Understanding other’s feelings is an important part of forming and sustaining friendships. Kids who are aware of others emotions are able to play more fluidly. Talk to your children about their own emotions and help them identify them. Also talk about other’s emotions.

3) Science. Have conversations with kids about vegetables, herbs, fruits and grains. Explain which foods are healthier than others and why. Take a trip to the grocery store to explore various foods. If you are able, plant a food you can grow and enjoy together.

4) Math. Kindergarteners should have a basic understanding of numbers. When you walk up stairs, count with them. When you give them crackers or berries, count with them. Add a few and take a few away and count with them.

5) Books. Reading is a sensitive topic in kindergarten. You can help your student by making sure they love books — read to them! — and that they understand books. They should know what an author and an illustrator are, they should understand the dedication page and they should know that they read from the left to the right and the top to the bottom. They should also have phonological awareness of letters and rhyming words.

6) Following directions. Your child should be able to follow two-step directions such as take off your shoes and come sit at the table. In school, they will be asked to complete many tasks on their own and regulate their emotions. Be sure they are able to take their own shoes and coats on and off, and zip their backpacks without help. They also need to know how to take turns with friends.

7) Fine motor skills. Teachers say some kids’ fine motor skills aren’t as strong because they spend so much time with screens. Some kids learn their letters and numbers from a computer or tablet and are not given as many opportunities to write and draw. Give your children crayons and paper often. Let them write letters, draw sunsets, make self-portraits and sometimes just scribble.

8) Gross motor skills. Give them plenty of unstructured outdoor play. Let them run and jump and imagine and create outside. When kids are able to run and play on their own they get to know their own bodies and limitations, practice balance and gain strength. Oh, and when they exercise a lot, they sleep much better — something both kids and parents will appreciate.

SchoolConnects has more insights on schooling and parenting that can help you