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.

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