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

DoE(Directorate of Education) Circulars in regards to 2015-16 School Admissions in Delhi

DoE has isssued various circulars to ensure smooth and proper functioning of the schools and the same can be found here

http://www.edudel.nic.in/mis/misadmin/DoeNewPublicCircular.htm

Below is a quick recap of those related to 2015-16 admissions so parents can be aware of the guidelines the schools need to follow


Dated: 02-01-2015
Regarding facilitating admissions of EWSIDG category children in Private Unaided Recognized Schools of Delhi.
http://www.edudel.nic.in/upload_2015_16/28130_28139_dt_02012015.pdf

Dated: 30-12-2014
Regarding uploading of information on the criteria adopted by Private Unaided Recognized Schools for Admissions in Entry Level Classes for the Academic Session 2015-16
http://www.edudel.nic.in/upload_2013_14/28068_78_dt_30122014.pdf

Dated: 30-12-2014
http://www.edudel.nic.in/upload_2013_14/28057_67_dt_30122014.pdf
Clarification regarding EWS/DG category admissions in entry level classes of Private Unaided Recognized Schools of Delhi for the session 2015-16

Dated: 26-12-2014
Guidelines for admissions of EWS/DG Category to Entry Level Classes (below six years of age) in Private Un-aided Recognized Schools of Delhi for the session 2015-2016:
http://www.edudel.nic.in/upload_2013_14/28012_28022_dt_27122014.pdf

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

India School Education Boards and Syllabus

With the Beginning of admissions’ season across cities in India, parents face dilemma as which board would fit best for their young ones. SchoolAdmissionInfo brings some insights to those new to the world of parenting.

India Schools offer both Indian and International Syllabi namely:
1. CBSE: Central Board of Secondary Education
2. CISCE(ICSE): Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
3. IB: International Baccalaureate
4. IGCSE: International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Cambridge University
5. State Board:State Government Recognized Board

A. CBSE Central Board of Secondary Education

A Board which follows universal pattern is the first choice for parents with transferable jobs.

CBSE affiliates all Kendriya Vidyalayas, all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools, and most of the schools approved by central government of India

Examination Pattern: All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) for Class 10 and 12

Facts

Total Number of Schools Affiliated with CBSE: 14808

Areas of Operation: 25 Countries including India, Malaysia, Dubai etc

Major entrance exams syllabus based on CBSE viz. IIT, AIPMT etc

Pros

1) The diversity factor in schools with CBSE board is high as more students from different backgrounds are likely to end up in the same class.

2) Quality of Content (No Errors/ No Printing Mistakes) in Textbooks’ is good.

3) Continuous And Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), a new system of education implemented by CBSE for students of sixth to tenth grades. It removes the marking system and introduces grading system based on a series of curricular and extracurricular activities.

4) Easy to find tutors, books and activities for all classes.

5) Focus on Science and Mathematics as well as application based subjects.

6) Recognition by all colleges in India.

7) Centralized system for transferring across all CBSE schools.

8) Numerous talent search examinations and scholarship exams such as SSTSE, NSEB, NSEC etc held at local and national level base their content on CBSE syllabus just because it is more prevalent.

Cons

1) Although Major Entrance Exams syllabus is based on CBSE, the fact that the seats for those courses are open for all students in India. And colleges which are coming under state universities have more reserved seats for students from state boards. So students from CBSE board who wouldn’t crack entrance exams face problems in getting admission in state university colleges as they have very less number of seats for CBSE Board quota.

2) Fees can be on the high side for some schools.

3) There aren’t enough options to explore in the field of Arts and Literature.

B. CISCE Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

Examination Pattern: This body conducts 3 examinations, namely

• ICSE (Indian certificate secondary education) exam for class 10

• ISC (Indian school certificate) exam for class 12

• CVE (Certificate for vocational education) exam for class 12

Facts

• Total Number of Schools Affiliated with CISCE: Approx. 1000

• Areas of Operation: India, UAE, Singapore, Indonesia

• Subjects Offered ICSE in 2013-64 with 23 Indian languages and 12 are foreign languages.

• Subjects Offered ISC in 2013- 50 with 23 Indian languages and 12 are foreign languages.

Pros

1. Course curriculum is wide, covering a range of topics to explore overall growth of students.

2. CISCE prefers to give more practical Knowledge and focus more on analytical skills.

3. Subject selection options available to students to follow their liking for a particular subject.

4. The CISCE board has equal focus on languages, science and art and encourages students to choose across diverse topics / subjects for their Class-12 exam.

Cons

1. Students may find syllabus a bit cumbersome.

2. Students would find it hard to shift to other boards or Pre-Science Colleges (11-12 Standards)

3. Higher Fees

4. Although Major Entrance Exams syllabus is based on CISCE, the fact that the seats for those courses are open for all students in India. And colleges which are coming under state universities have more reserved seats for students from state boards. So students from CISCE board who wouldn’t crack entrance exams face problems in getting admission in state university colleges as they have very less number of seats for CISCE Board.

C. IB International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), is an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and founded in 1968

Examination Pattern: It offers 3 educational programs, namely

• PYP or Primary year program for KG to Class-5

• MYP or Middle year program for Class-6 to Class-10

• DP or Diploma program for Class-11 and Class-12

Facts

• Number of Schools: Approx 3500 worldwide & 130 in India.

• Areas of Operations: 144 Countries including India, USA, UK, Australia etc.

Pros

1. International Board recognized by most of the Universities of the world.

2. Students can apply to Foreign Universities wherein CBSE and ICSE board is not recognized.

3. Recognized by UNESCO, Council of Europe, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)

4. Curriculum based on application and experimentation.

5. Better Infrastructure of Schools.

6. Best option if parents are NRI, or are planning to move abroad.

Cons

1. Fee is on the higher side.

2. Found only in metropolitan cities and Tier-1 cities of India

3. Difficult for students to shift boards if need arises.

4. Tuitions, Books not easily available.

D. IGCSE International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an academically rigorous, internationally used, specialized, English language curriculum which is offered to students to prepare them for International Baccalaureate and CIE A-level.

Examination Pattern

• Cambridge Primary, typically for learners aged 5 to 11 years

• Cambridge Secondary 1

• Cambridge Secondary 2 is typically for learners aged 14 to 16 years. It offers learners two routes: Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level.

• Cambridge Advanced is typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years who need advanced study to prepare for university and higher education. It offers learners two routes: Cambridge International AS and A Level, and Cambridge Pre-U.

Facts

• Number of Schools: Approx 200 in India

• Areas of Operations: 120 Countries including India, USA, UK.

Pros

1. International Board recognized by most of the Universities of the world.

2. Students can apply to Foreign Universities wherein CBSE and ICSE board is not recognized.

3. More advanced curriculum and variety of subjects to choose from.

4. More emphasis on English and Technical Subjects

5. Best option if parents are NRI, or are planning to move abroad.

Cons

1. Fee is on the higher side.

2. Found only in metropolitan cities and Tier-1 cities of India

3. Difficult for students to shift boards if need arises.

4. Tuitions, Books not easily available.

E. State Board

Every State Government imparts Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in its respective state.

Examination Pattern

• SSC: Secondary School Certificate, 10 Board Exams

• HSC: Higher School Certificate, 12 Board Exams

Facts

• Areas of Operations: Every State and Union Territory of India

Pros

1. Favorable for parents without Transferable Jobs.

2. Easily available Textbook, Teachers.

3. Moderately loaded curriculum giving options for Students to explore more extracurricular activities like Dancing and Sports.

4. Lower Fees.

5. More reserved seats within the state recognized colleges

Cons

1. Depends wholly on the State government’s competence to maintain quality of education.

2. Quality of Teaching varies according to school.

3. Might Lack in basic facilities.

4. Quality of Content (No Errors/ No Printing Mistakes) may be questionable.

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

School Report Cards from National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA)

School Admission Info

The National University of Educational Planning and Administration has created a comprehensive database on elementary education in India under one of its most prestigious projects, known as, District Information System for Education (DISE). The project covers both Primary and Upper Primary schools of all the districts of the country.

http://schoolreportcards.in/SRC-New/AboutSRC.aspx

The National University has successfully developed School Report Cards of more than 1.3 million Primary and Upper Primary schools. In addition to quantitative information, the Report Cards also provide qualitative information and a descriptive report about individual schools. And, all that can now be accessed with the Click of a Mouse.

Below is a quick snapshot of how schools are listed on the website and are well categorized by their state and locality.

The Report Cards are produced to provide users comprehensive information on all the vital parameters, be it student, teacher or school related variables, yet concise, accurate information about each school in a standard format which is easy to understand and allows meaningful comparisons to be made among schools.

 



As seen above, such report card is available for alomst all schools and the department has done a fairly good job in keeping them as current as possible and information is available for very recent years. Once can even track historical reports. This definitely shpuld help all parents seeking review of schools to which plan their child's admission.



CBSE School Information

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for all affiliated schools to prepare a website with their complete details and a letter has been issued to the all the schools from the joint secretary of CBSE.

According to the letter, the information required to be present on the school website include details of CBSE guidelines and norms, student strength, information about teaching staff, student-teacher ratio, contact details of administrators, comprehensive information about school, infrastructure, governance and qualification of teachers. The details are to be collected as an annual report and uploaded before September 15 each year.

Below is a link to circulars sent to this effect in past years.

http://cbse.nic.in/circulars/cir03-2010a.pdf
http://cbseaff.nic.in/cbse_aff/Circulars/circular_no_8.pdf

It has also been highlighted that the defaulter school failing to comply will not be able to register their candidates for Board Examinations and the responsibility would lie with school management. However, the impacted personnel are the students and the parents in the event of such failure.

If you are seeking admission for your child to a CBSE school, then such cheat sheet can be very helpful and if you do not find one for any school, you should request the management about the same. If you are already a school parent, then your child’s school compliant? If not, then please urge the school management to comply with the same.

SchoolConnects will try and bring such insights & more to the benefit of the parent community seeking school admission

Introducing SchoolAdmissionInfo

We would like to introduce to the Parents in Chennai, SchoolAdmissionInfo, a free service to Indian Parent Community providing latest updates on school admissions, kindergarten in particular.

Why??

School Admissions can be a daunting task on any parent. The admission process/exercise could be grueling. Parents have been going from pillar-to-post trying to get their children into school. Community resources are wasted with multiple people calling multiple schools multiple times to get the same details like age criteria, form availability etc. Information such as fees and other logistics are not even shared by school until the child makes it through application process.

What??

SchoolAdmissionInfo.in is a free service to the parent community in Chennai providing all information related to the admission process across the schools in city. Parents can not only view the information on the website but also subscribe for alerts on e-mail and mobile phones. They can also contribute and exchange information with other parents.

How??

A dedicated team works round the clock all year gathering such information from schools by reaching them over phone or in person. Data points are captured from other sources too, including internet research. The same is then posted on the website. This exercise is done in a cyclic basis with the frequency depending on number of factors like school reputation, number of subscription etc.

Help us to improve the community productivity by sharing this information with friends and family.