New School Setup

Message from Academic Head

Padma Rekha P

“Guru Sakshath Parabrahma”, Indian culture treats teachers next to the creator himself as in practical sense teachers are the sculptors of childrens' future. In turn they are also moulding the society and the country by providing value-based education to children. It is teachers, who make or mar the society through their intensity of quality and dedication towards education. It is the responsibility of the Educational organizations to make teachers conscious about the value education and keep motivating them towards the same. This being the sole principle, JNANA GAMYA plunged into the Teachers Training, by providing rigorous teachers' training course and also by opening the job opportunities within and outside the country.

Montessori philosophy

Padma Rekha P

Dr Maria Montessori believed that every child is unique and born with special potentialities. She terms the ages between 0-6 as “formative ages” where the child's brain is compared to a fertile land ready to grow any number of quality seeds in terms of concepts and under- standing . A cco rd in g to th e researchers 90% ofthe brain development happens between the ages of 0-6, Which is the age of children in preschool. So it becomes extremely important that a child in a pre-school has to be exposed to “prepared” and “structured” environmentwhich supports in his/her all round development such as

1. Physical

2. Cognitive

3. Language & Socio–emotional development.

4. The Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum DAC which draws its ideology from child psychology helps the children in theirall-round development.

What Makes Montessori Education Unique?

Montessori is a world renowned philosophy of education. It is an educational approach th at encoura ge s a nd guide s the unfolding of a child's maximum potential. This meaning to allow for the fullest physical, spiritual, and intellectual development by assisting the child to educate themselves at their own pace. A specially prepared environment is created with an ordered array of sequential learning materials to guide the child in self-directed, hands-on sensorial activities. The concrete materials require manipulation with the use of the hands to develop the mind. Montessori method is designed to take full advantage of the innate desire to explore and discover, which each and every child carries within them. The Montessori concepts and principles are simple yet very effective. Allowing each individual child to develop and learn naturally at their own pace. The basic concepts and principles of Montessori education are as follows:

Respect

The principle respects each child as being an unique individual in their own way, different from adults and also each other. Understanding the differences amongst one another and accepting each other with love and respect. A profound respect for each child' s personality and preferences is the key to foster their creativity.

The Prepared Environment

The environment ofthe child itself tends to either foster creativity or restrict it. Based on Montessori principles "The Prepared Environment" was created & devised to be consistent with the needs of a child during their process of learning and development. Given the appropriate environment each child is enabled to develop and learn naturally through spontaneous, effortless, self-directed activities

The Absorbent mind

the child has what Maria Montessori called, 'an absorbent mind'. The child's absorbent mind unconsciously soaks up information from the environment around him, learning about it at a rapid rate. This learning process is unique to the young child and lasts through the first six years of his life. Montessori Method is designed to take advantage of these mental powers during these criticalyears.

Sensitive periods

these periods document the critical stages of development. Dr Maria Montessori recognized that it was much easier for a child to learn a particular skill when it was pursued during the corresponding "sensitive periods." These periods can be best described as intense fascinations for learning a particular skill. (i.e., forlanguage, order, movement& manyothers)

Freedom within limits

In order for the learning process to achieve maximum results, there needs to be freedom. Freedom of movement and choice. A Montessori child is encouraged to follow what interests him the most. The child is free to work and learn in the classroom at his own pace. Every aspect of the presentation and proper handling of materials encompasses a much broader meaning. It puts into harmony a balance of freedom and structure. Whereas one does not overpower the other. This careful blend allows each child, the freedom of choice and movement, a respected right to choose and move freely. This in turn initiates many processes one of which is gaining independence, another is self-reliance and self-sufficiency This emphasis on freedom is the onlyway to satisfy the childrens' own need for productivity and fulfilment. Yet in the midst of all this freedom, there underlies structure. The structure that is created when a child knows to put back their learning materials in the proper place and order. When a child knows that their individual work is respected as their own. Where it is very natural for a young child to want to work alone and is uninterrupted. Thus constructing important rules and guidelines that prove to be mutuallybeneficial and therefore rewarding.

The Montessori Teacher

“Directress" as Dr Montessori coined the term, guides the child through an ordered arrangement of developmentally appropriate activities. The teacher does not teach per say, but instead assists the child to slowly gain mastery of the carefully thought out environment prepared especially for him/her. She demonstrates the correct process in using the materials as they are individuallychosen bythe children. The presentations are brief and efficient, giving just enough information to intrigue them so that they will come back to investigate later. She is a keen observer of the specific interests that pique the curiosity of each child. Observation is crucial to the Montessori Method. She keeps an accurate record of their strengths, accomplishments and work. Thus the role of the teacher is not to lecture with pre-existing knowledge and theory. But instead, to connect each child with the world around them through creative, hands on, sensory integrated materials. To help the child better understand and grasp the concepts presented to him/her. Encouraging each child as they strive to reach theirmaximum potentialat his/her individual pace

Teachers training:

It is not just important to have a prepared and structured environment with all required educational equipments but, it is also equally important that the environment should be monitored by a sensible and trained adult who understands and believes in Montessori philosophy.

Course Structure: Montessori Principle & Philosophy

1. To discuss the principles of the Montessori method & its application in the classroom, to understand that the Montessori environment is child centered

2. Lessons are given on individual basis.

3. To reviewthe effects ofthe prepared environment on young children.

4. Finallythe role ofthe Directress in the Montessori classroom.

5. The Philosophy gives an understanding of Dr. Montessori's practical research on theyoung children such as their

6. Absorbent Mind

7. Sensitive Period

8. The Prepared Environment

9. Natural laws of Development

10. Child Development: The Earlyyears, Child Care, Health & Nutrition.

11. These topics assists the trainees to understand how a child develops physically, cognitively, socially & in terms of language. It also gives an understanding of how a child's development in one area that affects his/her development in anotherareas

Curriculum Planning:

This topic intends to help the learner understand all the factors of Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum (DAC). The major emphasis of the course is to see howcurrent emerging theories, specificallythe Montessori Theory, relates to our understanding of Curriculum Development.

Montessori Exercises of Practical Life:

One of the most important area where the learner has a hands on experience on all the activities that are designed to teach children life skills. These exercises provide opportunity for purposeful work which enhances the children's control over their movements, they learn to care for the environment & self, they learn social grace & courtesy. They also develop concentration, confidence, independence & a positive self-concept.

Sensorial Education:

Avery important area of education which highlights & trains refinement of all five senses as related to intelligence. Montessori's Sensorial activities introduces the child to a structured comprehension of the world in a different way. It is necessary to begin the education of senses in formative period ifwe wish to perfect this sense development ofthe education which is tofollow

Language:

The language programme in Montessori involves the use of phonetic and is divided into graded phonic schemes which helps the child to learn the aspects oflanguage in a more precise way.

Mathematics:

This module teaches mathematics through concrete manipulation which allows the childrens to have an in depth understanding of mathematical concepts. Concepts of Decimal system & mathematical operations are easily followed through simple & logicalsteps.

Cultural Subjects: Zoology, Botany, Geography & History.

Dr. Maria Montessori has very beautifully introduced these subjects in a wholistic manner thereby providing the trainees with sensorial exploration of the material which arouses natural curiosity to learn & understand about theworld around us. Besides the Montessori modules, enrichment programmes are also offered such as Storytelling, Art & Craft, where the trainees get to learn in detail about how to go about planning & implementing stories related to any theme, the purpose of which is to make a concept more appealing & interesting to the child. They also get a glimpse of why art & craft activities are encouraged in small children & it also enhances the creativityin them. Puppetry, Music & movements are also done so as to provide the students a basis to have an overall understanding of the topics. It also allows them to implementvarious forms ofprops which are an essentialtoolfor storytelling. All these activities encourage the trainees in presentation skills which instills in them self-confidence, team spirit & allows them to an understanding of theirown strength & an opportunityto overcome theirshortcomings. Besides all this we also conduct workshop on First Aid which is an essential part of teachers' learning environment that assists them to deal with certain emergencies. An understanding of Personality Grooming & Child Health & Nutrition is also given.

Importance of Pre-School Education:

Brain development is highest during the first six years, due to formative period of life. Children are able to explore at a rapid rate and absorb new information. A child can be benefitted immenselywhen interacting in our prepared environment which is content rich with appropriate curriculum and supportive Lab. Prepared environment is vital for the brain development in young pre-schoolers. Hence the child thrives in an environment which is loving with stimulating colours, sounds, textures, classroom layout, vivid activities and books with which their future schooling will be much more structured and demanding. Social skills such as listening, communication, addressing the mass, acceptance of multi-cultural differences, social grace and courtesy, how to speak in a group, helping each other and empathy are importantto learn atthis age. The child needs time away from his parents and home to learn about the world, about people, about accepting others, making new friends. Also children learn to trust and be independent When given the opportunity to do things on his/her own or with a group, the child is learning important work attributes that are necessary in his future. Our preschool setup is a strong foundation for a successful schooling and work career making it easier to enjoya contented life. Jnanamudra encompasses your child to lay strong foundation with values and ethics forhis bright future

Our Balanced Curriculum:

The main concept of Montessori is to promote ‘the joy of learning’. This joy of learning develops a well-adjusted person who has a purpose and direction in his or her life. It is an approach to education that takes to heart the needs, talents, gifts and special individuality of each child. It is a process that helps children learn in their own way at their own pace. Children, who experience ‘the joy of learning’ are happy, confident and fulfilled. In essence, Montessori helps bring forththe gift ofeach child. Another important skill it teaches is self-reliance and independence. It helps a child to become independent by teaching him or her life skills, which is called practical life. Montessori children learn to dress themselves, help cook, put their toys and clothes in order and take an active part of their household, neighbourhood and school. Montessori works in a methodical way. Each step in the process leads to the next level of learning. When a child plays, he or she is learning concepts for abstract learning. Repetition of activities is an integral part ofthis learning process.

Assistance on Steps and procedure of setting up a Montessori preschool:

Setting up of Montessori environment

1. Planning on layout ofyour pre-school

2. Setting up the class room environment

3. Placement ofeducationalequipment's and furniture

4. Look and feel ofoutdoorand more

Providing Montessori equipment's and furniture.

1. We provide you with state of art furniture and Montessori materials of internationalstandard as understood and preferred by Montessori family.

2. Assistance in recruitment of Montessori Directress and supporting staff.

3. Assistance in recruiting potentialteachers.

4. Assistance in short listing admin staff.

5. Assistance in Marketing yourventure:

6. We assist with time tested strategies and guidelines on marketing your pre-school.

7. Designing of marketing collaterals and merchandise, such as pamphlets, sign boards, banners, brochures, public communication materials.