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KTMS Grade School Building

After a lot of planning and sacrifice, we are proud that the KTMS Grade School Building is ready to become the knowledge hub for the curious learners of Kiddie Toes Montessori School.

We thank everyone who have contributed in their own way -- ideas, suggestions, words of encouragement, actual participation in the building development, and much more. This building is a testament to the quality of the "family relationship and togetherness" that we have at KTMS.

Please click on the link below for more photos:
KTMS Facebook Page photos

Demystifying the Montessori model of education

http://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/demystifying-the-montessori-model-of-education/article_0cb23ab2-f8c8-5a70-a89d-c65b441de7ca.html

As Montessorians, we are often asked a very simple question with a very complex answer:

“What is Montessori?”

We may have slightly different perspectives on the most important aspects of Montessori, but I think the following will get the ball rolling.

Montessori is a scientific method of education, a philosophy of child development and an approach to children that helps them increase their potential. Doctor Maria Montessori, who lived from 1870 to 1952, was a brilliant and creative educator. Beginning her studies, Montessori relied on the work of the French physician Itard, his pupil Seguin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau stressed the importance of training the senses as a means to achieve knowledge, and explained the learning process as gradually moving from the concrete to the abstract. Itard and Seguin successfully developed graduated exercises to enhance the development of special needs students.

Respect for the child is the cornerstone on which all other Montessori principles rest. We show respect for our children when we help them do things and learn for themselves. When children have choices, they are able to develop the skills and abilities necessary for independence and positive self-esteem. Respect for children is never out of date and should be afforded to all children, regardless of culture, gender or socioeconomic background.

But Maria Montessori’s most important discovery was that children learn in a fundamentally different way than adults. A young child has an innate ability to "absorb" language, as well as other types of knowledge. When Montessori studied children’s natural ability to absorb knowledge, she discovered that they learned best when they were free to work in a carefully prepared, nurturing environment. In time, Montessori went on to create schools where children worked with specially designed learning materials (manipulatives) that enhanced their potential.

A Montessori classroom is a specially prepared learning environment designed to meet the developmental needs of children and to appeal to their diverse learning styles. The Montessori environment is also prepared to foster independence, grace and courtesy, and a sense of personal responsibility. Each classroom is organized into five curriculum areas: practical life (activities for daily living), sensory education, language skills, math and the cultural subjects, which encompass the arts and sciences.

Montessori also believed that, given long stretches of time in which to work, children will gradually lengthen their attention spans. In her opinion, rushing children along to a different activity or subject every 30 minutes makes it impossible for them to become engaged in any one task. It makes sense to me — if I’m in the middle of a really good book, or an art project, I would rather not be disturbed.

The Montessori curriculum comes alive to the child when a link is created between the child and their learning environment. The Montessori teacher, or directress, provides this link. The Montessori teacher is an observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher creates an atmosphere that is calm, joyful and orderly, while encouraging the children in all their efforts, allowing them to develop self-confidence and inner discipline.

The teacher is more involved with the younger students at each level, demonstrating the use of materials and presenting activities based on the child's needs. Knowing how to observe constructively and when to intervene are some of the most important talents the Montessori teacher possesses. They teach the child to be a capable learner, and guide them to take their place as caring, responsible and compassionate members of the community.

We do many things in a Montessorian way without even thinking about it. What Maria Montessori wanted us to understand is that children can’t help learning. Simply by living, children learn from their environment; they are born to learn. But what they learn relies greatly on the environment prepared carefully by an experienced teacher. If the Montessori method sparks your interest, I encourage you to visit a program in your area.

Diane M. Bauso is head of school at Creative Minds Montessori, 169 Genesee St., Auburn. For more information, call 406-9495 or visit www.auburncmms.com.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Opening Remarks (Preschool)

6^th Moving Up Day

Kiddie Toes Montessori School

March 2013

By:       Divine May Flor Mercado- David

School Directress

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away”

These are first line from a famous doctor. Can you guess who he is? He is that famous doctor with a striped red and white hat.

Yes, you are right. He is Dr Seuss or Theodore Seuss Geisel is an American poet and cartoonist known for his children’s picture books.

Do you want to hear some more?

This poem, dear learners, parents, guardians and friends, embodies what we want to tell these kids today. Let me formally welcome you to the 6^th Kiddie Toes Montessori School Moving Up Day! We are glad that you can make it.

More than 6 years ago, when we were conceptualizing and brainstorming on how we can deliver quality, holistic and elevated learning to the children of Santiago City, we thought of a school which is non-traditional, treats children with respect, enables intrinsic motivation instead of external rewards, a school with a heart, a haven for children to feel safe even to commit their own mistakes and learn from them. And most importantly, to learn while having fun.

These are all embodied in the stories and poems that Dr Seuss wrote. He advocated for equality, respect, perseverance, love for the environment, and most of all, love for life and all the fun it has to offer.

That is why today, after 6 years of our beloved school’s existence, we want to honor Dr Seuss, and the things and virtues he embodies.

But why is KTMS similar to Dr Seuss’ world?

Because we at KTMS believe in love for the environment. Just like Dr Seuss’ book, the “The Lorax”, when he says, “When you are entrusted with something, take care of it.”

Because we believe in equality and individuality. Just like Dr Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who”, when he said, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Because we believe in acceptance and openness to things around us. Just like Dr Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham”, which says that we “should not judge a book, or an egg, or a man, by it’s color.”

Because we believe in love for non-material things. Just like Dr Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, which emphasizes the intangible joys of things and events, like Christmas.

And lastly, because like Montessori, Dr. Seuss’ books not only made reading fun for kids, but also elevated the act of learning itself.

But like what we teach in a Montessori classroom, Dr Seuss also talks about making mistakes, and how this is perfectly fine. He says:

“On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.”

We always tell our learners that mistakes are not bad, and are perfectly normal. That is why our Montessori materials are self-correcting, so that learners will know their mistakes, and most importantly, will find ways on how to correct them.

This is the right attitude, because no matter how big our problems are, we will prevail! As Dr Seuss would say:

“Because kids, you’ll move mountains!
You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!”

Without much ado, dear parents, guardians and friends, I would like to end my short speech by thanking you, for being part of the KMTS family. We are humbled and grateful. Salamat!

So let’s begin the celebration, and witness the 6^th KTMS Moving Up Day. And let’s always remember, learners, and for your children of all ages…

Be a good citizen. Be a good friend. Be a good child. And most of all, be a good person.

Thank you!

The Montessori method: children in their second year of life

The intervening months between the first and second birthday must be the most interesting and challenging time in a young child’s life. Innate curiosity drives these young people to investigate and explore every aspect of their environment and this inquisitiveness requires very special skills and attitudes from the adults caring for them. They need energy, patience and acute observation skills, with an awareness of danger, whilst enabling little explorers to take risks and feel free to ‘find out’.

Want to read more?

http://blog.montessori.org.uk/2013/02/01/the-montessori-method-children-in-their-second-year-of-life/

Reasons why Montessori can solve our education system problems

While we stand right in front, cribbing about and blaming the education system, we fail to come up with constructive solutions to solve this problem. Pointing fingers at the education system and policies won’t help, need now is to learn from various education systems around the world and inculcate the best practices in ours.

Educators from around the world have emphasised on how Montessori education could solve most of our education related problems. I remember meeting Lavanya, a Global Changemaker at the British Council and an advocate of the Montessori system of education, something that she is using to educate many slum kids in Delhi. In her own words, “It’s been a life-transforming experience not just for the kids but for me as well.”

According to Wikipedia, “Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society.”

Can this system be the answer to our education-system problems? Yes! Here are 10 reasons why.

1. It gives the child the independence:
Montessori form of education, makes children independent by letting them do things for themselves. It allows the children to choose what they want to and contribute towards each other by helping them in whatever way they want.

While the current education system makes us heavily dependent on our teachers, the smart children of the class and books, the Montessori system is based on the theory that when the children are able to do things for themselves there is an increase in their self belief and even self confidence and esteem that they may carry on throughout their life.

Not every child is same. This system gives the students the independence to learn and grow at their respective paces – much unlike our current system that often goes against the pace or the learning capacity of a student.

2. No comparison between children:
Teacher to Raghu: Why can’t you score like Ankita does?
Mother to Raghu: Chintu scores 99.999. If he can, why can’t you?
Father to Raghu: So you want the Play station. Hmmm… score more than your cousins and I’ll get it for you.

Haven’t you gone through this situation? Your kids won’t have to go through this if they go to a Montessori school. The basic theory of Montessori is against comparison between children. It rather promotes co-existence and co-learning. The students are self-inspired and study to co-exist, not compete.

3. Education based on observation:
The basic idea behind Montessori format is learning via observing – especially children at a pre-school stage. The founder of this methodology, Dr. Maria Montessori observed children without preconceived ideas that helped her develop materials that the children needed and were interested in. It is also the way adults can learn about what the child needs. If the child starts banging on objects they are given a drum. If they are pushing things around the room, they need to walk but can’t do it themselves yet, help them or give them the opportunity to push and give them, for example, a wagon to push. This is how observation can help create harmony, fulfilling the child’s current needs. (source)

4. Learning by multi-age grouping:
Based on age groups, children are mixed into ages and abilities in three to six year spans: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-15, 15-18. As the International Montessori Index puts it, there is constant interaction, problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization. Children are challenged according to their ability and never bored. The Montessori middle and high school teacher ideally has taken all three training courses plus graduate work in an academic area or areas. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

5. Teaching method- “Teach by teaching, not by correcting”:
I remember having my class notebooks filled with red marks by the teacher, bad notes to my parents about my poor performance, and depressing comments. I also remember being humiliated for scoring a 5/20 in one of my social studies papers.

This is not the case in the Montessori method. The teacher does not criticize or humiliate students. He/she respects the student as he/she is. There are no papers turned back with red marks and corrections. The teachers, through extensive observation and record keeping, take time out to design special projects based on the special needs of the students to help them improve in different aspects.

6. No grades, no punishment:
As Lavanya puts it, “I learnt small things about teaching which we otherwise take for granted — like when a child makes a mistake, you never tell a child that he is wrong. You simply have to sit right next to the kid and start doing the right thing. And he will learn the right thing in due course of time and start following you. “

Children are bound to make mistakes. You can either scold them and instill fear in them, or teach by example. For example, if a child drops something, instead of scolding, set an example, “Oh you dropped the food, why don’t we get a cloth and wipe it up.” It is an opportunity to ask the child to do some valid practical work with you. You will find children do like to clean up as they see it as something adults do – thus they learn quickly.

7. Character education and morals:
Remember that odd free class we used to have, called ‘moral science’? It used to tell us tales of morality and we all cherished it as a free period. Even the teacher never took it seriously. It did not carry any marks. Whatever that small class was – it has now vanished from the course curriculum.

In Montessori method, education of character is considered as important as academic education, children learn to take care of themselves, their environment, each other – cooking, cleaning, building, gardening, moving gracefully, speaking politely, being considerate and helpful, doing social work in the community, etc.

This forms the basis of a person’s nature and characteristics, and something that our current education system misses completely. We are made to cramp up everything, but are not taught the basic etiquette and humility. Montessori is the answer.

8. It compels the children to “think” without making it boring:
As Lavanya puts it, “Learning is no longer boring, it becomes interesting because lessons are made to come alive in class through art, dance, drama, and other interesting tools. The class becomes a space for the child where he can be comfortable, be at peace with his surroundings and hence, develop his personality in the proc’ess. The tools and the methods of teaching really get one to ‘think’ about the concept that is being taught rather than focusing on rote learning and cramming. And because the first few years in the life of the child become so crucial in shaping what he/she will be like in the coming few years, I think it becomes even more crucial that the child learns to think through things. “

9. Requirement based education:
Requirements for age 0-6
There are no academic requirements for this age, but children are exposed to amazing amounts of knowledge and often learn to read, write and calculate beyond what is usually thought interesting to a child of this age.

Requirements for ages 6-18
The teacher remains alert to the interests of each child and facilitates individual research in following interests. There are no curriculum requirements except those set by the state, or college entrance requirements, for specific grade levels. These take a minimum amount of time. From age six on, students design contracts with the teacher to guide their required work, to balance their general work, and to teach them to become responsible for their own time management and education. The work of the 6+ class includes subjects usually not introduced until high school or college.

10. Freedom to study the way the child wants:
The environment is arranged according to subject area, and children are always free to move around the room instead of staying at desks. There is no limit to how long a child can work with a piece of material. At any one time in a day all subjects — math, language, science, history, geography, art, music, etc., will be being studied, at all levels.

All subjects are interwoven, not taught in isolation, the teacher modeling a “Renaissance” person of broad interests for the children. A child can work on any material he understands at any time.


Read more at http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2012/01/10-reasons-why-montessori-education-could-solve-our-current-education-system-problems/#GXtgDVTW4KYAaQPc.99

Multiply

Before Facebook, we also had a Multiply account!

Do visit our multiply page and check out our old photos, blog entries, and other memories. Incidentally, the picture below is the first ever KTMS home. Can you guess where that was?

Click on this link to view Multiply:
Kiddie Toes Multiply account