Junior's Play House Montessori Preschool, Mount Austin, Johor Bahru

No other education captures the sheer joy and passion for learning the way Junior’s Play House Montessori Preschool does. The school provides an authentic Montessori environment that guides each child not just in education but for life. They strive to make the first six years of children’s lives the best ones that parents could wish for. Every aspect of the school is geared towards building a strong foundation that shapes children’s future learning achievement at primary school, overall growth and development, and general health and happiness in life.

A Child-Centred Environment

Junior’s Play House is like an extension of the home. The atmosphere exudes a cheerful calm and order that focuses on children’s individual needs from 2.5 and 6 years. Generally, children work individually or in small groups. Each child gets to progress at his or her own pace before moving on to the next step only when they are ready. With such varied levels of development coming from different ages, children learn to develop further socially. Younger ones get inspired through observing older children, and the older bunch can guide the young ones in the learning process. They encourage each other by cooperating.

Self-Directed Learning

In this Montessori setting, children enjoy a considerable amount of freedom, within limits, to move around and choose to learn according to their interests. One of the key concepts is that children are driven by the directress and a myriad of didactic tools to help them master new skills. Much of the time children touch things and explore curated learning materials, such as solid geometric forms and knobbed puzzle maps, that are arranged invitingly on low, open shelves. They have direct hands-on contact with concrete materials and real things under study, allowing children to learn with a much clearer understanding. All learning is governed by Maria Montessori's principle - "He (children) must grow, while I (directress) diminish."  

To Inspire, Guide and Facilitate

Teachers at Junior’s Play House do not instruct and teach like traditional teachers do. They teach according to each child's individual ability and they truly accept that children learn in many different ways. They inspire, guide and facilitate the learning process by organising appropriate activities and social settings. Activities are presented in the areas of Language, Mathematics, Practical Life, Sensorial Education, Cultural Studies, Music and Movement, and Art and Craft. Through these broad areas of learning, teachers help children maximise their full potential. As Montessori places a great emphasis on character development, teachers here deliberately model the behaviour they want to instil in the children. Plus, they are exceptionally kind to children, responding empathetically to their feelings.

Global Peacemakers and Independent Lifelong Learners

The school sees children as more than just today’s academic learners but tomorrow’s future society. Therefore, the educational experiences are consciously designed to promote an understanding of the global world and instil basic universal values within the core of the child’s personality. These values include self-respect, kindness, compassion, peacefulness, acceptance of the uniqueness of each different person we meet, and courage to express ourselves from our hearts.