by on 02/04/2018 5984
While the Montessori Method of instruction has been around for over a century, The children’s house is within the first cohort of Montessori preschools founded three decades ago in the country. It has grown considerably over the years to include a newly-launched infant and toddler centre in Aman Walk, Mont Kiara.
Greeted at the door with a big warm smile, my heart was instantly captured. Two little bambini spotted my existence and started toddling inquisitively towards the door. Teachers did not immediately proceed to interfere but instead respected that a child’s curiosity comes first.
A great camaraderie fills the air, everyone communicating in caring, inviting voices, including the principal herself, Aunty Anita. A highly experienced, diplomatic and enthusiastic individual, she very much remains the head and hands of the school. It is not an unusual sight to spot her on the floor alongside other teachers, guiding infants and toddlers. After twenty years of Montessori school life, the principal still keeps abreast with the latest developments in the industry and stays in tune with every enrolled child’s development, earning herself an impressive reputation for dedication with the parents.
Atmosphere is an important aspect of education and the centre rightly makes use of the structure of its learning space within its programming. Large expanses of glass create a strong connection between the indoor spaces and its surroundings, allowing maximum amount of natural light to flow through. Upon entering The children’s house, it feels cozy, enticing home away from home, yet spacious and beautifully appointed to the needs of every child within that environment. The design and flow create a learning space that is fluid, overlapping and accommodates choice. Attractive colours and uncluttered spaces are suited to group activities, as well as areas where children can settle alone. The infant space contains a cushioned turf area, while the toddler space boasts a tree draped with fairy lights and topped with a canopy of laser-cut leaves. All items are scaled down to child size pieces, fostering independence as the children move about. Walls and windows are strung with uniquely crafted children's work representing a hands-on approach to learning.
Families are drawn by the reputation that the school has rightly gained through the span of its life. Parents of children aged 2 months to 2 years old looking for a holistic programme that focuses on the physical, language, sensory-motor, social-emotional and perceptual side of development, The children's house justly offers that and more. A range of learning differences are supported through its infants, pre-toddlers and toddlers programmes. The programmes adhere to an award-winning curriculum developed by Learning Vision Singapore, with play, caregiving and attachment as the guiding framework. The curriculum is a preview to Montessori education and builds on the importance of play in the developmental growth of children. It is during play and interactions with peers that many vital skills are acquired, from cognitive and physical abilities to social skills and moral values. Movement is unrestricted and children move freely throughout the learning spaces choosing activities of their choice, either individually or in small groups. Fine and gross motor skills are cultivated through repetitive activities such as storytelling, singing and rhyming, naming and listening games, sensory play, art, sponging, baby gym and much more. All are carried out with a great emphasis on respectful, reciprocal and responsive interactions during routine caregiving under a respectful, supportive environment.
After care is a plus, as is a high level of individual, student-guided instructional attention from professionally trained and qualified model-teachers, all with the needs of parents foremost in mind. The centre rightly prides itself on maintaining a happy, community feel throughout, while facilitating a smooth transition for both children and parents. Parents stay connected and updated through the LittlePoop app. Children get fed wholesome meals and snacks prepared under the nutritional guidelines for infants and toddlers by trained cooks. As per standard regulations, routine sanitization and safety are highly acknowledged and practiced.
Be on the lookout for playdates organized at the centre. Come rain or shine, parent and child can have a ball indoors with specially designed purposeful activities, such as exploring sounds and rhythm with handmade musical instruments and parachute play.
The children's house, Aman Walk is an expression of a well-designed programme for infants and toddlers that respects each child's needs and pacing, while also being responsive to the requirements of the community it serves. In all, the focus is clearly starting out right from the formative early years, and supporting child development through a secure, respectful, supportive, responsive, happy and positive environment.
