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We look at what a Montessori education offers to help parents decide which is best for their nursery school aged child
As we approach the beginning of the new school year, many of us are thinking about which nursery to choose for our children – but with so much choice available in Abu Dhabi, how do you know where to start?
Laura Willing, manager at Sunny Meadows Montessori Nurseries – one of the longest established nurseries in Khalifa City A, suggests you look past the glossy brochures and impressive facilities which can make the choices too dazzling and instead look to the very heart of the nursery, to the teachers and the curriculum, to really discover the soul of a place and its values, ‘After all, it’s the teachers who make the school’ she says.
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) or British curriculum, is one of the most popular options for nurseries in the UAE, but what about Montessori? What makes it so different?
Let’s look first at society’s idea of a typical EYFS nursery setting – it will probably include a teacher-led schedule of activities and assessments where the children are passive learners, each doing the task that the teacher has set, with peers of the same age and ability. In a classic Montessori nursery, however, the day is almost entirely child led – there are no star charts, no naughty steps and much less emphasis on target based results.
Children are free to work at their own pace, in a carefully prepared environment. You’ll find classes of mixed age groups and no time constraints (within reason) under the guidance of a directress. The idea is that the youngest children look up to the older ones who in turn become little leaders.
Children at classic Montessori also learn practical life activities – watering plants and putting on their own shoes etc. This curriculum encourages a child’s innate desire for independence and helps them discover their own individual interests – so don’t necessarily expect to find a class of 20 all producing the same piece of art work to take home.
EYFS is respected as the statutory framework that sets the education standards in the UK and whilst it has developed and adapted beyond the traditional view above, Montessori remains a very hot contender for top curriculum status. The roll call of famous Montessori graduates is incredibly diverse and includes the founders of Google and Amazon, the World War II diarist Anne Frank, Hollywood actor George Clooney and now Prince George (British Royal Family)!
Imagine where Montessori could take your child?
Sunny Meadows is a family of two well established, classic Montessori nurseries in Khalifa City A. They are well respected in the local community and are open all year round for children aged 2 months to 4.6 years.
Contact Fatuma Baobied at fatuma@sunny-meadows.com to arrange a tour to see what the Montessori approach at Sunny Meadows can offer your child.
