'MONTESSORI EDUCATION'

Each child comes into the world with a unique set of abilities and precious gifts, and a beautiful personality ready to unfold. And, we have to provide a healthy environment to the children so that their natural talent emerges outside. This is the essence of Montessori method. Its philosophy is based on a profound respect for children and their deep desire to learn. The Montessori method is primarily an "education for life", a way of understanding children's needs as individuals and assisting them to develop their potential to the fullest extent possible. Non-the less, Montessori education is a methods on scientific observation of children's learning process in a well prepared environment.

Montessori (pronounced MON-THU- SORE-EE) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. And, realizing the need of child education, she established CASA DEI BAMBINI (Children's House) in Rome for the first time using completely a new educational techniques for the children.

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening watching or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibility. It is they to discover the secrets of learning. Our duty is just to make a joyful learning environment and watch their activities and guide in their need. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self- discipline and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in the three- year age groups (3- 6, 6- 9, 9- 12 and so on) forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Hence, Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education. It can be said it is Dr. Maria's revolutionary step in education.

There is a vast difference between Montessori and traditional education. Traditional education, like in Nepal- a boy weight of 17 k.g is compelled to carry a weight of 22kg books. Just, imagine how would be able to turn the pages? I don't think any enthusiasm germinates in him- No more interest in learning. Drill method (like teaching a parrot to say goopi krishna kapu) has been practicing in boarding schools. By the way, I would like to cite an anecdote. Once a boarding school boy was seriously ill and he was hospitalized. He was taken to an operation theatre. The doctor came and asked "how are you my boy?' He said "I am fine- Thank you." . Indeed, he was taught by the teachers to say- I am fine thank you if you are asked by someone. Thus, this sort of drill method is deeply rooted in the teaching style of present so-called boarding schools. Moreover, many sticks fall over a child's head in his very childhood. Hence, the very first bad impression remains in his mind. His ability is not recognized at all. His talent is contused in the stage of budding. Consequently, he can do nothing except being a wisest fool.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” - Socrates

I fully agree with Socrates. Indeed, everybody has got inner power ready to bloom. Just a tender tingling touch in a suitable environment will be enough for its full bloom. It is definitely not like filling a vessel. Therefore, my attempt will continue to kindle a flame. My attempt will be on building a good foundation of character in children. Because, I believe that " education without character is like a fruit without juice. Therefore, my first priority will be on improving children's discipline and to teach them "The Voice of Humanity'. And, the teachers should teach in a practical manner understanding children's psychology, peace and symbiosis.

As Dr. Montessori holds her own philosophy, I have a different ideology in educating a child. Beside the importance of physical changes, I would like to make the children understand that "Hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray'. And my attempt is to make them an active and prudent citizen just like a bee that wanders flower to flower and produces sweet honey.

Therefore, it is my humble request to all the teachers for not to make this short of blunder mistakes. We should at least try to understand children's psychology and deal with accordingly. The teachers should appreciate children's good performance. A word of appreciation becomes vital power for their future career. What happens when a flower blooms in a deep forest with nobody to appreciate it, nobody to pass comment and say"beautiful", nobody to share its happiness and, nobody to taste its joy and beauty- what happens to a flower? Obviously, gradually it suffers, it becomes panicky and eventually it commits suicide. Likewise, a children who does not get a pinch of love and appreciation becomes the same condition. They lose existence like a puff of rolling smoke disappearing in the sky.

Likewise, opportunity plays an important role in our life. "Poverty and the lack of opportunity are the two major vices that hinders to our natural flair. Consequently, he remains unknown to the rest of the world as a precious gem hidden in the fathomless of a ocean." Hence, a teacher is fully responsible in the children's future. A teacher must be attentive in understanding children's attitude and wants. I still remember Tagore's saying "A teacher truly can not be a teacher until he is a student himself. A candle can not light another candle until it burns its own flame."

Hence, we should understand the children's wants and feeling. We should understand the maxims of teaching- simple to complex, concrete to abstract, known to unknown and mainly emphasizing on creative knowledge. Only, then the real meaning of education- the real taste and the importance of education befalls in our society. Montessori education is very essential in the context of Nepalese education system. Foundation should be made strong. If we follow Montessori educational approach, no doubt, the grim glimpses of Nepalese education system changes within a few year which is essential to change the society and leave an ideal footprint behind. -Gyanu Shrestha

Step By Step Development of Mind.

Children Pass through step by step of their mind development befor they reach to maturity. The development of mind and the capacity of mind varies in every stage of human being. For instance, a two years child may give his own logic about the particular thing and a 10 years boy gives the same logic according to his understanding. However, the way of understanding differs among them. The 2 years boy's logic may make us surprise but he can not solve the problem. Montessori found the process of the child during his first 2 years amazing- almost alike a miracle when he can speak, give answer and know the environment. This 2 years child has got big capacity of understanding than the new born baby who can not recognize himself. There is a vast difference in the development of child's mind between these two babies.

Like Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget has also made great contribution to our understanding the child's thought process. Both say that the development of thought in Children is a genetic process. They observe the children's thought process of every stage and found that the growth of mental development varies in every stage and finally lead to the complex thought process of the adolescent. They both have similar vision in this subject. They saw children progressing from phase to phase. At first sight, their varios stages appear confusing and contradictory. Below is a diagram showing how Piget and Montessori listed children's development of mind. For this, it is necessary to remember the following points:

• Each stage follows the other or the children's development of mind has stages.
• No stages can be omitted or can be forgotten. All has got equal importance.
• Children vary in the age at which they reach a particular stage.
• Each stage becomes strong and that makes for the next stage.
• Children sometime go back to the earlier stage. (in thoughts and behavior)
• Children can beat different level of achievement at the same time in different types of skills and thinking capacity.
• Mind development level according to Montessori: Unconscious mind (Birth to 3 years), Conscious Mind (3 ? 6 years), Childhood (6?12 Years), Puberty (12 ? 15 Years)
• Teaching should be from Simple to Complex, Concrete to Abstract, Known to Unknown.

SCHOOL PROFILE:

1. Name : Name of the school shall be Pranjals ‘ Pathshala meaning school of wise peoples who have understand the “The Art of Living” and in Japanese it might be easy to explain by saying JIN GI REI CHI SIN.
   
   
2. Place: Lakeside -6 Pokhara Nepal. Pokhara is a beautiful tranquil valley amidst the nature; lake, forest, river, waterfall, cave, snow-clad mountains.
   
   
3. Vision: To produce a prudent citizen who love nature and care nature. Who knows the Way of Life. We don’t give certificate but transfer knowledge / skills.
   
   
4. Symbol & Stamp: A picture of little boy and girl nearly to fly a pigeon will be the symbol of this institution symbolizing peace and nature.
   
   
5. Category: Pranjals’ Pathshala is a completely non- profitable organization run by the board of controllers. And, supporting different social welfare activities.
   
   
6. Level: The school shall be run from Montessory level to college degree.
   
   
7. Budget: Budget shall be collected from the share holders and member fees.
   
   
8. Infrastructure: The school building shall be made in natural bamboo cottages after buying 9 ropani land in tranquil atmosphere with all modern amenities.
   
   
9. Teachers / Staffs: 9 teachers (few volunteer), 1 gardener, 1 guard, 1 helper, 2 driver, 1 accountant, 1 Principal shall be appointed in the beginning.
   
   
10. School Staff & Selecting Method
    • In order to run the organization properly , 1 principal , 3 teacher , 1 accountant , 1 guard and 1 helper will be needed in the beginning.
    • Teachers will be selected on the basis of application , examination and their experiences by the board of controller .
    • Any Nepalese or foreigner may apply for the teaching post . But they must have the feeling imbued with the social welfare .
    • As far as possible an experienced foreign teacher will be given priority. And , all the facilities including visa extension will be provided by the organization .
      
      
11. Speculated Budget in the Begining
    • To start the organization RS. 4500000. has been speculated in the beginning.
    • The amount will be deposited in a bank and rent an attractive house out the 6% interest / year given by the bank.
    • After few years, gaining ample experience , the organization’s will purchase suitable land and construct own building , which may cost approximately RS. 7500000.
    • No any tax is imposed upon organization’s vehicle. Therefore, we have hoped to receive2 coaster from Japan’s any welfare organization .
      
      
12. Economy Sources :
    • Money received from the general members, lifelong members and honored members.
    • Money received from the governmental and non-governmental organization, foreign aid and social groups.
    • Money received from the donations and gifts.
    • Interest of the deposited money at bank .
    • Collect school fees from the 50% students.
      
      
13. Code of conducts
    Entire members of this organization must follow the rules and regulation given below:
    • Members must not use the organization for owns political or person identity.
    • One must not use the organization’s property for the private use without any permission.
    • One must not act against the institution.
    • One must serve the organization with head and heart for an attempt to make and ideal school.
    • One must follow the well- discipline as written in act 28 (Nepal’s Law)
    • One must fulfill the given responsibility being in acute discipline and remembering human norms and values.
    • Neatness, well etiquette, keeping promise / time and not torture anybody’s heart will be the main criteria of discipline.
    • On the basis of written evidence, any member breaching rules and regulation will be punished. Any dismissing and substitution of any members will be according to the 2/3 support of the entire members conducting election.
      
      
14. Regulation System
    Formation of the board of controllers:
• a) In order to given longevity to the organization, a board of controller will be formed. All together 11 member viz. chairman, sectary, vice sectary, treasurer and other six member will be in the board of controller.
  b) Only the joint signature of the school founder, chairman and treasure will be valued in banking transactions.
  c) The members might be foreigners and Nepalese but they must posses responsible status in the society. And, their feeling imbued with social welfare are a must.
  d) Besides emergency meeting, the board of controller must hold a meeting once a month in order to evaluate the progress and problems of the organization.
  e) The entire 11 member must attend the meeting. He should surpass the pre-information of his absence. But, the regular thrice absence will dismiss him automatically from his membership.
  f) A fair election should be held among all the members of the organization while dismissing and substituting any members.
  g) This is a completely non- profit organization run by the board of controllers. Therefore, all the members must follow 3 Ds’ (Discussion, democracy, disclosure) because “A flower does not bloom in a secret box”.
  
  
15. Regulation the organization
    • Only kindergarten faculty will be run in the beginning.
    • Small children will be taught through music and games.
    • Scholarship will be given on the basis of required testimonials, application and examination held by the board of controllers.
    • 30 seats will be kept for the children of poor and humble parents. And, the rest of 30 seats will be kept for the children of good earning family in a payment system. Altogether, 60 students will be admitted in the beginning.
    • Regarding dress: children of the kindergarten faculty may come in their fancy dress. But , when the children can take care of dress, Daura & Suruwal will be the dress.
    • Two buses will be rented for school transport.
    • Lunch will be provided by the organization to all the students and members.
    • Regarding dress: Nepali, English and Japanese will be taught and use in practice in the primary level.
    • Beside this, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Social study, Moral Science and Computer will be the school curriculum. But, “The Art of Living and The Art of Dying “ will be the most important subject to teach. In which neatness, well- etiquette, morality, consciousness, humanity, discipline, devotion to social work, music and meditation will be important parts of learning.
      
      
16. Amendment of Rules and Regulation
    Regarding the amendment of rules and regulation, the proposal must be kept in the board meeting. And the agenda will be valued by the 2 / 3 support of the board of controller and the school staff. The valued proposal must be let known to the local officer.
    
    
17. Existence of the organization:
    Lets hope and pray for its longevity. However, there may come hard times due to unfavourable circumistances, then the organization shall be collapsed and be under the right of the government of Nepal.