The Montessori system was initially introduced to the world of early childhood education by Dr. Maria Montessori. Born in Italy in 1870, she graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome in 1896 and went on to practice medicine, while becoming the first woman doctor in Italy’s history. With her being a physician she was able to work closely with young children which resulted in her gaining a lot of interest in the development of the child.
It was upon the observations she made, that her educational philosophy was developed – which was the forming of an educational programme to meet the needs of the child at whatever stage of development so that the child will be able to reach his/ her fullest potential.
“The teacher must study how to purify her heart, she must put on humanity above else and learn how to serve. This requires training and spirit,” Dr. Montessori had once said it and it was on this basis that Preneetha Tissera, formed the Nature’s Classroom Montessori Teacher Training Centre.
“The 21st Century child is a completely different child and a teacher must be trained to take on such a child,” says Mrs. Tissera who has 21 years of experience as a lecturer in the field of Montessori education, adding that today’s kids come from backgrounds where both parents work therefore, “There is no space for the teacher to have any errors.”
She also stressed the fact that it is not about telling parents how to raise their children but to create awareness on how to overcome tough situations that arise with children. As a result they have conducted parenting programmes, which have been for the Corporate Sector. They offer two courses to prospective teachers as well as professional guidance for those who wish to start up a Montessori and is open for anyone from school leavers upwards.
A very important aspect of her focus is children with learning disabilities. “Dr. Montessori also worked with children with learning disabilities and there is always hope for a child with learning disabilities,” she said adding that she helps her students learn to identify such disabilities, which is vital.
Aspects such as Fine Arts are therapeutic for children with disabilities “They help to release pressure and difficulties faced by the child,” said Mrs. Tissera stressing on the importance of how the courses are structured to allow the teacher to go to the level of the child, “this lies in the development of the mindset of the teacher,” she said. Flexibility is another important factor that must be taken in to consideration, “You have to train yourself because that flexibility doesn’t come from within,” she says, adding, “The teacher must be able to do something out of the box. All this lies in observing the child and that too, without pre-conceived notions,” she said, stressing, “A teacher cannot be judgemental with such kids.”
The Teacher Training Certificate by Nature’s Classroom will help a prospective Montessori teacher to make a difference, which will in turn help a child and is structured to help those working with children between two and a half and six years of age.
This Diploma consists of the following: Montessori Philosophy and Child psychology, Practical Life Skills, Sensorial Education, Language, Mathematics, Cultural Subjects, Developmental Milestones of a Child and Curriculum Planning and Classroom Management. Once the student has completed all this, a Diploma is awarded. Career Enhancement Programmes for teachers is also on offer. This is exclusively for students of Nature’s Classroom and consists of the following topics. Programmes are conducted by professionals in their respective fields, which include: Speech and Drama, Art and Craft, Music and Movement, Understanding Learning Disabilities, Health and Nutrition, Safety and First Aid, Yoga and Meditation and Personality Grooming and Soft Skills.
A Child Care Centre is another of what’s on offer. The centre offers an enrichment classes for young children and the courses are: Phonics and Montessori Mathematics (three and a half to six years), Speech and Drama (five years and above) English Literature (Grades Six to 10 – Following either International or Local curriculum) and General English (Grades One to 10 and also following either the International or Local curriculum).
Mrs. Tissera and her team have conducted a number of workshops in village areas in order to help those teachers develop their skills and she has noticed a great deal of enthusiasm. Through Mrs. Tissera’s courses she has helped train 235 teachers from 2006 up to date with teacher training workshops being held in Kandy, Galle and Matale. “My passion is to take Montessori to the village to make sure everyone has a qualification,” she says.
All her courses are in English but classes in Sinhalese will follow toward mid 2009. “Teachers have mentioned that Montessori has been a life changing experience for them,” she says.
Nature’s Classroom has centres in Colombo and Kandy. For further information you can visit them at, 18A 1/1, Kelankaduwe Place, Chapel Lane, Colombo 6 or call on 2 559 415 or via email at natruesadmin@gmail.com
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