Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori is a scientific approach to early childhood education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), a physician, anthropologist, and educator, over 100 years ago. The Montessori Method is founded on the belief in the creative potential of children, their innate drive to learn, and the importance of treating each child as an individual.

Montessori education is personalized to align with each child’s unique learning style, developmental stage, and interests, fostering a holistic foundation for academic and personal wellbeing. Children thrive through hands-on experiences, real-world applications, and problem-solving activities.

Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the founder of the Montessori Method of Education, a groundbreaking approach that has transformed early childhood learning worldwide. As a physician, anthropologist, and educator, she dedicated over 50 years to researching how children learn from birth to adulthood.

Montessori recognized that every child is born with innate intelligence that develops through appropriate stimulation during their early years. She identified distinct developmental stages in children, each characterized by specific interests, preferred activities, and learning styles.

Based on her findings, Montessori created an educational framework that provides children with the ideal environment, materials, and guidance to reach their full potential during critical stages of development. This tailored approach fosters motivation, satisfaction, and academic competency while nurturing a sense of self-mastery, empowerment, and self-worth.

Today, the Montessori Method continues to thrive across diverse cultures and regions, reflecting its enduring principles of respect, independence, and real-world experience for every child.

• The first six years are foundational to a child’s development.
• A thoughtfully prepared environment fosters curiosity, stability, and the freedom to make choices, igniting a lifelong love for learning.
• Education should nurture the whole child—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
• Learning should be individualized and progress at each child’s unique pace.
• Educators serve as guides, enriching and supporting each child’s learning journey.
• True motivation for learning comes from within the child.
• Children thrive through sensory exploration, hands-on activities, problem-solving, and real-world experiences.

The Montessori Curriculum is a child-centred learning framework that nurtures the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of each child. It encompasses five key areas:

1.Practical Life: Activities that foster independence, coordination, and concentration through everyday tasks.

2.Sensorial: Experiences that refine the senses and enhance perception, allowing children to explore and understand the world around them.

3.Language: Development of communication skills through reading, writing, and language-rich activities that promote literacy.

4.Mathematics: Hands-on materials and activities that introduce mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills in a tangible way.

5.Cultural Studies: Exploration of geography, history, science, and the arts to cultivate an appreciation for diversity and interconnectedness.

Each area of the curriculum includes a carefully sequenced set of Montessori materials designed to teach specific learning outcomes. As children progress through the curriculum, they gain a comprehensive understanding of each subject area, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The Montessori classroom is referred to as the ‘prepared environment’ because it is purposefully arranged by a trained Montessori educator to create the optimal learning environment for children. The environment is characterised by beauty, order and accessibility. Furniture, learning materials, and sinks are child-sized to support children’s independence. Shelves are open and accessible to invite interest and exploration. Everything has a purpose and a place.

In Montessori education, Sensitive Periods are specific times during a child’s development when they are particularly receptive to learning certain skills or concepts. Dr. Maria Montessori identified these windows of opportunity as critical for optimal learning. Here are the key sensitive periods in Montessori, typically occurring from birth to around age 6:

Order (0-4 years)

• Loves routine and organization.
• Helps make sense of the world.

Movement (0-4.5 years)

• Learns to control body movements.
• Develops skills like walking and using hands.

Language (0-6 years)

• Absorbs sounds, words, and grammar.
• Leads to talking, reading, and writing.

Small Objects (1-4 years)

• Fascinated by tiny details.
• Builds focus and fine motor skills.

Social Behavior (2.5-6 years)

• Enjoys interacting with others.
• Learns sharing, empathy, and cooperation.

Senses (0-6 years)

• Explores the world through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
• Sharpens sensory awareness.

Math and Patterns (4-6 years)

• Interested in counting and problem-solving.
• Builds early math skills.

Writing and Reading (3.5-6 years)

• Curious about letters and words.
• Learns to write and read naturally.

Montessori classrooms are designed to encourage self-guided learning. Children choose from a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and learn at their own pace. The environment is calm, with a strong emphasis on practical life skills, sensory development, language, and mathematics.

• Encourages independence and self-motivation in children.
• Fosters hands-on, experiential learning through engaging activities.
• Focuses on individualized learning, allowing children to progress at their own pace.
• Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Promotes creativity and curiosity in a flexible learning environment.
• Emphasizes social and emotional development through respectful interactions.
• Cultivates concentration, focus, and self-discipline.
• Encourages a love of learning and intrinsic motivation to explore.
• Provides a multi-age classroom setting that promotes collaboration and peer learning.
• Focuses on holistic development, addressing intellectual, emotional, and physical growth

The Montessori Academy stands out among other Montessori schools through our unique approach and commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Here are some key aspects that set us apart:

1.Holistic Curriculum: While all Montessori schools focus on child-centered learning, we integrate a comprehensive curriculum aligned with KSPK that nurtures cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

2.Qualified Educators: Our team comprises highly trained and experienced Early Years Educators dedicated to fostering each child’s individual learning journey, ensuring personalized support and guidance.

3.Innovative Learning Environment: We create a thoughtfully prepared environment filled with diverse, high-quality Montessori materials that promote exploration and discovery, encouraging children to engage deeply with their learning.

4.Strong Community Partnerships: We actively engage with families and the local community, fostering collaborative relationships that enhance our educational programs and support children’s learning and development.

5.Focus on Transition: We place a strong emphasis on preparing children for a smooth transition to primary school, providing resources, workshops, and support for both children and families during this crucial stage.

6.Ongoing Professional Development: Our commitment to excellence includes regular staff training and professional development, ensuring our educators stay current with best practices in Montessori education.

The Montessori Academy has a rich history rooted in the original principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. While many local Montessori institutions draw inspiration from her method, our curriculum is uniquely designed to honor this legacy while incorporating contemporary educational practices and the local cultural context.

1.Comprehensive Curriculum Framework: The Montessori Academy offers a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses all areas of development: cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Our curriculum aligns with the Malaysian KSPK (Kurikulum Standard Prasekolah Kebangsaan), ensuring that children develop essential skills that prepare them for primary school and beyond.

2.Quality Assurance: With a focus on maintaining high educational standards, The Montessori Academy continually evaluates and enhances its curriculum based on research, feedback, and best practices in early childhood education. This commitment to quality sets us apart from other institutions that may not have the same level of systematic evaluation.

3.Experienced Educators: Our educators undergo rigorous training, ensuring they possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to implement the curriculum effectively. Their expertise allows them to adapt lessons to each child’s individual learning style, a practice that may not be as prevalent in other local Montessori schools. Our teachers hold various qualifications, including Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, and Masters in Education, Language or Early Years Education. Additionally, our childcare providers are equipped and certified with the Childcare Provider Certification from Department of Social Welfare (Malaysia) and First-Aid Certification.

4.Community and Family Engagement: The Montessori Academy places a strong emphasis on building partnerships with families and the community. Our curriculum includes opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s learning journey through workshops, events, and volunteer activities, fostering a sense of belonging that may differ from other institutions.

5.Innovation in Learning Materials: While we utilize traditional Montessori materials, The Montessori Academy also integrates modern resources and technology to enrich the learning experience. This blend of classical and contemporary tools prepares children for a rapidly changing world while remaining true to Montessori principles.

6.Focus on Holistic Development: Our curriculum prioritizes holistic child development, emphasizing not only academic growth but also social and emotional wellbeing. This comprehensive approach is informed by historical Montessori practices and is carefully tailored to meet the needs of our diverse student body.

7. Building Confident Leaders

The Montessori Academy focuses on developing leadership skills from an early age. Children are encouraged to make decisions, work with others, and express themselves confidently. Activities like group projects, public speaking, and mentoring help build essential skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

Montessori schools do not use traditional grading systems. Instead, teachers closely observe each child’s progress and development. Progress reports are based on observations of the child’s abilities, interests, and areas of growth.

Montessori education focuses on teaching children self-discipline and responsibility. Through carefully prepared environments and respectful guidance, children learn to regulate their own behavior. Positive discipline techniques are used to help children resolve conflicts and manage emotions.