Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Happy times for tiny tots
"M IS for Mouse' chanted the playschool teacher and the images that the little ones conjured up were those of a computer device and not the rodent that eats up the cheese. Montessori teachers need to do a refresher course to get in sync with the changes around, says recipient of this year's Presidents medal for running the best institution for the mentally handicapped, Ms Jayalaxmi, who is also an authority on preschool education. She doesn't believe in turning the youngster away from the computer or television, instead using them to the child's benefit.
There's a paradigm shift in the way preschool education is being viewed today. The Nursery Room is where the foundation is laid for a lifetime of learning and so it cannot be taken lightly. Those in charge here play a vital role in helping the toddler grow as an integrated person, who can make good choices for himself and work well with others.
The child is best prepared for academic learning when s/he has the right opportunities and hands-on learning. At a two-day workshop for teachers held at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vaduthala, the emphasis was on the development of appropriate, child-centred learning programmes. Learning by rote is outdated; children benefit most when they are offered a variety of ways by which to comprehend situations.
Recommends Ms Jayalaxmi, the key resource person for the workshop: when you are explaining the sources of water to children, show them a well or a reservoir; practical training helps children understand abstract concepts. Explaining through story telling is the norm with every programme being child-friendly, age appropriate and activity based.
The objective of the workshop was two-fold: One, to create awareness amongst the teachers of the importance of multi-sensory stimulation to the developing brain of the young child and two, to make teaching more activity-oriented and with less emphasis on writing.
In fact, says Ms Jayalaxmi, "I would suggest the play method right up to Std II. The Tamil Nadu Government has made a note of some of my recommendations." Totally against condemning slow learners and those with learning disabilities, she says every child has his own level of assimilation. Ms Jayalaxmi hopes to integrate disabled children with the others at least in the early stages of learning. She argues against the testing or grading system and claims that the Montessori Method which is individual-oriented is obsolete with John Dewey's progressive education philosophy fast replacing it.
Dewey emphasised learning through varied activities rather than sticking to a rigid curricula and called attention to the practical. Teaching styles have to adapt to need and circumstance. Moreover, school years should not only be a preparation for the future but a life in themselves.
The workshop held under the aegis of Indian Association of Pre-School Education, Kerala chapter, was inaugurated by Maya Mohan, president of IAPE, Kerala and principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vaduthala. Ms Jayalaxmi is the patron of IAPE and also the director of Vidya Vikasini Institution, Coimbatore. With schools making a go for multi-level activities it looks like fun times ahead for the little ones.
SUNANDA KHANNA
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
