To nursery or to Montessori…

Research begins again, this time after some site visits to nearby nurseries.

I remember a time when there was KG1 (Kindergarten 1), KG2 and then 1st standard (or grade). Now, there are more flavors in the market – pre-nursery, pre-school, daycare, early learning etc. etc. Some claim to have syllabi, others are more activity-based daycares. And yes, they are bloody expensive!

As parents, we do want to provide our children with the very best, always. But are these the best options for the child, remains to be researched upon. As a start, they do offer 2,3 and 5 days (half and full) options so I don’t think there is a lot to miss if the child goes a few times a week, instead of all the whole day for all 5 days (full-boarders they call them). Most activities are fun because there are other kids around, provided they notice each other enough:) And most parents leave them at these schools because both work and in nuclear families, there isn’t much support at home.

One of my teammates has trained to be a Montessori teacher, and we had a great session today morning, where she showed the creative albums that she made as part of her projects. Mindblowing. The amount of thought and effort that has gone into such things is not funny, and certainly not something I can do. I have my strengths but creativity with my hands isn’t one of them. And so I know how hard making such stuff is. The curriculum is also very encouraging, given the reliance on self-learning and improvement rather than effort-based teaching. These schools are costlier, but probably worth it.

What do you think? Do you know of any Montessori schools in Dubai that you would like to recommend? Do let me know!