Posts in category: The Montessori Approach

Quick Summary for Parents:

Founded in 1986 by Nan Civel (Aunty Nan), The children’s house Montessori is the first and longest-established authentic Montessori preschool in Malaysia. Backed by UK-trained Montessori expertise and over 40 years of educational excellence, it has expanded from a single school in Jalan Batai Barat to 15 vibrant campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. By combining internationally recognised Montessori principles with a warm, child-centred environment, The children’s house Montessori remains the definitive choice for holistic early childhood development in Malaysia.

The Legacy of Authentic Montessori Education in Malaysia

When choosing an early childhood education provider, heritage, expertise, and proven track record matter immensely. Long before Montessori became a widely recognised term in South East Asia, The children’s house Montessori laid the foundation for authentic child-centred learning in Malaysia.

Established in 1986, The children’s house Montessori introduced Dr Maria Montessori’s revolutionary pedagogical philosophy to Malaysian families. What began as a passionate vision in a quiet Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood has evolved into a premier network of 15 Montessori preschool campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Key Milestones: 40 Years of Educational Leadership

Understanding the story behind Malaysia’s first Montessori school highlights why thousands of parents continue to entrust their children to The children’s house:

The Visionaries Behind Malaysia’s First Montessori School

Nan Civel (Aunty Nan): Bringing UK Montessori Standards to Malaysia

After a successful decade-long corporate career at Unilever Malaysia, Nan Civel pursued her passion for early childhood development in 1983. She traveled to England to undertake an intensive three-year study and work programme at the prestigious Maria Montessori Training Organisation (MMTO) in the United Kingdom.

Equipped with a formal Diploma in Montessori Education, Aunty Nan returned to Malaysia with direct European learning materials and an unyielding commitment to child-centred learning. In 1986, she welcomed the school’s very first international and local students, setting a new benchmark for preschool education in Malaysia.

Nur Jiwawati Aris (Ji Aris): Preserving Curriculum Quality and Relevance

Joining the leadership team in 1988, co-founder Nur Jiwawati Aris brought strong strategic vision and business acumen to the organisation. Holding an American Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management, Ji Aris worked closely with Aunty Nan to refine facility standards, operational efficiency, and curriculum enhancement.

Together, their shared mission ensures that the heritage Montessori framework remains dynamic, modern, and aligned with 21st-century developmental needs while staying true to Dr Maria Montessori’s core principles.

4 Reasons Why Parents Choose The children’s house Montessori

Why does The children’s house Montessori remain the premier choice for early childhood education in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor?

1. Authentic “Child-Sized” Learning Environments

At The children’s house Montessori , classrooms are meticulously designed to function as a “home away from home”. Every piece of furniture, learning apparatus, and facility is custom-scaled down to match a young child’s physical dimensions. This environment encourages self-reliance, order, and physical independence from a very young age.

2. Highly Experienced and Nurturing Educators

A school is only as strong as its teaching faculty. The educators at The children’s house Montessori are warm, highly trained, and deeply respectful of each child’s individual learning journey. Many teachers have grown with the school over decades, providing an unmatched level of stability, love, and professional guidance.

3. A Comprehensive 5-Area Curriculum Framework

To foster physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth, the preschool delivers a rich curriculum structured around five key learning areas:

• Practical Life: Developing independence, motor control, and daily life skills.
• Sensory Activities: Refining the senses to organise and understand world inputs.
• Number Work: Mastering concrete mathematical concepts before abstract application.
• Language: Building literacy, phonics, and communication fluency.
• Culture: Exploring geography, biology, science, music, and art.

4. Strong Parent-School Collaboration

Recognising that parental involvement is critical for a child’s holistic development, The children’s house fosters active parent-school partnerships. Through regular progress updates, cultural festivities, and community projects (such as organic vegetable planting), parents actively share in the joy of their child’s developmental journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are The children’s house Montessori campuses located in Malaysia?

The children’s house Montessori operates 15 campuses across prime residential areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, including Ara Damansara, Bangsar, Ampang, Mont Kiara, Batai, and Cyberjaya.

What age groups do you cater for?

We offer tailored early childhood programmes starting from Infant Care (from 3 months old) up to Preschool & Kindergarten levels (up to 6 years old).

Is the Montessori curriculum aligned with Malaysian primary school entry requirements?

Yes. Children graduating from The children’s house Montessori possess high levels of independence, strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and excellent problem-solving abilities. They transition smoothly into local public schools, private institutions, and international schools across Malaysia.

Give Your Child a Lifetime Foundation for Success

Experience the warmth, heritage, and academic excellence that have shaped generations of confident learners since 1986. Schedule a visit to witness how our authentic Montessori environment nurtures young minds.

👉 Book a School Tour at The children’s house Montessori Campus Near You today to speak with our early childhood specialists and explore our classrooms.

TL;DR / Quick Summary for Parents:

The children’s house Montessori is the first and longest-established Montessori preschool in Klang Valley, delivering authentic child-centred early childhood education for over 40 years.

Founded by Nan Civel (Aunty Nan) in 1986, the school has expanded from a humble home setting in Damansara Heights to 15 vibrant campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Featuring trained  educators, child-scaled environments, and a comprehensive 5-area curriculum, it remains the top choice for early years education in the Klang Valley.

Shaping Confident, Lifelong Learners in Klang Valley

Nurturing a young child during their foundational years is a profound responsibility. The early experiences a child encounters between the ages of 0 and 6 shape their cognitive capacity, emotional resilience, and personal confidence for a lifetime.

For more than three decades, The children’s house Montessori has been at the forefront of early childhood education as the premier Montessori preschool in Klang Valley.

From humble beginnings, our institution has grown exponentially, transforming the preschool landscape across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor through the timeless principles of Dr Maria Montessori.

Why The children’s house Montessori is the Top Montessori Preschool in Klang Valley

Choosing the right preschool involves finding an environment where your child feels safe, respected, and intellectually stimulated. Here is how The children’s house Montessori stands out across the Klang Valley:

A Humble Beginning: The Story of Malaysia’s First Montessori School

A Life-Changing Vision

The story of The children’s house Montessori began when founder Nan Civel (Aunty Nan) sought a meaningful transition from her corporate career at Unilever Malaysia. Inspired by Dr Maria Montessori’s groundbreaking educational philosophy, she traveled to England to complete a rigorous 3-year diploma at the Maria Montessori Training Organisation (MMTO) in the United Kingdom.

Driven by a passion to give children the best start in life, Aunty Nan returned to Malaysia and established the country’s very first complete Montessori preschool at 5 Jalan Batai Barat, Damansara Heights, in 1986.

Sustained Excellence for Over 3 Decades

What started with a small team, imported European Montessori apparatus, and a vision for child-centred learning quickly gained the trust of local and expatriate parents alike. Joined in 1988 by co-founder Nur Jirawati Aris (Ji Aris), the school expanded its operational capabilities while preserving the integrity of the Montessori curriculum.

Today, The children’s house Montessori operates 15 modern campuses across prime residential locations in Klang Valley, educating thousands of children while maintaining its founding spirit of warmth and care.

Inside the Montessori Curriculum: The 5 Essential Pillars

To be recognised as the longest-established Montessori preschool in Klang Valley, our curriculum caters to the holistic developmental needs of every unique child:

1. Practical Life: Children engage in real-world routines using child-sized jugs, bowls, trays, and dressing frames. These tasks build concentration, fine motor coordination, and self-reliance.
2. Sensorial: Specially crafted materials refine the child’s five senses, allowing them to classify, order, and understand abstract concepts like dimension, colour, and texture.
3. Language: Through tactile sandpaper letters and phonics apparatus, young learners gain control over writing instruments and master early reading effortlessly.
4. Number Work: Concrete mathematical apparatus introduces counting, place values, and basic calculations before transitioning to abstract numbers.
5. Culture: Children explore geography, botany, zoology, history, music, and art, instilling a deep appreciation for humanity and nature.

Dedicated Educators: The Heart of Our Classrooms

At The children’s house Montessori, educators are affectionately known as “Aunties”. This warm form of address reflects the unique, family-like bond built between teachers and students.

• Qualified Facilitators: Our Aunties hold specialised Diplomas in Early Childhood Education or Montessori Teaching. Many educators have dedicated over 10 to 20 years of service at The children’s house Montessori.
• Role Models of Kindness: Beyond academic facilitation, our teachers model courtesy, grace, and compassion, guiding children toward self-discipline without forceful authority.

“My daughter wakes up every day and can’t wait to go to school. She loves her Aunties, her friends, and the great environment she can explore.”

— Parent, The children’s house Montessori

What Klang Valley Parents Say About Us

The strength of a preschool is best reflected in the words of its parenting community and alumni:

“She feeds herself and eats all the food given to her at school. She could identify 96% of all her body parts, sing a handful of songs, and manage its lyrics independently!”

— Parent from Batai Campus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are your Montessori preschools located in Klang Valley?

We have 15 campuses across Kuala Lumpur (Ampang, Bangsar, Batai, Bruas, Mont Kiara, TTDI, U-Thant, Bukit Jalil) and Selangor (Ara Damansara, Cyberjaya, Puchong 16 Sierra).

What age groups do you cater to in Klang Valley?

We offer comprehensive programmes from Infant Care (3 to 18 months) up to Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten levels (18 months to 6 years old).

How does Montessori prepare children for primary school entry in Malaysia?

Montessori graduates excel in independence, advanced reading and calculation abilities, and self-discipline. They transition seamlessly into public primary schools, local private schools, and international schools across Malaysia.

Give Your Child the Best Foundation in Klang Valley

Discover why generations of families have trusted The children’s house Montessori since 1986. Experience our warm, child-centred environment firsthand and witness how authentic Montessori education prepares your child for lifelong success.

👉 Book a School Tour at a Klang Valley Campus Near You today to speak with our early childhood specialists!

Quick Summary for Parents:

Dr Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was a pioneering Italian physician, educator, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who revolutionised early childhood education. As one of Italy’s first female medical doctors, she applied scientific observation to child development, establishing the first Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”) in Rome on 6 January 1907. Her child-centred approach—built on self-education, prepared environments, and mutual respect—remains the foundation of authentic Montessori preschools worldwide, including The children’s house Montessori in Malaysia.

Who Was Dr Maria Montessori?

The Montessori Method of education, practiced in thousands of schools globally today, stems from the extraordinary courage and scientific dedication of one visionary woman: Dr Maria Montessori.

Her journey from breaking gender barriers in 19th-century Italy to founding a worldwide educational movement is a stirring story of determination, compassion, and intellectual revolution.

Key Chronology: The Life and Milestones of Dr Maria Montessori

To understand how the Montessori Method developed, here is a structured historical overview of Dr Maria Montessori’s groundbreaking achievements:

An Inspiring Story of Determination and Courage

Born in Chiaravalle, Italy, young Maria initially aspired to become an engineer before deciding to pursue medicine—a field strictly dominated by men in the 1890s. Despite societal pressures and strong initial opposition from her parents, who encouraged her to enter teaching, Maria joined the University of Rome in 1890.

Through sheer perseverance, she qualified as a doctor in 1896. Dr Montessori treated patients from all social classes with equal respect, championed women’s rights, and joined a research clinic at the University of Rome’s psychiatric department.

It was here that she began questioning traditional teaching methods for children with intellectual disabilities, laying the groundwork for a scientific approach to learning.

A Revolution in Early Childhood Education

Appointed as the co-director of the Orthophrenic School, Dr Montessori approached child development scientifically. She meticulously analysed teaching techniques by day and compiled observation notes at night.

The remarkable academic and social progress of her students proved that her methods were extraordinarily effective.

In 1901, Maria deepened her research by studying anthropology and educational philosophy at the University of Rome.

Recognising a need to support working families in Rome’s underprivileged San Lorenzo district, she accepted an invitation to establish a childcare centre for young children.

On 6 January 1907, Dr Montessori opened the historic Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”).

“I had a strange feeling which made me announce emphatically that here was the opening of an undertaking of which the whole world would one day speak.”

— Dr Maria Montessori

At Casa dei Bambini, Dr Montessori introduced specialised, self-correcting materials. She discovered that when children are placed in a carefully prepared environment that respects their natural development, they possess an intrinsic power for autoeducation (self-education). News of her brilliant students spread rapidly across Italy and Europe.

Spreading the Montessori Method Worldwide

In 1909, Dr Montessori conducted her first formal training course for 100 educators, launching a movement that established Montessori schools and societies worldwide.

Defying Fascism and Preserving Peace

During the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s, Dr Montessori stood firm in her ethical principles. When she refused to allow her schools to be integrated into Mussolini’s fascist youth movement, her schools across Italy and Nazi Germany were forcibly shut down.

In 1939, Dr Montessori and her son Mario traveled to India to conduct a three-month training course in Madras. Following the outbreak of World War II, her stay was extended under house arrest for seven years. Undeterred, she used this time to train over 1,000 Indian educators, deeply influencing early childhood education across South Asia.

Advocacy for Peace and Universal Respect

Upon returning to Europe, Dr Montessori addressed UNESCO on the theme of Education and Peace and received three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize (1949, 1950, and 1951).

“The child is capable of developing and giving us tangible proof of the possibility of a better humanity. He has shown us the true process of construction of the human being… The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

— Dr Maria Montessori

Honouring Dr Maria Montessori’s Legacy at The children’s house Montessori

*Photo credit: Biography of Maria Montessori

Over a century later, Dr Maria Montessori’s foundational philosophy remains as vital and relevant as ever. Her conviction—that respecting a child’s independence unlocks their full human potential—drives everything we do at The children’s house Montessori.

As Malaysia’s premier Montessori preschool network established in 1986, The children’s house Montessori carries forward Dr Montessori’s vision across our 15 campuses in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor through:

• Child-sized environments equipped with original Montessori materials.
• Qualified educators who observe and facilitate individual learning paths with care.
• A holistic 5-area curriculum focused on Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Number Work, and Culture.

Experience Authentic Montessori Education Today

Give your child the gift of an educational approach that has inspired millions of confident learners worldwide for over 100 years.

👉 Book a School Tour at The children’s house Montessori to visit our nearest campus in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor and observe authentic Montessori learning in action!

The Montessori Method of teaching is a child-centred educational framework developed by Dr Maria Montessori. Built on five core principles—Respect for the Child, The Absorbent Mind, Sensitive Periods, The Prepared Environment, and Autoeducation—it empowers young learners to develop independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning. In Malaysia, The children’s house has pioneered authentic Montessori early childhood education for over 38 years.

What is the Montessori Method of Teaching?

Developed over a century ago by Italian physician and educator Dr Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method is a progressive educational approach based on scientific observations of how children naturally learn.

Unlike traditional teacher-led classrooms, a Montessori environment focuses on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.

Irrespective of evolving national education frameworks worldwide—including Malaysia’s early childhood education landscape—the core elements of Montessori teaching remain timeless and highly effective.

Read: Pioneering early childhood education in Malaysia

At a Glance: The 5 Core Principles of Montessori Education

To quickly understand how this educational philosophy supports child development, here is a summary of the foundational elements:

The 5 Key Elements of the Montessori Method

1. Respect for the Child

Respect for the child is the fundamental cornerstone of the Montessori Method. In a traditional setting, children are often expected to follow rigid adult instructions. Montessori reverses this dynamic by honouring each child’s unique pace and interests.

“As a rule, however, we do not respect children. We try to force them to follow us without regard to their special needs. We are overbearing with them, and above all, rude; and then we expect them to be submissive and well-behaved…”

— Dr Maria Montessori

When educators respect a child’s choices without imposing frequent interruptions, it creates a safe, positive environment where self-esteem and intrinsic motivation thrive.

2. The Absorbent Mind

During the first six years of life, a child’s brain possesses an extraordinary capacity to absorb information directly from their surroundings—a concept Dr Maria Montessori termed “The Absorbent Mind”.

• Innate Capacity: Young children learn naturally simply by living and interacting with their environment.
• Effortless Language Acquisition: Just as a child effortlessly learns their native spoken language, they absorb foundational mathematical, social, and sensory concepts when immersed in a rich learning atmosphere.

Read: The best possible start for your child at The children’s house

3. Sensitive Periods

A sensitive period refers to a specific developmental window during which a child displays an intense fascination with acquiring a particular skill—such as language, order, movement, or sensory refinement.

Key features of sensitive periods include:

• Deep Focus: The child willingly repeats the same activity multiple times until they master the underlying skill.
• Uninterrupted Time: Montessori programmes provide extended, uninterrupted work blocks so children can follow their natural focus without artificial bell schedules.
• Observation-Led Guidance: A certified Montessori teacher observes these developmental milestones and directs the child toward learning materials best suited to their current stage.

4. The Prepared Environment

Children learn best through independent exploration within a carefully Prepared Environment. Every aspect of a Montessori preschool classroom is intentional, child-centred, and designed to foster freedom with boundaries.

• Child-Scaled Furniture: Tables, chairs, shelves, and washbasins are scaled down to match the physical dimensions of young learners.
• Order and Structure: Materials are organized systematically on open shelves, encouraging children to choose, complete, and return items independently.
• Real-World Utility: Tools and activities feature real-life application, encouraging physical coordination and social confidence.

5. Autoeducation (Self-Education)

Autoeducation is the principle that children have an inherent ability to educate themselves when provided with proper tools. Montessori learning materials are uniquely designed with an intrinsic “control of error”.

This allows children to spot and correct their own mistakes without relying on constant adult correction, instilling genuine problem-solving skills and resilience.

How The children’s house Implements Authentic Montessori Education in Malaysia

As Malaysia’s premier Montessori preschool network, The children’s house has remained steadfastly dedicated to Dr Maria Montessori’s original teaching philosophy since its founding in 1986 by Nan Civel.

Over more than 38 years, The children’s house has nurtured thousands of young learners through a holistic framework covering five core curriculum areas:

1. Practical Life: Cultivates independence, fine motor coordination, and responsibility through everyday tasks like pouring, buttoning, and cleaning.
2. Sensory Activities: Refines the five senses, enabling children to organize and classify sensory inputs systematically.
3. Number Work: Teaches mathematical concepts through concrete materials before transitioning to abstract numbers.
4. Language: Develops phonics, vocabulary, writing, and early reading skills through tactile learning apparatus.
5. Culture: Introduces geography, science, music, and art, sparking curiosity about the wider world.

Enriched Learning Beyond the Classroom

To support well-rounded physical, emotional, and social development, The children’s house integrates purposeful enrichment programmes such as Tots Arts, Tots Music, Tots Gym, and Sensory Play.

Low teacher-to-child ratios ensure that every child receives personalized care and individual educational pathways.

Strong Parent-School Partnership

Research highlighted by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) emphasizes that parental involvement is critical to early childhood success. The children’s house actively involves parents through:

• Regular, detailed parent-teacher consultations and progress reviews.
• Cultural celebrations and seasonal community festivals.
• Hands-on parent involvement projects, such as organic vegetable gardening initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the Montessori Method different from traditional preschools?

Traditional preschools are typically teacher-led, where all children work on the same lesson at the same time. The Montessori Method is child-led, allowing students to choose self-correcting activities from a prepared environment and progress at their own individual pace.

Is the Montessori Method recognized in Malaysia?

Yes. Authentic Montessori preschools in Malaysia operate in alignment with early childhood education guidelines established by the Ministry of Education (MOE) while delivering a world-recognized, international curriculum standard.

How does Montessori prepare children for primary school?

Montessori education fosters strong self-discipline, critical thinking, adaptability, and independent learning habits. Children transitioning from a Montessori background adapt seamlessly to both local private, public, and international primary school settings.

Give Your Child the Best Start in Early Education

Choosing the right educational foundation is one of the most vital decisions you will make for your child’s future. Experience firsthand how our prepared environment and experienced Montessori educators can unleash your child’s full potential.

👉 Book a School Tour at The children’s house Today to visit our nearest campus, observe a live classroom in action, and speak with our early childhood specialists.

Maria Montessori and The children’s house

Known worldwide for establishing the Montessori method of education for young children in the 20th century, Dr. Maria Montessori devoted 45 years of her adult life to education. Even after a hundred years of its inception, the relevance of the Montessori approach makes it one of the most successful and sought after early years education pedagogies in the 21st century.

An anthropologist, psychologist, philosopher, educationist and doctor by profession, Montessori believed in the unique mind of the child that has real constructive energy and intellectual powers. Her books and lectures throughout this period described the nature and sensitivity of a child’s magical mind which she termed as The Absorbent Mind. She believed that there is a remarkable force in humans which is most powerful in the first phase of human life.

“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six,” she said. “For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed.”

After years of extensive study and observation, she documented a unique teaching approach called scientific pedagogy which was supported by teaching materials that were meticulously designed to fit a child’s hands.

Beginning of a revolution in Early Childhood Education

On 6th January 1907, Dr. Montessori established the first classroom for 60 underprivileged children aged between 2 to 6 years old in a poor area of Rome, known as Casa Dei Bambini (Children’s House). It was here that she decided to launch her scientific pedagogy and the prepared environment was carefully adapted to children’s size and abilities.

She replaced the heavy furniture with lighter and moveable tables, chairs, shelves and cupboards, and placed pictures on the walls. The teaching materials were arranged on the shelves in an orderly way, classified into different areas – Practical Life, Sensorial, Number Work, Language and Culture, beginning from simple tasks to complex activities. She believed that “The things the child sees, the child touches, the child feels, the child hears and the child solves are not just remembered, but they form part of their soul.”

The materials were presented systematically and children were given free access to do them as they please while she observed closely how they responded to the prepared environment. Eventually, the children’s behaviour changed from timid and wild as they were before to sociable and communicative. The young children progressed brilliantly and the news of Montessori’s education approach started spreading rapidly throughout Italy.

In 1909, Dr. Montessori conducted the first training session in her educational approach for 100 students. This was followed by the establishment of several Montessori schools, societies and training programmes all over the world. Over 100 years, the Montessori method has enabled the holistic development of children across the world moulding them into independent, compassionate and responsible members of society.

Turning over a new leaf – The Montessori Way

The Montessori philosophy and education not only touched the lives of hundreds and thousands of children but also reshaped the life of Nan Civel, the founder of The children’s house in Malaysia.

“One day, a thin leaflet was tossed to me by a friend who was a writer and was tired of my endless pondering. Significantly, 33 years to date, this small gesture changed my life forever. It was my first introduction to Montessori Philosophy and education. My life was completely transformed.”

Aunty Nan fondly recalls how she spent countless hours listening to lectures, manipulating those precious materials, preparing thick teaching folders, writing essays, sitting for tests and gruelling examinations in rooms of a majestic Victorian building in a leafy suburb of Hampstead, London.

This gave her the confidence to establish the first The children’s house in 5 Jalan Batai Barat in 1986. With a small team of a young teacher trainee, an administrator, a family cook and her 4-year-old son; imported materials from Europe and five children from Malaysia, Sweden, France, Denmark and England, The children’s house completely revolutionised the early childhood education landscape of Malaysia.

With more than three decades of rich experience in preschool education and 15 centres across Malaysia, Aunty Nan continues to be humbled and enthralled by scientific observations and focused research on Early childhood education from around the world. Having faced an acute shortage of qualified teachers with Montessori Diplomas in 1990, Aunty Nan subsequently established The Teacher’s House and developed comprehensive in-house training to enable educators to successfully facilitate the optimal learning and development of the children under their care.

The children’s house – A constant in every change

The iconic red and white preschools of The children’s house have made their way into the hearts and minds of thousands of parents and children across Malaysia ever since its establishment in 1986. We value lifelong relationships and believe in establishing love and harmony amongst children, parents and educators.

Programmes at The children’s house nurture children to be well-rounded individuals who excel socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Spacious indoor and outdoor learning spaces, coupled with Montessori learning materials allow the stimulation of children’s senses. Our teachers are warm, loving, nurturing and respectful of every child. They are ever mindful of the need to help the children achieve their goals.

Read: The best possible start for your child at The children’s house

The school’s community deeply values respect – respect for teachers, parents, friends, nature and each other. The very thought of going back to The children’s house every day fills the children with absolute joy and excitement. The reason is that every area of the preschool has been specially designed to keep a child’s interests in mind.

“At The children’s house, children are the number one priority and the atmosphere is specially created to make children feel at home in a surrounding scaled down to a child’s dimensions.”
~Aunty Nan

The classrooms are spacious and often built to incorporate natural lighting so that the children do not feel restricted in a traditional closed structure. In addition to that, all the furniture and learning materials have been scaled down to fit a child. This means child-sized and child-friendly furniture to ensure the safety of our children while allowing them to enjoy learning comfortably and confidently.

With 35 years of success in early childhood education, The children’s house has proven that it is not just a Montessori pioneer in Malaysia, but a trusted companion in the growth and development of your child.

Parents wish for their children to develop into independent individuals. In their early years, it is common for children to rely on their parents to eat, bathe and move around. It is only as they grow older that independence can be nurtured with ample support, love, trust and guidance. However, this can be challenging for both parents and their children — teaching independence is no easy task, but learning to be independent can be a tough skill to master as well.

The Montessori Approach has been used for more than 100 years. Practised by many preschools and parents from all across the world, this method has proven itself to be a versatile curriculum, even successful in nurturing children with special needs and learning difficulties. One of Montessori’s approaches is to nurture children to be independent. Until today, independence is still a crucial factor in Montessori education and has remained as one of the most important elements for teachers to instil in children.

Benefits Of Nurturing Independence

According to the Australian Childhood Foundation, children from the age of two begin to aspire for more independence. It is from this age that parents should start to motivate their children to make independent choices in their life.

Independent children tend to obtain first-hand knowledge and gain experience faster. The Montessori Approach makes sure that children have ample time and space to discover the world around them on their own. This gives them the chance to expand their absorbent mind and take in their surroundings individually. As they explore on their own, children will effectively pick up new skills as they are given room to experience trial and error. Children learning to be independent may learn that a bottle cap needs to be twisted after trying various unsuccessful methods to open it. If parents open the bottles for them all the time, it takes a longer time for them to understand how the simple mechanics work.

Nurturing independence in children also boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Children cannot rely on their parents or teachers to seek joy all the time, which is why Montessori-trained teachers mainly act as guides who only interfere when necessary. This enhances their confidence and self-esteem, as they are aware that they are capable of doing certain things without the supervision of their parents. As they take healthy risks and learn from them, children also gain problem-solving skills that will contribute to better decision-making. Lynn Ponton, professor of psychiatry at the University of California says: “It’s a tool to define, develop and consolidate their identity. Healthy risk-taking is a big part of growth”.

Keeping Things Tidy

Some of the first steps towards encouraging independence are for children to tidy up after certain routines. The children’s house practises the Montessori Method while training children to be independent by allowing them to put away and wash dishes, keep their toys, wash their hands, and using the washroom on their own. Montessori schools are also equipped with child-sized equipment, so children can fully utilise the facilities without much help. The first few trials will require teachers’ guidance and supervision. However, as their independence becomes a habit, children will learn about the importance of doing certain things on their own and gradually improve as time goes by.

Freedom To Choose
In Montessori classrooms, children are given freedom, from being allowed to choose their own materials, activities to work on, and taking a break by themselves. Montessori teachers place materials and items that make up of children’s choices within their reach. This empowers them to practise independence in the classroom and feel accomplished when they can handle certain things on their own.

Parents can also train their children to make independent choices and allow them to experience the impact of their decisions. Let children make safe and simple choices such as asking if they want to bring their sports attire to school. If they choose not to, they will not be able to participate in the outdoor activities. Thus, the child will learn from this experience and consciously make better choices next time.

Independence In Socialising

Teachers in a Montessori preschool observe children’s interaction with one another. It is common for children to experience different phases as they attend preschool with their friends. On some days, a child may want to work alone, and on other days, they may seek a partner to work and play with.

Teachers and parents should refrain from controlling who a child interacts with, but to allow them to socialise with peers of their choice. This is because they are naturally aware of their needs, and are working towards achieving it at their own pace. Giving them freedom to socialise also shows respect to their choices.

Shape Confident Leaders Of Tomorrow

An article promoting independence by the Australian Childhood Foundation says: “It can be a common pitfall for busy parents to do things for children that children are capable of doing themselves”. Helping children foster independence is indeed a challenging task for parents and teachers. However, with the right method and materials to aid children to be self-reliant, they will be ready to take on challenges of adulthood in the future.

Independent children will also grow into individuals capable of looking after themselves physically and emotionally. Teachers and parents who guide children to be independent have given them the freedom to experience life and its lessons that follow, which shape them to be confident and responsible leaders of tomorrow. They will also be able to enhance their problem-solving skills and make better decisions in lessons learned from previous experiences.

You want the best for your child, but the endless parenting research puts you in a deeper concern. You are unsure of which advice to follow. This is especially true when it is time to prepare your toddler for the next stage of life. The idea of preschool sounds great, but you cannot help but to doubt the necessity of it. Well, guess what? Sending him to preschool earlier provides life-changing benefits that help in his development.

Promotes Social Development

The first six years of life are crucial for critical learning. A child develops rapidly in his first six years of life, hence, making it crucial for children to gain a firm basis in one the most fundamental elements in life – social skills. Sending your child to preschool earlier means he has the opportunity to grow socially as he interacts with his peers and teachers.

In an article from the Star online, Datuk Dr Chiam Heng Keng, founding president of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Council says: “The foundation needs to be laid. Critical learning happens within the first six years, so the window of opportunity is very small.”

When you put your child in preschool, he will be separated from his home and family to face new environments, look at new faces and interact with new people. As he mingles with his peers and talk to teachers, he will pick up essential communication skills, learn to read body language as well as practice empathy. This then contributes greatly to the social development of a child, especially if he or she is the only child at home.

Improves Progression to School

Children who attend preschool will experience a smooth transition to their next stages of education like kindergarten and school. Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), Dr W. Steven Barnett says: “Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not.”

Your child will experience a smoother progress in school because he had already learned the basics of reading, writing, and even numbers in preschool. Preschools are known to conduct teaching in enjoyable ways to promote effective learning among children. As your child joins fun activities with his peers in preschool, he is indirectly learning the basics of calculations and vocabulary that are seamlessly incorporated into lessons. As he carries forward the knowledge obtained from preschool to school, your child will be a little ace in class in no time!

In preschool, your child also gets to quench his thirst for answers as he asks his teachers interesting questions. You will find your child freely expressing his creativity when he transitions to school because he has been exposed to a creativity-triggering surrounding since his preschool days.

Builds Confidence

Preschool is a place where your child learns about self-esteem, effective communication, responsibility and leadership. All these are fundamental in nurturing your child to be a confident individual. Activities in preschool involve children learning how to be independent. They scoop food, set tables, water plants, arrange materials and learn to clean up.

When children succeed in completing a task, they gain confidence and self-esteem, knowing that they can also do things on their own without help from adults. It is important for a child to learn to be independent, and in a way, a process of separation from his parents as this greatly affects children’s decision-making and problem-solving skills as they grow older. Independence is best to be nurtured when a child is young so that he will make it a lifelong habit that eventually readies him for the demands of adulthood, says Dr Jim Taylor, an American specialist in parenting psychology.

Children are such curious and creative individuals. Each mind is unique and expressive, making it fundamental that you allow them a safe and healthy environment where they get to develop as well-rounded individuals. A little goes a long way, so put your child in preschool earlier and witness the positive difference your action can make.

Deciding on a preschool takes some effort as there are many preschools to choose from offering a variety of curriculums claiming to be the best. And after all the research and school visits there then lies the question: “What if my child cannot fit in? What if he won’t stop crying? What if he hates his teacher?”

Consider this, what if you can send your child to a leading, longest-established Montessori preschool in Malaysia that has been trusted by parents for more than two decades?

The children’s house is opening its doors this April in Bukit Jalil City especially for working parents looking for a preschool in the area. What’s more bring your child with you to experience the fun-filled, nurturing and beneficial environment of a true Montessori preschool at its Grand Opening on 20 April (Saturday) from 10am to 2pm!

New Experiences in New Environments

At TCH Bukit Jalil City’s Grand Opening, your child will get the chance to explore new environments of a preschool. This way, they wouldn’t feel out-of-place or anxious when it is time to leave them under the care of the Aunties. The Bukit Jalil City preschool offers a bright and exciting environment that forms a great learning ground for children. Your child will be surrounded by other children of the same age, which provides a great opportunity for your child to experience a play group environment where he can interact with his peers. This contributes greatly to the social development of your child, especially if he or she is the only child in the family.

Let Your Child Experience A Montessori Education

The Montessori Education is different from other approaches. As the first school in Malaysia to adopt and incorporate this method in its classes, TCH has successfully created an environment that is conducive to learning that inspires a child to develop a love for learning.

By bringing your child to the Grand Opening at Bukit Jalil City, he or she will be immersed in fun-filled activities that incorporate didactic materials that support the Montessori core values like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Number Work and Culture. Your child will be intrigued to explore the world on his own as he is free to choose from various materials to work with. Here in TCH Bukit Jalil City, teachers are just facilitators who step in to guide your child where necessary as the Montessori method believes in letting a child express their unique, magical minds by learning and developing interests on their own.

Witness Montessori Educators Interact With Children

Children can meet the staff at TCH Bukit Jalil City and interact with them, familiarising themselves with the presence of trusted teachers and forming a bond that helps in the child’s future development in class. Gain assurance that your child is in good hands as you watch the Aunties interact with every child with care and passion at the Grand Opening. A nurturing teacher-child relationship is crucial to promote strong bonds, warmth and positivity between educators and children, according to a research by Hamre BK and Pianta RC in 2001 on early teacher-child relationships and the trajectory of children’s school outcomes. Witness how every educator of the preschool is confident in handling children as all of them have received Montessori training. Besides, the low children-teacher ratio means your child’s development is properly monitored.

RSVP Now

TCH Bukit Jalil City will be looking forward to meeting you and your child at its Grand Opening. RSVP now and be prepared to be fully immersed in learning, the Montessori way! You will also be able to  enjoy more than RM1,000 in benefits when you enrol your child on the day!

Parents of Bukit Jalil rejoice! The children’s house is extending its welcome to you and your child! Situated in the heart of Bukit Jalil City, the centre’s strategic location is ideal for busy working parents in the vicinity of Bukit Jalil to send their children to a trusted preschool. The children’s house has absolute confidence in providing your child the best early years education.

Here are some things you should know about The children’s house:

Longest-established Montessori Preschool in Malaysia

Yes, you’ve read it right. Enroling your child in TCH means your child is in the most trusted hands of Malaysia’s longest-established Montessori preschool. It all started when Nan Civel, or fondly known as Aunty Nan opened the first TCH preschool in Damansara Heights. Inspired by Dr Maria Montessori, Aunty Nan developed great respect for the unique and magical minds of children. As she delved deeper into Early Childhood Education research to gain greater observation of children’s minds and the Montessori method, The Teacher’s House, a centre that provides in-house training was established where professional and trusted educators are trained to facilitate in the optimal learning and development of children.

Co-founder, Nur Jiwawati Anis fell in love in Early Childhood Education and began to involve herself in improving the quality of children’s experience in TCH by injecting creativity-inspiring ideas into the elements of the Montessori method. Educators of TCH highly value teamwork by working together as a family instead of co-workers while sharing the same ethics and respect. The TCH community always puts children first to ensure their development and well-being are taken care of by establishing a harmonious relationship between parents and educators.

 Standing Out From Other Preschools

Other preschools in Malaysia may have featured the Montessori Method but none are as comprehensive as The children’s house. The children’s house is Malaysia’s first ever preschool to adopt and apply the all-inclusive Montessori Method of education and it has positively impacted the country’s early childhood education landscape.

Your child will be immersed in the Montessori Method that is further enhanced by dedicated staff who care deeply for the development of children under their care. The co-founder is personally involved in uplifting the quality of children’s learning experience.

Nur Jiwawati Anis has been researching and applying new ways to make each class more exciting and informative for the children. Rest-assured that you child is attending a preschool recognised for its evergreen high-quality Montessori education throughout the country.

Read: The best possible start for your child at The children’s house

Benefits of the Montessori Method

The children’s house believes in the Montessori Method and the benefits that it would bring to children in the long term. TCH has all the didactic materials needed to support the 5 core values in the Montessori Method: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Number Work and Culture.

In Practical Life, children are engaged in home-like activities that require them to utilise common materials like trays, jugs, bowls, spoons, ladles, tongs and dressing frames. These allow children to imitate common physical tasks such as carrying, scooping and transferring, enabling them to develop greater focus at tasks, movement coordination, sense of order as well as independence.

Read: Giving infants the best daycare

Sensorial materials help a child make sense of the environment. Materials are made to be multisensory, sequential and self-correcting to refine the child’s senses. Using Montessori-based language materials, children are able to gain better control of the writing instrument to easily form the letters of the alphabets using stereognostic sense in which a child feels an object and recognises it based on the feeling.

Number Work materials effectively help children master complex concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division including zero, odd and even numbers. Culture activities ensure children have a better understanding of the world. There are also activities in the school that involve nature walks and talks, helping children develop an appreciation towards nature and life forms.

This method makes a child happier as learning is done in a rich and fun-filled environment that motivates children to enjoy learning. Here in TCH, children are given the freedom to choose their own materials and work, whereas teachers are only facilitators who guide children when necessary. This method allows children to explore their interests in various fields, giving them time and space to learn and develop skills on their own.

 Montessori Method Around the World

There are Montessori schools around the world like the Cambridge Montessori School (USA), Toronto Montessori Schools (Canada), Perth Montessori School (Australia), Seisen International School (Japan) and Oxford Montessori Schools (England). This shows that the Montessori Method is globally recognised and practised as an effective teaching method for crucial stages of life.

TCH is proud to utilise the method in the most fundamental stage of life – preschool. The Montessori method nurtures children to be well-rounded individuals who are confident, responsible as well as well-mannered and intelligent, which explains why it has a large presence in Malaysia as well as Singapore.

Visit Us at Our Grand Opening!

All parents want the best for their children, and TCH is ready to provide the best form of education that will shape children into well-rounded individuals ready to be leaders of tomorrow. Witness for yourself the enriching early years education TCH can offer at its Grand Opening on 20^th April (Saturday) of its latest preschool at Bukit Jalil City from 10am to 2pm. Bring your little ones along and let them experience the Montessori education through fun-filled activities. It’s going to be awesome!