With more parents eager to send their children to school from age three, Chennai Corporation has resolved in its council meet to increase the number of Corporation schools offering kindergarten classes.
In the current academic year, 25 more Corporation schools will host kindergarten classes under the Montessori method of learning, taking the number of such schools up to 65. Classes have already begun in the 15 primary schools and 10 middle schools.
According to a Corporation official, the programme began at 20 Corporation schools in 1997. 10 were added in 2000 and another 10 in 2010. “It is a very popular programme, and we have had good enrolment this year as well. The Montessori kits will soon be sent to these schools,” he said.
Headmistress of Chennai Primary School, Taramani, Helen Mary M. said 120 children were enrolled in the KG sections that began on June 2. “We are creating awareness by putting up posters,” she said. Teachers in other schools which already have the programme maintained that children have benefitted from the Montessori and Activity-Based Learning. Headmistress of Chennai Primary School, Jones Road, K. Jeevarathinam said, “Children learn a variety of skills and are equipped to be independent. From colour identification and cooking to linguistics, everything is covered”.
The school has had kindergarten for several years now, with 110 children enrolled in LKG and 110 in UKG.
Three sets of uniforms, shoes, socks and Montessori kits are provided to children, free of cost, said the official.
