You walk into the building expecting the noise and bustle that marks a school. Instead, you’re greeted by the sight of a group of six to 11-year-olds sitting cross-legged and meditating, with no adult supervision. The kids break into a prayer soon after. They then proceed to play with a kitten, who is the class guest for the day, even cleaning up after her, while the teacher sits calmly, talking to us. The classroom is bright, clean, and uncluttered, with shelves stacked with Montessori materials.
This is Cascade Family Learning Co-operative Society in Thiruvanmiyur, an institution that rests on parents more than it does on teachers. This is the brain child of Vidya Shankar, educationist, Montessorian, engineer, child rights advocate and, in her own words, “a passionate childist”. She spearheads what she insists is an “educational co-operative” — where you don’t just admit a child, but gain membership for the entire family.
Adherence to the Montessorian principles allows free spaces and a pressure-free environment for children to learn. “Children thrive when not subjected to unhealthy pressure. Our children are our life; they do not need to be judged and labelled by teachers or people who do not know them,” says Shankar, as she explains the mechanics of the co-op, where at least one of the parents has to be fully invested, as a teacher or volunteer.
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According to Shankar, most problems in children begin at home; hence, that is where intervention is vital. “The objective is to start a movement among parents to take responsibility for their child’s education. On signing up, parents get a full set of books to study, none for the children. The child learns, while the family absorbs the philosophy. We organise intense study circles for the continuous education of parents,” she adds.
Says Venkateshvarulu Sonnathi, a member of the co-op and father of two: “My kids want to go to school even on holidays. Apart from a growing interest in subjects from geography and pottery to art and mathematics, I’m glad to see them gain self-learning and discipline.”
Vidya Krishna is another parent who volunteers, teaching chemistry. “We all chip in, bringing our strengths and experience into our children’s education. Kids learn at their own time and pace, and because they want to, not because they have to,” she says.
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The co-op also limits children’s access to electronic and gaming devices, including phones, tablets and TV at home. Shankar says, “We insist that children should work around the house, because it trains them to finish a task from start, and teaches them the value of labour.”