Child-Centric Learning With Abba’s Orchard, A Maria Montessori Preschool In Greenhills

Abba's Orchard, a Maria Montessori Preschool located in San Juan City, stands out as an institution dedicated to providing a unique and effective educational approach. With 14 campuses nationwide, the school welcomes children from as young as 14 months old to grade 12, emphasizing the Montessori philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

History and philosophy

Founded in 1999 in Bukidnon, Abba's Orchard was born out of a desire for a Montessori education by the founder's mother, faced with a lack of such schools in the area. The Montessori approach, as explained by Mr. Xavier Angelo P. Barameda, the Director of Pedagogy and Faculty Development, is rooted in observing and nurturing the natural development of children.

"Children are born with potentialities. They have this inner guide that drives them to develop. What we need to do as adults is to identify this inner guide and support that growth and not get in the way," explains Mr. Barameda.

Classroom structure and materials

The Montessori classroom at Abba's Orchard is designed to cater to the sensorial learning nature of children. Materials in the classroom, from length to weight to size, are transformed into concrete tools to aid understanding. The unique feature of the classroom environment is the inclusion of mixed-age groups, acknowledging the non-linear nature of child development.

The school follows a strict policy of having only one of each material, promoting the development of a child's will to wait and providing alternatives for exploration. This approach aligns with the four planes of development identified by Dr. Montessori, with a shift in psychology after the age of six.

Academic success and intellect

Based on a study conducted by the founder of Abba’s Orchard, children who start Montessori learning at age three are nine times more likely to pass college entrance exams for top schools in the country. Mr. Barameda emphasizes that the longer a child stays in Montessori, the better it is for their intellect, supported by studies showing Montessori children enjoying assessments and having a positive attitude towards learning.

Teacher-student ratio and homework approach

The CASA programs at Abba's Orchard maintain a low ratio of 25 children to 2 adults. The unique approach to homework involves encouraging children to continue their school activities at home, such as working on a family tree or reading a book. The emphasis is on engaging in daily household activities, challenging the prevailing nanny culture in the Philippines.

Life skills and morality

Abba's Orchard goes beyond traditional education by instilling life skills in children. Students are actively involved in cleaning their classrooms, promoting a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment. This approach aligns with the Montessori method's focus on fostering a sense of morality.

Parent-teacher communication

Communication between parents and teachers at Abba's Orchard is encouraged through various methods, including regular notices and open communication during pick-up and drop-off. The importance of understanding a child's behavior both inside and outside the classroom underscores the school's commitment to holistic child development.

As a product of the Montessori method, Abba's Orchard impressively embodies the principles of child-centric learning. The school's commitment to fostering intellect, independence, and responsibility sets a strong foundation for children's lifelong success. Abba's Orchard stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Maria Montessori's revolutionary approach to education.