![]() A school counsellor and an ESL section were also introduced. Under Zai Whitaker's watch Abacus introduced a special education centre in 2003. The method was applied in the Elementary. It was attended by all the Primary and Elementary teachers at Abacus as well as 18 outside participants. The course was anchored by Amukta Mahapatra for Abacus. In 2002 Abacus collaborated with Indian Institute for Montessori Studies, Bangalore to conduct a training course for teachers in the Montessori Method for 6-12 year olds. Zai Whitaker came on board as Principal on February 15, 2002. Nandita Krishnan, Principal, who saw Abacus through this intense and significant period of its growth, resigned in October 2001. The Conference attracted 350 delegates from all over the country and further strengthened and spread awareness of Montessori education. In February 2001 Abacus was the venue of CONFERENCE 2001, Chennai conducted by the Indian Montessori Centre, Bangalore. ![]() March 2000 was a very special time as the very first batch of 9 children wrote the ICSE examinations at the end of Class 10. ![]() Between April 1995 and December 1997 two beautiful buildings came up as though they grew out of Perungudi soil. With the support of parents several public events were organized to raise funds for the school buildings. Land was acquired in Perungudi and building plans were made by Laurie Baker who showed tremendous sensitivity to the needs of the school from the Montessori viewpoint. By June 1996 the school had reached Class 7 and became affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations in November 1996.Ībacus was also working on setting up a permanent home. In January 1996, Nandita Krishnan became the principal. were speakers at the convention.Īmukta Mahapatra who led the first Abacus team of teachers as Principal, resigned in 1995. Sankara Menon, in Kalakshetra, Chennai, a Montessori conference, which Montessorians from across the country and other parts of the world attended. To mark 50 years of MONTESSORI IN INDIA Abacus convened, with the support of K. She also helped with making Montessori materials for the higher age groups to encourage individual activity and reduce lecture-based lessons.įrom this point onwards Abacus began individual activity time in mixed age groups for Elementary classes while also continuing lecture-based classes within the prescribed syllabus. As a result of her visits, the school introduced mixed age groups at the Elementary level. Her training and experience was in the 4 to 12 age group. In August 1994 and July 1995 the school invited Natasia De Lange, a Montessori teacher from Holland, to look at the work being done at Abacus. ![]() It was now felt necessary to extend the Montessori Methodology to ages 6 to 12 and beyond. The school's experience of working at the Primary level reinforced it's understanding of Montessori philosophy, principles and methodologies. Such learning was not confined to the requirements of their age or class, but guided by the children's own needs and interests. Children worked individually, choosing their work according to their plans, following the ground rules, talking softly to each other, being in charge of themselves and experiencing and arriving at their own learning.Īs the children grew older, the Elementary class was designed to allow a few older children to go into a space of their own in small groups of 3 to 10 to work with the teacher at a more advanced level. The children, about 30 in each class, worked in mixed age group environments with two trained adults in a class, who guided their work with Montessori materials in the areas of Exercises of Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language and Culture. In the beginning Primary Montessori environments were created for the 2 1/2 to 6 age group. ![]() This account of its history is limited to certain events and people and to the viewpoint of the writer. and those who will enter its future in the years to come. those in the present who make its aliveness today. Abacus belongs most of all to the children.Ībacus belongs to the teachers - to the part timers, resource teachers, coaches, maintenance staff, office staff To the parents To the trustees, the managing committee, the director and the principal.Ībacus belongs to everyone who has been a part of the school - those in the past ever since its inception. ![]()
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