A Child-Centred Approach To Learning At The International Montessori School In Hong Kong

Montessori is a buzzword on the education scene, especially the last few years in Hong Kong with numerous new Montessori schools and playgroups being launched.

Want to find out more about the Montessori approach to learning? Click here to arrange a school tour at one of its four campuses in Hong Kong!

You can also read the Little Steps interview with International Montessori School (IMS) co-founder Anne Sawyer, where we chat about all things Montessori and why it’s great for our little learners aged 2 to 12.

What is the Montessori teaching approach?
Montessori teachers take a guidance approach where children participate in their learning choices supported by developmentally appropriate materials. The multi-age classroom creates a real community where children learn to socialize with older and younger children.

How are Montessori kids different?
Compared to kids who receive a traditional education, Montessori kids have a better understanding of themselves. They are confident, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and who to collaborate with to get the best results.

Is Montessori for everyone?
Montessori education is for every child but not necessarily every parent. Parents need to believe that the process is important in a child’s learning journey, have faith that the Montessori curriculum will provide scaffolding for success, and trust in their child’s desire to learn.

What is Chinese education at Montessori schools like?
Montessori provides a natural language environment for Chinese learning, enabling them to learn to read, write and speak Chinese to a native standard using traditional characters, which might not happen in a traditional classroom where language learning is done through subjects.

How can you embrace Montessori values at home? 
Montessori is a way of life so it’s important to be consistent for the family to share the Montessori values and encourage independence. The more children are allowed to do things themselves, the more they gain confidence to accomplish things independently.

Are you accredited?
IMS is the first accredited Montessori primary school in Greater China, which is a rigorous process. The Hong Kong government recognised IMS’ quality as a school when it allocated the Stanley campus to the school.

Montessori classrooms nurture each child’s individual strengths and interests and encourage children to explore their world!