Latest news with #Montessori
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
From Mirambika to Tridha: 10 Indian schools that offer alternative learning
Over the years of transformation led by the need to adapt to new systems of teaching and learning the education system today stands at crossroads. Traditional classroom methodologies are being replaced with innovative pedagogical approaches. Parents, students and educators are increasingly recognising the need for a system that must broaden its scope beyond the conventional examination-focused techniques to prepare students for the uniquely complex challenges of the rapidly evolving times. This educational revolution has sparked widespread interest in progressive schooling models that prioritise individual development, environmental consciousness, and creative problem-solving abilities. Progressive educational institutions throughout India now offer comprehensive alternatives to mainstream academic frameworks, incorporating diverse philosophies from Montessori methodology to democratic learning principles. These schools emphasise holistic child development, practical skill acquisition, and emotional intelligence cultivation rather than purely academic achievement. Students attending these institutions often demonstrate enhanced critical thinking capabilities, stronger environmental awareness, and improved collaborative skills compared to their traditionally-educated peers. Here are 10 progressive schools leading the education transformation in India 1. Mirambika Free Progress School, New Delhi Founded on Sri Aurobindo's integral education philosophy, this pioneering institution eliminates conventional grade boundaries and standardised testing pressure. Students experience personalised learning journeys through multi-age classrooms where individual interests drive curriculum exploration. The school maintains its commitment to holistic development by avoiding formal examinations until students reach secondary education levels, with students having the choice to receive final certification provided through the National Institute of Open Schooling system. 2. Tridha Waldorf School, Mumbai Operating since 2000 under Rudolf Steiner's educational principles, this institution integrates artistic expression with academic learning through practical activities including woodworking, organic gardening, textile arts, and musical education. What started with just 20 students in a bungalow today stands as an example of adapting to the needs of the new generation of learners. Students develop cognitive abilities alongside creative skills while preparing for internationally recognised Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. The school's approach balances intellectual development with hands-on learning experiences that foster both practical competence and imaginative thinking. 3. Rishi Valley School , Andhra Pradesh Established in 1926 by philosopher J. Krishnamurti, Rishi Valley is one of India's most renowned residential schools. Set in a vast, serene valley, it fosters a non-competitive environment, encouraging self-awareness, deep inquiry, and understanding over rote learning. The school emphasises a holistic approach, integrating academics with arts, crafts, music, and a profound connection with nature, aiming for a complete human development. 4. The School – KFI, Chennai Operating under Krishnamurti Foundation guidance, this institution postpones conventional examination pressure until grade 10 while emphasising contemplative learning practices. Students engage in regular dialogue sessions, mindfulness exercises, and reflective inquiry that develops both intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity. The school's approach priorities understanding over memorisation, encouraging students to question assumptions and develop independent thinking capabilities. 5. SECMOL (Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), Ladakh Founded by renowned educator Sonam Wangchuk , this innovative institution combines academic learning with sustainable living practices through hands-on environmental projects. Students maintain solar-powered laboratories, engage in ecological restoration activities, and develop practical skills for high-altitude rural living. The school demonstrates how education can address local community needs while preparing students for global challenges through culturally relevant, environmentally conscious learning approaches. 6. The Valley School , Bengaluru Another distinguished institution under the Krishnamurti Foundation India, The Valley School provides a tranquil learning environment focused on deep inquiry, self-understanding, and fostering intelligence free from fear. It integrates a rich academic curriculum with extensive outdoor experiences, arts, and crafts, nurturing students' intellectual and emotional growth through a non-prescriptive, exploratory approach. 7. The Mother's International School, New Delhi Associated with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, this large and well-established institution embodies the principles of Integral Education, aiming for the harmonious development of the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual aspects of the child. While offering a comprehensive academic curriculum, it deeply integrates value education, arts, sports, and a spiritual ethos, providing a balanced and purposeful learning journey. 8. Prakriya Green Wisdom School , Bengaluru This environmentally-focused institution focuses on climate change education, while de-emphasising traditional grading systems. Students engage in sustainability projects, develop environmental stewardship skills, and learn to approach global challenges through collaborative problem-solving approaches. The school prepares students to become environmentally conscious leaders capable of addressing contemporary ecological challenges. 9. Sarang School , Kerala Located in Kerala's scenic hill regions, this forest-based educational community in Attappady, Kerala, was founded in 1982 by a teacher couple, Gopalakrishnan and Vijayalakshmi , with the intention of introducing an alternative way of education that discarded a regular curriculum, textbooks, syllabus, and examinations. Students participate in sustainable farming activities, environmental conservation projects, and artistic pursuits while developing deep connections with natural ecosystems. The school demonstrates how education can foster both intellectual growth and environmental responsibility through direct engagement with natural systems. 10. The Levelfield School, West Bengal This innovative institution replaces traditional rote learning methodologies with engaging intellectual activities including structured debates, international cinema analysis, strategic games, and multimedia projects. Students develop critical thinking abilities through diverse learning experiences that emphasise curiosity, creativity, and analytical reasoning rather than memorisation and repetition. Why choose a progressive school instead of a traditional? These educational institutions share several transformative characteristics that distinguish them from conventional schooling approaches: Student-directed learning : Children actively participate in designing their educational experiences, developing self-motivation and personal responsibility for their intellectual growth. Experiential education : Direct engagement with practical activities, from agricultural work to craftsmanship, provides concrete learning experiences that complement theoretical knowledge. Comprehensive development : Schools prioritise emotional intelligence, social skills, and environmental awareness alongside traditional academic subjects, producing well-rounded individuals. Community integration : Many institutions incorporate local resources, cultural traditions, and community partnerships that connect students with their broader social environments. These approaches consistently produce graduates who demonstrate enhanced creativity, stronger problem-solving abilities, and greater adaptability compared to traditionally-educated students. Key factors to consider Families and stakeholders exploring progressive educational options should evaluate several important factors: Educational philosophy alignment : Consider whether the institution's, Montessori independence, democratic self-governance, or environmental focus best matches your child's personality and learning style. Accreditation and recognition : Research how alternative schools handle standardised testing requirements, university admission preparation, and official certification processes. Institutional values : Examine whether the school's approach to spirituality, environmental consciousness, or social responsibility aligns with your family's beliefs and priorities. Location : Evaluate location accessibility, residential versus day-school options, and financial requirements when making educational decisions. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Huge national school chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The economic challenges of operating colleges, secondary, and primary schools can lead to unpleasant consequences for students, staff, and even alumni. Public school districts, in extreme situations, will close a campus and lease or sell the property when it is no longer needed. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter When it comes to private schools, financial distress can result in school closures, the sale of campuses, and, in some cases, bankruptcy filings. Related: Popular restaurant chain franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy A major public university recently revealed that it will shut down one-third of its satellite campuses as a result of growing financial challenges and declining enrollment. Iconic Penn State University in State College, Pa., revealed in May 2025 that it would close seven of its 20 campuses, which are located in DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York, Pa., after two more academic years, University Business reported. Students who have not graduated by the 2026-27 academic year will be counseled on degree completion options and transfers to other Penn State campuses. Two private universities, St. Andrews University in North Carolina and Limestone University in South Carolina, announced in April that they will close at the end of the spring 2025 semester. Both blamed financial difficulties for their demise. Several college and university consolidations and mergers were also revealed in March and April by institutions looking for an answer to declining enrollment. The University System of Georgia said in April that it would consolidate East Georgia State University within Georgia Southern University. Villanova University in Pennsylvania announced in March that it will merge with Rosemont College, which will eventually become Villanova University Rosemont College. Cornish College of Arts in Washington in March, revealed it will change its name after a sale to Seattle University and become Cornish College of Arts at Seattle University. Huge educational institute chain owner Higher Ground Education Inc., formerly the world's largest Montessori school operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a restructuring support agreement that will hand all of its equity to a prepetition secured lender. Related: Major nationwide trucking company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Houston-based debtor listed $100 million to $500 million in assets and liabilities, which includes over $127 million in funded secured debt and $144 million in unsecured funded debt. Higher Ground Education's largest unsecured creditors include over $13.2 million owed to Guidepost Financial Partner LLC, over $1.49 million owed to 775 Columbus LLC, over $939,000 owed to 214 E. Hallandale Beach LLC, and over $834,000 owed to Strike Inc. Under a restructuring support agreement between the debtor, equity holders, and lenders, investor 2HR Learning Inc. will provide debtor-in-possession financing consisting of $8 million in new money and a $2 million rollup of a prepetition bridge loan in exchange for all the debtor's equity. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Founded in 2016 in Southern California as a Montessori school network, the debtor began building its system with 12 schools in 2018, expanded globally to 101 by 2022, and became the world's largest Montessori school owner with over 150 schools by the fall of 2024. The debtor operated its Montessori schools under several brands, including Guidepost Montessori, Beacon Elementary, Altitude Learning, TinyCare, and NeighborSchools. The debtor was never able to maintain and generate sufficient liquidity to fund operations since it opened, according to a declaration by company President Jonathan McCarthy. After several prepetition foreclosures and negotiated sales, the debtor's ownership of the Montessori schools plummeted to seven facilities on the petition date. Since 2020, the company has raised $335 million in funding, but the business has never generated positive cash flows from operations. The company reported a $55 million loss in 2024, a $103 million loss in 2023, and a loss of over $106 million in 2022. Higher Ground Education had lost $24.8 million through April in 2025. Related: Popular smoothie chain franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Best Baby Toys, from Birth to 12 Months
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Play is truly a baby's work. Staring at a waving rattle is how they practice tracking with their eyes, reaching for a toy is how they get motivated to crawl and grasp, and getting attached to their favorite toys is an early way babies learn to regulate emotions. If that all sounds intense for a person who can't even talk yet — it is! But also, pretty much anything is a toy to a baby. 'Babies are just starting to process the world through touch, sound, and movement, so anything soft, safe, and sensory-rich is wonderful,' says Haley DeSousa, head of curriculum and instruction at Haven childcare centers, which use a play-based, Montessori approach. (She's also a first-time expectant mom, so she understands how overwhelming the baby aisles can be!) 'I tell people to keep it pretty simple. Wave a scarf during tummy time, hand them a soft kitchen spatula to explore. You'll purchase toys, too, but it's helpful to know that you probably have many rich play materials right at home.' Always note age grading, but especially with kids this young. A toy marked for 6 months and up will likely be frustrating or useless for a 3-month-old. A 4-month-old has vastly different skills and interests than a 10-month-old, and manufacturers try to signal age-appropriateness to parents so kids are presented with developmentally appropriate toys. Avoid toys that 'perform' for your little one, and look for toys that are meant to engage them and that allow them to drive the play. You'll want a fairly robust number of toys and household distractions around. Babies can seem to have a really short attention span, because after 5 or 10 minutes they might get overwhelmed. It will be a few years before you can expect your child to play with something for a half-hour. But the good news is that sitting in their bouncer or high chair and watching you, a sibling, the dog, or even a waving tree can be just as much fun for your baby as playing with a toy. Amazon $6 Oballs are ideal for young babies who are learning to grab objects. This ball is very easy to grasp, which helps your baby be successful and avoid frustration. Once they grab it, they can shake it around to rattle it and even start work on releasing objects by throwing it (look for that skill closer to their first birthday). Buy Now Maisonette $17 Infants see objects with high-contrast most clearly — it's why they stare at people's hairlines, or at men with beards, or at trees out the window. These beautiful black-and-white cards will catch their eye, too, and hold their attention. Set them on the ground at tummy time, or prop one where your baby can see it while they're in the bouncer seat. When your baby can grasp onto them, the cards are made to withstand manhandling, chewing, and exploring with sticky hands. Buy Now Nordstrom $35 The high-contrast black and white of this simple grasp ball makes it positively baby bait — they'll reach for it and work on learning to grasp it early on. It's made of organic cotton and has a ring attached so you can add it to their stroller or play gym. Buy Now Amazon $40 (was $115) While there are plenty of great play gyms for a baby (see our reviews of three other play gyms we love), this new one from longtime brand Melissa and Doug combines best features for a very affordable price. The arches are sturdy wood, the mat reverses (black and white for infants, a colorful ocean for older babies) and the plush toys are high-quality. The whole thing folds down easily to stash away. Buy Now Amazon $18 Tens of thousands of five-star online reviews don't lie — this is a great toy for a young baby. It looks wild, but all those loops give a somewhat-uncoordinated little one plenty of places to grab on and hold. It's lightweight, and sometimes one of the first toys an infant can manage to bring up to their mouth — a major victory! Buy Now Walmart $17 Have a lovey around for your baby to get attached to. Self-soothing is a developmental milestone, so rather than fear they'll get dependent on clutching a blankie or plush friend, accept it as a way they'll calm themselves. Learn from our parenting experience: Help them get attached to something like Carter's Elephant blankie that is inexpensive and easy to replace, because the day will come when Ellie (or whatever your baby loves) will get misplaced and you'll need another, or a backup. Buy Now Walmart $15 Babies spend a hilarious amount of time enchanted by their own hands and feet. Make it even more fun with these socks and wristlets that turn their limbs into waving, rattling toys. Lay your baby on their back on a safe spot and they can entertain themselves looking at the high-contrast designs. All can be machine-washed. Buy Now Haba $18 The handle of your car seat or the bumper on a stroller practically cry out for something interesting for your baby to look at — this spiral toy fits the bill. Your baby can watch the shapes wave and sway, and eventually reach up to grab them. It's a much-appreciated distraction on a drive or long outing. Buy Now Amazon $14 (was $16) Simple, classic baby toys get a clever spin with this set of three infant toys. The taco crinkles and has tomato-shaped teethers, the avocado rattles and has a roller ball, and the lemon and lime clack together with a satisfying sound. Buy Now Amazon $40 This set of plush sensory toys — the textured veggies can be pulled out and set into a field of 'dirt,' the seed packets crinkle — can also be sat upright so the reverse side, a play mirror, attracts your infant during tummy time. It stays interesting the entire first year — first for gazing, then for grasping, then for 'gardening.' Buy Now Fat Brain Toys $11 See the phenomenon in action: Just as kids get excited about the box a toy comes in, babies get thrilled by the tags on toys. This brand capitalizes on that by having tags all over their toys! Babies can rub the silky loops, pull the elephant's tail, grasp the ear for a crinkling sound — and the whole thing can go in the washing machine if you've got a drooler. Buy Now Walmart $4 This might be the best bang for your toy buck ever. Babies love how the 'keys' knock together, and each of the three are actually a teether that's meant to be chewed on to provide some relief from teething pain. Cool it in the fridge and it can provide some numbing relief, too. It's easy to hook onto your diaper bag and have with you on outings. Buy Now Lovevery $92 If you've not already discovered these age-and-stage-based toy kits, now is a good time. The toys are spot-on for what your young baby is interested in and capable of handling, and the parent guide will walk you, the grown-up, through ways to engage your baby and promote development. If you love it, know that there are kits available for every three-month period through age 4. Buy Now Maisonette $50 Such a pretty sensory toy! This coral-reef-themed activity ball gives your baby many textures to explore, and includes both a teether and a small baby-safe mirror. It's lightweight and relatively small, about 8 inches by 7 inches, and has a loop for attaching it to a play gym or elsewhere. You'll want to hand-wash this one if it gets over-loved. Buy Now Lalo $95 There's nothing that will make you more self-conscious about the floors in your home than your infant being ready for rolling and crawling, and putting their hands in their mouth in between workout sessions. A cute floor mat will look good and give your little one a soft, easy-to-clean spot for playtime. Buy Now Amazon $142 Your baby might be ready for an upright activity center like this one at 4 or 5 months, but 6 months is more of a sure bet, when they have good neck control and their feet can reach the bounce mat with the keyboard. There are toys everywhere your baby turns on this! Later, remove the seat and turn this into a play table for other toys. It can stay useful for years. Buy Now Walmart $21 Halfway through the first year your baby will already be showing a sense of humor and a love of all things silly. This highly rated toy can be tipped over but pops back up, which leads to a total gigglefest for babies. It plays songs and sounds and lights up, too. Set it just out of reach to give your baby some incentive to crawl over and play with it. Buy Now Fat Brain Toys $13 As your baby starts to use a high chair for meals, we suggest a stick-on toy to keep them entertained and sitting longer. PipSquigz Loops adhere to the tray and provide tactile, rattling fun. They're food-grade silicone and safe for chewing, too. Buy Now Walmart $35 At 6 months your baby is at the 'fill and spill' stage, where taking objects out of something and then putting them back in is endlessly entertaining. This toy, a pretend fishbowl with little sea creatures, makes the exercise even better with lights, sounds, and songs if you choose to turn on the electronics (the batteries are included). Buy Now Amazon $5 Your baby's teeth continue to come in during the second half of the first year. This teether is easy for your baby to hold, and the massaging bristles can clean their gums too. Buy Now Target $28 Between 9 and 12 months your baby will become fascinated by the idea of object permanence — the concept that when something is hidden, it still exists. It's what makes peek-a-boo fun for them, and what will crack them up about this set of a wooden box and yellow ball. They drop the ball inside (practicing hand-eye coordination) then fish it out through the little door — over and over again. Buy Now Amazon $8 (was $9) Didn't we all play with this rocking set of stacking rings? It takes a surprising number of fine motor skills for a baby to get each of the five rings onto the peg, which is why we suggest it for 9 months and up. The top ring has rattling beads inside. Buy Now Lalo $13 By this age, you're going to start to need bath toys to make bathtime more like playtime. Nesting, stacking cups are one of the simple toys that DeSousa recommends. Lalo's six-piece set has drainage holes on every piece for water play, and they also nest together to make a pretty, pleasing shape. Buy Now Amazon $29 (was $35) At under a year old, your baby will likely just bang away on these keys, but that's all good fun. Later, they might be able to follow the color-coded music sheets to pick out simple tunes. You can set this wooden piano so that your child is making the music, or so that it plays familiar songs for them to move to (Beethoven's "Ode to Joy,' Mozart's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"). It has volume control. Buy Now Haba $20 Soon your baby will graduate to stacking wooden blocks, but in the meantime they can learn to set these soft blocks on top of each other. Each of the five is printed with a different animal and there are textures, crinkly noises, and squeakers, too. Buy Now Walmart $85 (was $100) You're going to want to encourage your baby's gross motor skills, too. This playhouse is huge for your baby but only 36 inches long for your playroom. They can crawl through the swinging door, pull up on the table, and walk around the house. They can also turn the light switch on or off, ring the doorbell, put pretend mail through a slot, or do any of dozens of other activities. The sounds and phrases the toy makes can be set to any of three stages, from simple sounds for a baby this age to lessons about numbers and colors for a toddler. Buy Now The Best Zipper Sheets to Solve the Worst Bed-Making Task 49 Stylish Nursery Ideas for the Unique Baby Room of Your Dreams This $16 Find Is One of the Best Purchases I've Ever Made at IKEA
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Chennai entrepreneur on a voyage to make living out of cardboard
Of teams and dreams These innovative ideas are not formed at scheduled brainstorming sessions or boardroom meetings. They are a result of a hands-on cardboard routine. 'Have you seen Phineas and Ferb? Our office is like that. Every day, someone is building something new. It might be a joke or a random idea, or something real. But we make things daily,' he says. The team is planning to make their projects long-lasting, completely waterproof, fire-resistant, and indoor and outdoor friendly. 'We use our common sense and basic material knowledge when making something.' Providing something unique, Karthic is steadily expanding his products. He now plans to dedicate an entire line of Montessori furniture, like slides, a ladder, and other play items. 'It's safe, super lightweight, and printable with colours. Even if it falls, it won't hurt the child. And it's light enough to lift with one hand,' he says. Following that, Karthic dreams of doing pop-up event booths, inspired by viral Chinese videos. And there is more on his wish list. But maybe the most passionate idea floating on Karthic's mind, quite literally, is a cardboard boat. He had already experimented with this during the 2024 monsoon; the boat lasted for three to four hours in water. Later, he and his team built a kayak-style boat and took it for a sail to an island. 'We put it to the test. Since it wasn't designed with comfort for the person on the boat, it couldn't balance. Yet, it floated on water. That counts as a win ,too.' He is working on this with a vision to put this boat into use during emergencies in coastal and flood-prone areas.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
팟캐스트 (697) 한국에서 자녀를 키우는 데 드는 비용은 얼마나 될까?
진행자: 홍유, Chelsea Proctor How much is enough to raise a child in South Korea? 기사요약: 한국의 저출산 현상 뒤에는 자녀 양육에 드는 높은 비용이라는 현실적인 고민이 자리하고 있다. [1] South Korea's dwindling birth rate has become something of a global curiosity and a national crisis, making frequent headlines. Yet behind the statistics lies a quieter, more personal calculus — one that plays out in the homes of young adults weighing whether to have a child. dwindle: 줄어들다, 감소하다 calculus: 계산, 판단 기준 [2] More often than not, the key factor is cost. So how much do young parents — or would-be parents — believe it takes to raise a child in South Korea today? And what feels realistic, or essential? factor: 요소, 요인 essential: 필수적인, 꼭 필요한 [3] Lee Eun-ji, a mother in Seoul raising a 3-year-old girl, said the ideal amount to spend on raising a child would be one parent's salary. For her, that's about 4 million won a month. 'Every meaningful childhood experience comes with a cost,' she said. ideal: 이상적인, 가장 바람직한 childhood: 어린 시절, 유년기 [4] She recalled feeling guilty when she learned that other parents were able to enroll their children in Montessori programs, which focus on self-directed learning and hands-on activities. 'I wanted that kind of exposure for my child, but it costs 500,000 won for just 12 classes. It was too much,' she said. recall: 기억하다, 떠올리다 enroll: 등록하다, 입학하다 yoohong@
