Early Learning Center Kottara Mangalore

 Our teaching methodology does not follow any one particular philosophy- instead, we use best practices from various methods and are always looking at current research and innovations in the field of education. Many schools in Mangalore call themselves ‘Montessori’ schools or follow outdated methods of textbooks and rote learning without giving proper consideration to the uniqueness of each child. We believe that every child, every region and every period in time is different- a blind replication of any one philosophy or following the same old method of teaching may be redundant in changing times and in a changing world. At ELC, we have an open ended curriculum – we believe that children can decide what they want to learn, how much they want to learn and we work with them to further their interests. We have certain basic parameters that have to be completed, but there is no upper limit to a child’s learning. Children can choose to learn on their own, with each other, with their teacher, and from their environment. More than teachers, we are there as facilitators.While we are always there when the children need us, we are not project managers that direct every aspect of the child’s learning. Children are encouraged to be free and independent leaders rather than micro managed followers. We believe that play is the highest form of research- we value independent play, thought and self-discovery. Also, we follow the mixed age group classroom concept as we believe that children learn best from each other – there is no need to separate them based on ages. We love, respect, learn and teach each other. We provide a very high quality learning environment- from a creative outdoor area that includes an antique chariot that incorporates a rock climbing station and a community slide, a sun themed sand play space, a tree house, sky walk way, cycling and skate boarding tracks, organic garden, outdoor art easel, inflatable pools, water sprinklers, pottery machines, clay and mud stations, sensory tables and the like. We also have a library with the largest collection of books for young children, learning resources from the best suppliers in India and abroad, Lego block stations, train tables, Montessori supplies, puzzles and a huge collection of toys. Every group has IPad’s and classes have projectors which we use for presentations, music and dancing and we incorporate the best technology and online resources in our classrooms. We have various experts who work with us including classical musicians and dancers, artists, scientists, mathematicians, doctors, environmentalists, cooks, farmers and members of the local community. They speak to children, work with them and teach them hands on work. We also take children for field trips every month. We believe that children do not need to learn for some external objective (marks/ stars/ making others happy) but for their own love for learning. To foster this, we do not have harsh examinations, tests and competitions- instead, we have a lot of inclusive activities and our assessments are personal and non-threatening.