Early Learning Centre: Where the Child Is at the Heart
Rooted in the simple yet powerful philosophy that children are central to everything we do, ELC creates an environment where learning becomes a joyful and fulfilling experience for children. Our nurturing educational setting is thoughtfully designed to support and celebrate each child’s growth.
We embrace the Montessori pedagogy, which places the child at the core of the learning process. In our Montessori environments for ages 3-6, children have the freedom to explore and discover, fostering independence and a love for learning. The belief that – child is at the heart – permeates everything we do, creating a community where children are empowered to become lifelong learners. We proudly bring the best of Montessori education to Mangalore, making our kindergarten truly a children’s garden.
The Montessori Method: An Overview
At ELC kindergarten, we embrace Montessori education. This approach to learning focuses on nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. With hands-on learning, mixed-age group peer interactions, and an environment designed with child-sized scientific materials and furniture, children explore freely and learn at their own pace. Children choose activities that interest them, fostering natural development and enjoyment.
While the Montessori Method is child-led, it is also teacher-guided. Teachers observe and guide each child, ensuring they receive the support needed while maintaining the freedom to explore. This balance fosters a love of learning, respect, and independence.
In essence, the Montessori Method fosters a love of learning, respect for oneself and others, and a strong sense of independence. It is a journey that ELC is thrilled to embark on with your child, providing them with the tools and experiences they need to grow and thrive.
Learning during the early years: Age-specific Programs
Toddler and Playgroup
In our Toddler and Playgroup environment, children are surrounded by warmth and encouragement. Through rhymes and storytelling, we spark their imagination and nurture a love for language. Our carefully chosen materials and activities lay the foundation for fine motor skills and also develop their gross motor skills.
Imagine your child joyfully participating in activities that are just right for their curious minds and growing bodies. They might be stacking blocks, threading beads, or dancing to a favourite rhyme—each activity is designed to be both fun and educational. These experiences help them gain confidence in their abilities and encourage a sense of independence.
As part of our program, children are also introduced to Montessori materials. These initial encounters help them transition comfortably into our Kindergarten, where the Montessori pedagogy is fully embraced.
Kindergarten
In our Montessori environments, children work with materials across Exercise of Practical Life, sensorial activities, arithmetic, and language areas, all carefully designed to foster growth and understanding.
In the Exercise of Practical Life, children learn essential life skills such as pouring, buttoning, pounding, chopping, and sweeping. In our environment, you will see children making lime and orange juices, chopping bananas, savouring them either by themselves or sharing with friends. These activities not only build fine motor skills but also instill a sense of responsibility and independence.
Sensorial activities engage their senses, helping them to observe, classify, and understand the world around them. Arithmetic is introduced tangibly, with materials that illustrate number formation, arrangement, and correlation to quantity, laying a strong foundation for mathematical understanding. In language, they progress from reading and writing simple sentences to learning the basics of grammar. Through guided presentations by the teacher, children learn to work with these materials independently, fostering self-learning and a deep love for learning.
Our Kindergarten program, designed for children aged 3 to 6 years, is a journey of discovery and growth, where children learn to take initiative, explore their curiosities, and develop a strong sense of self.
