About Me
Enbarani is a Montessori educator and a student for life who holds a science degree from UTM, Skudai, Malaysia. I have over ten years experience working with young children in Montessori and non-Montessori school, and holds teaching credentials from St Nicholas College, London.
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Montessori World 
Dear Rani
With your interest in the Montessori method of education, perhaps you can help us through your blog to promote our seminars in early childhood which are aimed at creating more Montessori awareness in Malaysia. You can find details on February seminars here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4td4mime5tw
With best wishes
Carolyn
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Carolyn: I will write about the seminars in my next post.
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Dear Rani,
I just read your blog about the Exchange programme of Montessori schools between Austria and Britain and I wonder which school it is. We are a Montessori school near Vienna and have pupils from the age of 6-15. In fact we are looking for partner schools since years and have not been successful up to now. Maybe you could help us to get in contact with someone also being interested in working together with us? That would be really great!
With best regards, Ursula Novak from GaLeMo
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Ursula: Great to meet you here at my blog. I suppose you have read the post titled ‘Exchange program between schools’ which I wrote almost two years ago. Well, to show how excited I am in reading your comment, I dug deep into my boxes of magazines and books and found the article I read a long time ago.
The school in Britain is Cherry Trees School in Suffolk,and the Austrian school is Erlebnisschule in Vienna. Have you heard of the school?
I taught for two years in a preparatory school in London (involved with 2-6 years old children), and partnership between schools has always been my main interest, as I believe that people around the world have a lot to gain if only we communicate amicably and share the things we know. I will certainly convey your message to my former headmaster and also to other schools in Malaysia or other parts of the world.
Btw, I have been to Salzburg and I love the place and the people there. Vienna will definitely be my next destination if ever I have the opportunity to visit in the future.
On another note, I have put a link to your school’s website at my blog.
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Hi Rani,
I came across your website when I was browsing for Montessori /children Education on the net. Currently, I have a job, in finance realted area, way out of the kids/ education related. However, after years passed by, I discovered that my genuine interest is always kids development and education ;-(. Gosh! how I wish I can wake up everyday and do something out of my passion instead of a ‘robot’ kind of feeling at the moment. However, sadly i think it is too late for me to start all over again, since i have a family to take care of and the current job simply provides me with the money i need. Basicallly, i really need to talk to somebody who can share with me their experience, if they used to/are on the same boat. 🙂 Any kind help out there? Very much appreciate it in advance.
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Rani-
Hello.I am an AMI primary trained guide who is most likely moving from the US to the Johor Bahru area. Although I am not looking to work while I am there, we have a daughter who is going to be 6 years old in August. Are there any Montessori schools for her age in JB? She has been in Montessori here in the US for 3.5 years now. We would love to keep her in Montessori. I am having a challenging time finding any programs through the internet. Any help you could give me would be so appreciated!!! I am happy to have found your blog!
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Anna: I truly understand your irony. There are many ways to go about in life to achieve your dreams, not at a free cost of course. There will be sacrifices, painful moments, tired periods, stressful hours and many more other things.
You can start with one single baby step towards your dream goal by buying books or magazine and reading about Montessori education. Secondly,you could plan to enrol in a part time or distance course or seminars. The point is to stay in the education scene, warmed and mingle and wander in the world of education so that your passion for this field glows and be kindled all the time.
If you are interested, I can meet up with you for a cuppa and chat about the reality of life 😉 I love making new friends.
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Sarah: It’s always a pleasure meeting another Montessori guide. Welcome to Malaysia!
Most of the Montessori schools in Johor Bahru (and in Malaysia generally) integrate Montessori curriculum into their own education system, meaning Montessori’s education is practiced to a certain extent, freedom of choice being one of the aspect not implemented fully. And this is especially true for age 4 and above.
I would suggest that you make a tour to the housing areas near your living place in JB and visit the schools yourself.
Also have a look at Montessorian World Children’s Club
International Club House @ Danga Bay, Jalan Skudai, Johor Bahru 34, Jalan Skudai, Batu 3 3/4, 80200, Johor Bahru, Malaysia (Opposite Danga Bay Festive Street Mall)
Tel : (07) 2320868 Email : imfocomm@montessorian.com. Website: http://www.montessori.com.my/location_JB_db.htm. This place is fairly new and just opened this year.
Consider looking into international schools in Johor so that you get to meet other parents and their children as well.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring as many ideas, materials or programs you can from US. And visit Singapore for more Montessori-related information and exciting storybooks in their libraries.
I hope my reply has inspired you somehow. If you have the chance to visit Kuala Lumpur, we can meet up for a cuppa perhaps. Good luck and remember to enjoy living in Malaysia!
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Hi! Thank you so much for linking to my Montessori for Everyone blog. I really appreciate it.
My blog URL has changed; it’s now:
http://www.blog.montessoriforeveryone.com
If you could update it, that would be fantastic! Thank you!
Feel free to delete this comment after you update the URL; I just didn’t have another way to reach you.
Thanks,
Lori
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Lori: have updated the blog’s url.
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Hi Rani,
Sorry, I couldn’t find your e-mail address, is this where I should chat with you? I came across the website while searching for the MCRI website. I managed to find the same link you have on your webpage, but the website listed there doesn’t seem to work, and they’ve yet to reply to my e-mails as well. I don’t suppose you have the address of their working website, or know if they even have one?
My e-mail is marklim81@gmail.com. I’m actually trying to start up a blog as well on the Childcare industry.
Thanks Rani
Also, are you still in touch with Anna, who posted on 13 April 2009?
To Anna,
I may be able to relate to how you feel. After years of working in finance, I felt I’d climbed reasonably high up the career ladder, but there just came a point when I sat at my desk, heaved a great sigh, and said to myself, this isn’t what I want.
I’d always loved children, and wanted to try working with them to see if I was just daydreaming. Well, I did give up my job, and have started working in a Nursery. Simply put, never in my life have I had the feeling “Argh, I can’t wait to get back to work!!!”
I won’t ramble on for too long since I don’t know if you’ll reply, but please do, either through Rani, or e-mail me at marklim81@gmail.com
Regards
Mark
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Mark: Nice meeting you here. I’ve checked MCRI website and yes the site is not functioning. The best thing to do next Mark is to call them.
Good luck on starting your blog on childcare.
Have not heard from Anna and don’t have her contact details. So, to Anna, if you are still visiting this blog, you could also share your feelings/regrets/frustration with Mark.
And maybe one day the three of us can meet up, have a cuppa and ramble on about the joy of working with children or sigh of not working with children, or anything else!
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Nice meeting you as well, Rani!
I’m actually in the UK right now, so the cuppa might have to wait for awhile 🙂 I think you spent some time here as well? How long were you here?
Where exactly in Malaysia are you now actually? Your first commenter, Carolyn Choo, has actually been involved in organising an Appreciation Day for Early Childhood Professionals, on the 25th July.
Here’s the link for anybody interested:
http://my.88db.com/MY/Views/postDetails.aspx?PostID=261149&languageid=1
I’d really love to go, but I’m stuck here in the UK. Therefore I was hoping you’d be covering the event, or know of somebody who is.
Regards
Mark
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Hi Rani,
I’ve got an agenda for the Appreciation Day as well. It lists out some of the speeches given on that day. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to get it to you.
I’ll paste it here, and you can delete it once you’re done with it, or just delete it if it’s of no use to you.
I hope the formatting turns out OK when you copy and paste it onto Word. Otherwise, I can just e-mail it to you or something.
Regards
Mark
Saturday 25 July 2009
SEGi College Subang Jaya
7.45 am Registration of participants and guests & Collection of Goodie Bags
8.30 am Welcome Speech by Ms Lydia Foong
8.35 am Supporting Children’s Learning Through Creative Ways – Ms Puspa Sivan
9.35 am Concurrent Session 1
a) The creative teacher – Ms Puspa Sivan
b) Learning through sand and water – Dr Diana Lea Baranovich
c) Learning through music and movement – Mr Victor Tan
d) Learning through art – Mr Tan Keng Sun
10.45 am Tea Break
11.00 am Treasure Hunt – In Search of the Gifts of Early Childhood
12.20 pm Concurrent Session 2
a) The creative teacher – Ms Puspa Sivan
b) Learning through sand and water – Dr Diana Lea Baranovich
c) Learning through music and movement – Mr Victor Tan
d) Learning through art – Mr Tan Keng Sun
1.30 pm Lunch
2.30 pm Concurrent session 3
a) The creative teacher – Ms Puspa Sivan
b) Learning through sand and water – Dr Diana Lea Baranovich
c) Learning through music and movement – Mr Victor Tan
d) Learning through art – Mr Tan Keng Sun
3.45 pm Assemble at Ground Floor
3.55 pm Arrival of Guest of Honour, Y.B. Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development
4.00 pm Motivational speech by Guest of Honour
4.15 pm Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to SEGI Early Childhood Teaching
Practice Mentors
4.30 pm Presentation of Prizes to the Treasure Hunt Winners
4.45 pm Closing Remarks by Ms Lydia Foong,
Dean, Faculty of Education, Social and Health Sciences,
SEGi College Subang Jaya
4.50 pm Closing of the 4th Annual Appreciation Day For Early Childhood
Professionals & Collection of Certificates of Attendance
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By the way, do you mind if we post links to each other’s blogs? i.e. blogroll, sidebar etc
Mine’s at:
http://earlychildcare.wordpress.com/
Brand new though 🙂
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Mark: Have added your blog here under Educational Blog.
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Thanks very much Rani!
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Hi Rani, could you please forward me your email so that I can drop you a note. I would like your advise/thoughts on daycares/nannies now that Sprong is going to a montessori, Tq.
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Hi Rani,
I’m trying to start up an active Malaysian online community for parents and early years practitioners at http://earlychildcare.lefora.com/
Please spare some time to drop by to lend some support and give some constructive criticism.
As you’re very prominent in Montessori scene in Malaysia, I hope that you’ll contribute a lot to the Early Years Practitioners section.
Thanks Rani!
Regards
Mark
http://earlychildcare.wordpress.com/
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Hello,
Cikgu any class available for 11 months old in Basingstoke, Hampshire? My little one need some good attention.
Thanks
Vijay Chap
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Vijay Chap: Surprise to see you here really. How have you been? And belated congrats on the latest addition to you family!
I’m sure there are ample accredited childcare premises in Basingstoke, aren’t there? Or maybe other readers of this blog can give some insight to your question.
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Hi Rani,
I’m just a mother who is trying to secure the best foundation for my 4 yr old son. What little i have read on the Montessori approach makes me feel certain that this is suitable for Aidan. Though my wish is to reach the stars for him, i am still very much bound by earthly limitations like logistic and finance. I am living in Selayang Jaya and working in Hartamas. I am looking for a school to send my son to which is within this two area and hopefully with fees that are affordable for the middle income.
If you could help direct me to the right people or place to start this journey with Aidan, i’d be soo grateful. Do let me know.
Thank you and regards
Ana
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Hi Rani;
I’m really proud of you. The main reason I’m writing is to get some info on montessori centres in JB. It’s really hard to find one with the correct montessori teaching methods. Please let me know if there is any centres nearby my housing area (some where around Setia Indah, Tmn Mount Austin and Tmn Daya).
Thanks a lot and good luck,
Mahalakshmi
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Ana Shereen: Whatever effort you are doing for your son now, no matter how little, will prepare him to be the man he is in the future. So, never get daunted by anything or anyone!
I am not the best person to seek advice on the most appropriate school available in town, but I hope you have looked into the few information available in the column
‘Malaysia’s Montessori & Non-Montessori Schools’ in the right side of my blog.
Mahalakshmi: Thank you for visiting my site. I’ve heard of Stepping Stones Montessori – Johor Bharu, but don’t know the exact location. Also visit Montessorian World International website at the right column of this blog.
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Hi Rani,
I’m interested in taking the Montessori course to start my own Montessori kindergarten. I’m currently in Miri, Sarawak. I’ve learned that the fee has gone up from RM2000 to RM4050 in just two years time, but in KL the fee remains RM2000. Do you know any other center in Sarawak or Sabah which provides this course? Thank you.
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Hi Rani,
I’m interested in enrolling my son to the Montessori kindergarden. May i know if there’s any in Kuching?
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Kate: Apologies for the late reply. I am not aware of any Montessori training centres in east malaysia. A lot of people do distance learning too. Have you considered tht?
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’m interested in enrolling my son to the Montessori kindergarden
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Hi! I was told about your blog by one of the teachers. You have given lots of information to the parents out there. It’s nice to meet you here.
Take care, Rosabel
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Gina: I’m adding this inquiry as my new blog post, and hope Kuching readers can help you with this.
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Hi Rani, do you know any montessori centres in Sabah?
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Rosabel: Hi! Hopped on to your blog and enjoyed reading the posts there. I’ve linked ur blog to mine. Link mine too yeah!
and let’s continue writing for the love of children.
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Jun: I’ve sent a SOS message to readers of this blog. Hope somebody will respond promptly.
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Hi Rani,
I am planning to send my 3 years old daugther to school next year. Do you know if there is any good montessori schools around OUG/Sri Petaling/Bukit Jalil area for recommendation?
Thank you.
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Hi Rani,
What are the differences between taska, tadika and learning centre?
Thanks & regards,
Yee
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Dear Rani,
I am looking for pre-school for my babies. I love Montessori concept. could you recommend some pre-school near my house? i am living in JLN Kuching (KL), which is nearby Mokiara.
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Dear Rani,
I would like to invite you and your reads to a talk about an approach that complements Montessori Education beautifully. We have 2 talks on this week in KL. March 8th, 7:15-9:15pm, The Learning Connection, No.9-2, Jalan Solaris 2, Mont Kiara Solaris, KL
March 13th, The British Council, Ground Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142c Jalan Ampang, KL
The presentation is free, please RSVP penny.jacobsen@handle.org or 010 794 6456
Like Maria Montessori we believe every person had an innate desire to learn and through proper nutrition, gentle, organised, repetitive movement the brain can function optimally with ease and efficiency.
We look forward to meeting you. Regards, Penny
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Yee: Taska = daycare centre for 0-4 yrs old; registered under Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat under Child Care Act. Tadika = kindergarten for 4-6 yrs old; registered under Ministry of Education under Education Act. Learning Centre = are generally enrichment centre, such as KUMON, Gymboree etc.
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Yevone: Please probe into the list of schools in the right column of this blog.
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hai rani
super
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Dear Rani and other Montessori People-
Would you be willing to support me and Montessori methods?
I’ve entered the HMH Global Education Challenge.
My entry is called WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN! The premise is an initiative to begin relaunching Montessori in order to bring her methods and philosophy to every family that wants it. Here in the states I would like to see every public school district have at least one Montessori school serving the community free of charge.
If you and others, who love Montessori, would go to the HMH Education Challenge site, http://www.globaleducationchallenge.com find my entry, and write a “testimonial” regarding your experience(s) with Montessori or your thoughts about bringing Montessori to more children, worldwide, it might just spur more growth for Maria Montessori ways.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
If you are interested I have a second entry called SNAP-Scaffolding for Numerical Synapses. I would greatly appreciate any time you can give to considering it.
Sheryl Morris
espoir@cableone.net
208-249-9398
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Hi Rani, I am interested to enroll myself to entry or intermediate route of Montessori or Early Child Education course.
However I am a bit confused on the courses/routes, and different accreditation or organizations
I am a new parent, and interested in parenting & nursing with Montessori method, can you please share some info about it, or any website that can help me?
I understand you have a side bar there showing all the courses available in Malaysia, but I do not understand are they are different in way of accreditation/org/routes?
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Sheryl: tried in vain to look for your post. anyways, I will truly support you effort, given a second chance.
Chian: The best way to decide on the course that suits you, is to gather information and talk with the counselor to help you streamline your options and finally pursuing on one. Good Luck!
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Dear Friends,
Im Sha , from johor bahru currently im doing my diploma in montessori in singappore.
For those parents who wants to send their children to montessori kindergarden in johor bahru , there are few centres in johor bahru on of the kindergarden is Stepping Stones Montessori is centrally located at
3, Jalan Tengku Putri,
80200 Johor Bahru,
Johor Darul Takzim,
Malaysia.
Tel : 07-2245732
Fax : 07-2245732
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another centre is taska/tadika reenah at jalan keranji ( can contact them on thru fb)
Clover education centre taman tasek.
thank yoou
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Sha: Thank you for the information. I have added them to the link ‘More school…’. Best wishes for you future studies!
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Can you support holistic education (Montessori included) by signing this petition?
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/supporting-Holistic-Education-in-universities/
Would love to have your signature and your help collecting more.
Best
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Dear Rani,
Im staying in miri, sarawak. May i know which taska and kindergarten teaching in Montessori method?
Thanks.
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Can anybody from Miri give more information about Montessori settings?
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Rani just read your blog. quite interesting. i need your help. planning to start business related to montessori and kindergarden. can you email to me pinkydxb@gmail.com. i would like to have a personal discussion with you on this
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Hello Rani,
I am interested in completing my dissertation on Montessori education…
I am most interested in Montessori schools which cater to the poor – Low Socio-Economic families and charge no school fees or tuition. i Are there any in Malaysia?
Sera
Serafin_Udhaya@yahoo.com
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Serakumari:Harvest Centre, now known as Dignity For Children Foundation, implements Montessori curriculum for preschool education. They charge minimal fee or no fee at all for the underprivileged children. There was an article on them published in The Star some time last month. You can also visit their website, http://www.dignityforchildren.org or better still give them a call. Apparently, they also welcome volunteers to do research there.
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Hello Rani,
As the father of a montessori 5 year-old, I have often been frustrated when asking my son “what did you do today?” Either he makes up some outlandish story (today he told me the entire school burned down), or he simply replies “Nothing”. 🙂 This less-than-optimal communication inspired me to create what we are calling “The MontesScoring System”. The MontesScoring system consists of a smart shelf that monitors which children work with which Montessori activities and for how long they work. At the end of the day, the system uploads its observations to a secure web site. Parents, teachers, and school administrators can log onto the site to see what their children worked on that day, week, or month. It’s not meant to spy on, or encroach on teachers’ approaches, but primarily to bridge the communications gap between parents and children. With the MontesScoring system, I can ask meaningful questions about what my son worked on that day!
You can learn about the MontesScoring system at http://www.MontesScoring.com. I am interested in your thoughts/suggestions. Thanks!
Will Corbin
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Hi Will, I was enticed by the MontesScoring System introduced via the website. From what I conjured through the website, each child’s wears a name tag with a unique bar code and each material on the smart shelf is tagged with a bar code too, every time a child uses the material, the system records the child’s name, material used and duration of usage. And all this data is also presented in graphic image for parents and teachers. Excellent idea as sometimes it takes time for the teacher to record the material a child used, and usually period of usage is given an estimated time! It’s a good system I must say.
Just a few quick thots from me:
1) Very young children tend to displace or swap positions of materials, hence will mess up with the tagging perhaps.
2) What if there’s no electricity?
Anyways, this system is an extension of what Montessori teachers manually do in their classrooms with ticks, to indicate the children’s progress for each activity eg. introduced (/), needs practice (/\), completed (/_\). Probably you can add this feature too, and teachers save the space on the wall, and simply hit a button to see the child’s progression.
Lastly, I think the system is another good way to bridge school-parent partnership.
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Hi Rani,
Thanks for your interest in our MontesScoring system. In response to your thoughts:
1) The tags that clip on to the shirts of the students are pretty simple and indestructible. During a typical year we have to replace maybe 3 or 4 tags total. Considering that there are about 22 children in the classroom I do not believe this is significant. As for the tags that are on the projects, they are taped on the bottom of the projects. We haven’t yet seen children pulling off or disrupting these tags.
2) Our system runs on electricity, and so does the router and connection to the internet. Lack of electricity would be a problem for our system!
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Soon autumn, hurry to say goodbye to summer!).
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Hi
I am interested to open up a Montessori school in Kuala Lumpur.any ideas how to go about?
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Hi, I am interested in attending some course for montessori training in Kuala Lumpur. the internet isnt helping much. I have a degree in engineering bt want to explore montessori now. please help.
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Hi, I have master of early childhood education and interested in attending some course for Montessori training in Kuala Lump and get certificate. Thanks for being helpful.
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Hi, I’m looking for courses on montessori for parents in the internet and found none. Cab you advise where can I attend a course for parents in KL?
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Neha: call the colleges, or visit their place to get a better understanding of the course structure and fees. Colleges’ information is at the right column of my blog. Alternately, to meet Montessorians in Asia (Singapore and Kuala Lumpur), attend the conference and forum in December. Details at http://www.montessori-malaysia.org.
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Nasim: please check out the colleges/organisations listed at the right column of my blog.
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Chan: SEGi College Subang Jaya and Montessori Association of Malaysia (www.montessori-malaysia.org), occasionally hold workshops for the public. Check their websites for any latest events.
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Hi Rani
I’m a hospitality and tourism graduate n recently i found out my interest in mingle and playing with kids..furthermore,my manager told me about montessori and i’m kinda lost right now because i don’t know where to start and what course shall i look into..either early childhood education or diploma in montessori..i hope you can guide and advice regarding this matter..thanks Rani 🙂
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Siaw Yuan: Well, quite simply, Early Childhood Education (ECE), whether certificate, diploma, degree or master provides you with the general knowledge and a summary of all the various theories that can be applied to be used in educating and caring for children from birth until 8 years old. So, you would be learning about teaching/educating a whole child in various domains. On the other hand, Diploma in Montessori, is a specialised qualification using the Montessori Method/Education. You would be exposed to hands on learning, using the Montessori apparatus and designing new materials in accordance with the Montessori teaching principles.
In coming to a final decision of what to opt, I would advice you to do more research by reading materials on both ECE and Montessori (foreign magazines are also available via websites), talk to teachers or students, and attend seminars/conferences. You can join the Montessori Association of Montessori or ECE COuncil. And sometimes the only way to know, is to jump into the rough waves and surf along with it. You can do this by volunteering or offering to be as an assistant teacher/helper at a school for a short term. Schools usually welcome this idea from the public, and good schools would even give incentives to those who are committed and show keen interest in educating the young ones. Some future teachers also enrol themselves in an ECE course with Montessori subject as one of the final year’s subjects, to gain a slight taste of what to expect from a full Montessori course.
Take your time in deciding and I wish you all the best in making the right decision!
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Hi Rani. Glad I found your blog. I work as an engineer for the past 9 years and it’s been a dream (on hold for a long while) to become a Montessori educator. I will be 35 this year and I hope it’s not too late to start. What do you think? I’m quite clueless on where and how to start. I hope you can help.
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Hi Suria,
Start right now. Montessori courses are available online and offline. There are classes in Malaysia and neighbouring countries too. You need to do your own research to see what fits your budget and time frame. You can also work half day at a Montessori school whilst studying. Whatever you do, start now!
Cheers,
Rani.
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