Aseema Charitable Trust
Progress Report on Aseema’s Education Centre for Tribal Children, Igatpuri
(2011 - 2012)
Thanks to generous support from Asha for Education – SF Chapter, 56 tribal children are able to
access value-based quality education at the Pre-Primary Section of Aseema’s Education Centre for Tribal
Children, Awalkheda, Igatpuri. At Aseema schools, great emphasis is placed on growth of values, skills and
capacities in addition to academic learning. The children are, therefore, exposed to a well rounded
curriculum and learn through the Montessori Approach. The positive and vibrant environment, coupled with
innovative and challenging activities, draws students to school each day.
Through the Montessori Approach, Aseema’s Pre-Primary Centre equips children aged 2 ½ - 6 yrs
with age appropriate skills such as language skills, pre-math skills, reading readiness, writing readiness,
motor development and social skills required to begin formal schooling at the age of 6 years. Working with
Montessori materials, offers our children a much stronger and deeper understanding of basic concepts. The
classroom is equipped with scientifically designed materials, which invite children to engage in learning
activities of their choice at their own pace. Under the guidance of committed teachers and volunteers, the
children have enjoyed learning by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration,
motivation, self-discipline and compassion.
The Montessori curriculum is divided in to five subjects:- Sensorial Activities, Language
Development, Mathematics, Culture and Exercise of Practical Life (EPL). When children enter the
Montessori environment at the age of 2 ½ years, they are introduced to EPL, which helps them develop care
for themselves, their environment and towards one another. Starting from simple things as tying their shoe
laces to button up their shirt, EPL teaches children skills they need to survive in the real world. In addition
to building self esteem and confidence, these activities have helped built concentration and nurture motor
skills – a requisite for developing writing skills.
Sensorial activities are introduced after and along with the EPL and help the children develop sensorial
abilities. The sensorial materials such as cylinder blocks, pink tower, brown stair, etc. allow children to
make comparisons, form judgments and reasoning skills. Children are now able to make comparisons on
height, diameter, weight, thickness, length, size, etc. Their vocabulary is also enriched through introduction
of terms such as large and small, big and little, thick and thin, rough and smooth, prism, cube, etc. These
sensorial exercises lead to the study of math – helping children move from concrete to abstract terms.
In Mathematics, children use concrete material such as number rods, spindles, colored beads, additionsubtraction strip boards, etc to learn abstract mathematical concepts. In addition to math materials, children
also learn through interactive games and action songs. Based on their capability, children can identify
numbers, understand the concept of quantity, perform mathematical operations – addition and subtraction as
well as understand basic geometrical shapes.
In Igatpuri, the medium of instruction is Marathi. However, children are gradually introduced to
English. Materials such as picture cards, story board along with rhymes and action songs help children learn
vowels, consonants and phonetic words. They are gradually led to writing through the use of materials such
as sand paper letters, moveable alphabets, etc. Further introduction of thematic topics such as “Monsoon”,
“Plant Life”, “Modes of Transport”, “Occupation”, etc. children fosters language development. To inculcate
a love for reading and develop communication skills, a small library is set up at the Centre.
Cultural activities help children understand and adapt to their world. They develop curiosity and show
an interest in exploring their environment. They also develop an appreciation for the world they live in.
Children begin with the introduction of globes and terms such as land and water, continents and oceans,
followed by the names of the continents. The children further their studies with the use of puzzle maps.
Celebration of cultural events (Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Makarsankranti, etc.) and national holidays
(Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Republic Day, etc.) make learning a fun and meaningful experience.
We are grateful for the support offered by Asha for Education – SF Chapter in creating positive
learning experiences for our children at Aseema’s Pre-Primary Centre in Awalkheda, Igatpuri.
PHOTO GALLERY
Buttoning Frame: Exercise of Practical Life Material
Golden Beads: Introduction of Decimal System
Spindle Box: Math Material Aids in Addition
World Map Puzzle: Cultural Activity Material
Geometrical Insets: Sensorial Material
Picture Cards: Language Development