''bunadi''- a strong foundation

For the past few months, I have been teaching Gargi rhymes, science, language, and art regularly, of course using the Montessori method. She simply enjoys learning while she plays, and I have noticed tremendous improvement in her. At this point, I felt like sharing a few thoughts I have gathered from my Montessori course.

Children have an extraordinary capacity to absorb the universal details of life during their early years, especially between the ages of three and six. Before the age of six, they should be exposed to subjects like science and mathematics, and introduced to the skills of reading and writing. When early educational experiences are pleasurable and stimulating, a child is far more likely to achieve long-term academic excellence.

It is the duty of elders to carefully observe and nurture a child’s development. Regardless of a child’s ability, challenging her intellect should always be a joyful experience. If the process causes irritation or fatigue, it is a sign that the approach is wrong. Children learn enormously from new experiences, so learning should be enjoyable, effortless, and engaging. Teaching is not about laboriously stuffing information into little minds—it is about guiding them in a way that aligns with how they naturally learn, through experience, observation, and play.

As parents and teachers, we must exhibit patience while helping children master daily chores and encourage independent thinking. We should create a positive and fearless environment, allowing them to build mental strength and resilience. By providing abundant opportunities to work, play, and explore freely, we nurture their growth. Neglect or dominance, on the other hand, can cause long-term harm to a child’s intellect and character, consequences that can be difficult—or even impossible—to reverse. To prevent such repercussions, we must raise our children to the fullest realization of their individual potential.

While society often emphasizes university as the pinnacle of education, true success in life depends far more on the character built during childhood. A child’s physical, emotional, psychological, social, and intellectual abilities should be nourished and developed during these early years. The cost of bringing up children with love, attention, and care is far lower than the cost of attempting to solve problems that could arise a generation later.