MANDAUE CITY – In an effort to showcase its distinctive approach to early childhood and elementary education, Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) hosted its 1st Montessori Open House after the pandemic on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event offered parents, education students from universities in Cebu, and other visitors the opportunity to explore the school’s educational philosophy and teaching environment.
The Montessori Open House is an annual event that aims to highlight the school’s dedication to the Montessori method—a holistic approach focused on child-centered learning, hands-on activities, and the development of independence. Parents and guests were given the chance to observe firsthand how the school fosters an interactive, nurturing environment that promotes student development and encourages natural curiosity.
Students from preschool to elementary levels at Children’s Paradise Montessori School prepared presentations across various subjects, including Language, Math, History, Geography, Geometry, Botany, Zoology, and more. Using Montessori materials, the students demonstrated their knowledge, understanding, and skills, giving visitors an insight into the hands-on learning experiences the school distinctly provides.
Unlike the traditional classroom set-up that many are familiar with, Children’s Paradise Montessori School embraces the Montessori method, which emphasizes autonomy, self-directed learning, and active participation. Montessori Curriculum Director Maria Isolde Tanjay explains that in a Montessori environment, the teacher’s role is to guide and facilitate, rather than to control or dictate, allowing students to take charge of their own learning journey.
At CPMS, children are not taught inside a classroom with traditional seating arrangements or rigid schedules. Instead of tests and lectures, the school makes use of hands-on learning materials that allow students to understand and master through repetition lessons at their own pace. This approach fosters independent and critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging students to explore subjects and pursue their interests through interactive activities, research, and collaborative work rather than passive listening. The focus is on developing a deeper grasp of concepts, rather than memorization or standardized assessments.
When students Crystal Rhaiyne Flores, Jas Bathan, and Enrico Guanzon were asked about their thoughts on the school, they all shared how much they enjoyed and had fun working with the materials. They explained that the hands-on approach made learning easy, exciting and engaging, and they particularly appreciate the freedom to explore topics at their own pace. They also expressed their gratitude for their teachers and the friendships they had made.
“It was fun because we get to learn at our own pace, and we could do material work,” Enrico shared in an interview.
Since the Montessori method differs from the traditional way of teaching, Director Tanjay emphasized that the school prepares students for high school by providing a trnsition program which simulates a traditional classroom and provide coaching to Grade 6 students. This program gradually introduces and orients children to different aspects of traditional learning. Twice a week, students participate in sessions that include traditional seating arrangements, homework, lectures, and tests, ensuring that they are ready for the more structured environment they will encounter in secondary school.
Parents Mommy Laica and Daddy Oliver Canumay, whose child has been enrolled at CPMS from preschool to elementary, shared how the Montessori experience has positively impacted their child’s development, not only in academics but also in life skills.
“I’m always surprised by my child, to tell me honestly. When it comes to kids, I’m not really hands-on because I’m often busy with our business. So my wife gets to witness how the child is doing. I’m just amazed because, wow, he already knows this. For example, with his toys, when he’s done playing, he picks them up,” Daddy Oliver explained. “I’m amazed because he already knows how to read fluently, and with new words, sometimes, he even learns deep ones.”
“We were really amazed because they’re not just teaching in the traditional way. They’re also teaching how to pack things, how to be independent, and how to help your mom and dad at home,” Mommy Laica added.
Children’s Paradise Montessori School’s Montessori Open House provided a unique opportunity for parents, visitors, and students to explore and appreciate the value of developmental and hands-on learning, independence, and active engagement. With its focus on the Montessori method, the school continues to offer an educational experience that not only nurtures academic growth but also fosters life skills and a love for learning.
The CPMS welcomes visitors anytime within the school year for a chance to have a tour to learn about the learning environment of the children. Enroll your child now at Children’s Paradise Montessori and experience the Montessori community!
