These words express the underlying philosophy of the KPM Approach to Children. In 1987, Sri Atmananda Memorial School was founded by Sri K. Padmanabha Menon in Malakara, Kerala, India. In 1995, a branch school was opened in Austin, Texas which would follow the methods pioneered at the model school in South India. Named for the founder's father, Sri Atmananda (Sri Krishna Menon, 1883-1959), a noted poet, teacher, writer, and Sage, the schools have demonstrated the effectiveness of the KPM Approach to Children.
The relationship between teacher and child is at the heart of the KPM Approach to Children. The teacher values the child unconditionally, and treats the child with unfailing regard for his or her feelings and opinions. The child can trust the teacher, and feels safe and open.
In this learning environment, the child gains self-confidence, and is free to develop in all facets. As cognitive skills grow, the child also learns regard for the feelings of others, and how to make decisions and solve problems.
The KPM Approach to Children has defined the model school since its inception in 1987, and the branch school since 1995. Sri Atmananda Memorial School has demonstrated that schools can meet the child’s most basic needs, and by so doing, can support the development of the whole child. A visitor soon begins to see what is important, and in some cases, unique about this school.
The teacher-child relationship is profound, yet simple:
The teacher values the child unconditionally so he or she cannot fail.
The teacher is trained to see and enter the child’s world.
The teacher puts the child’s needs and interests first.
The child can trust the teachers, and knows they won’t let him down.
The child listens and hears, and welcomes the teacher’s involvement.
The school is safe and welcoming.
Children feel free to be themselves.
The children move freely, choosing activities according to their interests.
Students feel in control of their schooling.
A rich learning environment is the context of every activity:
Activities and games are encouraging, supportive, and noncompetitive.
Exams, homework, and formal classroom experiences are introduced gradually, as the student matures, and are fun and confidence building.
Assessment of the child is made in terms of the child’s individual development.
Parents’ growing understanding of the KPM Approach deepens their understanding of their children.
Children benefit fully from the school when they feel their parents’ support.
The school is part of the community.
Volunteers are welcomed, trained, and made part of the school.
Frequent visitors enrich the children’s experiences.
The school’s workshops and training programs make the Approach available to others.