Testimonials
ECE Jessica Taffy, Les Oliviers French Montessori School
Thank you for being part of the amazing workshop! Just would like to add to my yarn
I continue to have some aha moments after the workshop is done. It’s really like what Yogi said, like learning how to cycle, we’ll figure out when we practice more Thank you, Yogi, for being such an inspiration and for believing in each one of us. You have touched many hearts and many more! I feel so empowered to be a better person so that others around me, both our tiniest ones and adults, can be better too, and not to do that by myself but together with the team!
Thank you also to Sophia and Valerie for your perseverance and kindness to bring Positive Discipline to us in Singapore, all the big things as well as the small things like taking care of the lunches. Really appreciate you all for going the extra mile!
I'd like to recommend the workshop to every adult, regardless parents or educators, as it also benefits us as a person. Reading the book only may not be enough, just like cycling, we need to figure it out by experience, starting with joining the workshop :) And together we can bring peace into the world
Positive Discipline reminds me of this quote:
”Everyone talks about peace but no one educates for peace. In this world, they educate for competition, and competition is the beginning of any war. When educating to cooperate and owe each other solidarity, that day we will be educating for peace.” - Maria Montessori
~ Jessica Taffy, Montessori Guide
Positive Discipline in the Classroom Andreany Liem, Indonesia
I am very happy to take part in the Positive Discipline in the Classroom workshop where this knowledge compliments me as an educator. Aha moment that I got: the class meeting session where all members in the class are involved in solving a problem in their agenda. In this session, every student gives their opinion in the way of Respectful, Related, Reasonable, and Helpful solutions. And this is very effective because the solution comes from the members (students).
And also the session Teacher Helping Teachers Problem Solving Steps - this method really amazed me, so we as teachers can see the problem and put ourselves in students' and teachers' shoes, so the solutions can be more objective.
Thank you to Yogi (trainer), and Sophia and Valerie who organized this event so we could learn this extraordinary knowledge.
~ Liem Andreany, Indonesia
A Dedicated Leader in Early Childhood Education
We have known Yogi as our son’s Head of School at Kinderhouse Montessori for the last four years. Yogi is an extremely dedicated and hardworking individual. She has been very successful in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into early childhood education.
She understands every child’s needs and has never hesitated to provide extra resources, research, help, or education in areas as diverse as choosing the right nutrition or teaching our children to excel academically and socially.
Yogi’s leadership and commitment to the community have made Kinderhouse Montessori an extraordinary center for learning in San Diego. Families from all around the world, despite cultural diversities, come together for a common purpose: to prepare their children for a lifelong journey of well-being.
– Deepali Bhandari, San Diego
Deeply Involved Leadership and Exceptional Education
“Both of our children attended Kinderhouse Montessori School, and we were extremely happy with their academic and personal development.
The Head of School, Mrs. Yogi Patel, is deeply involved and knows each child in the school well. Through her own work, as well as through the excellent teachers she hires, Mrs. Patel has provided a wonderful education for our children.”
– Silke Forbes
Professor at Tufts University
Raising the Bar on Quality Childcare
My two kids go to the KHM school run by Ms. Yogi Patel. This is an extremely well-managed school, and my kids love it. KHM is clean and disciplined, providing the children with an atmosphere conducive for learning. The administrative staff and teachers are exemplary. I believe Ms. Yogi Patel has raised the bar a few notches on quality childcare.
– Rohit D’Souza, San Diego
A Knowledgeable and Respectful Montessori Directress
Yogi is a very knowledgeable Montessori Directress. She implements the Montessori education system with perfection. She is an effective administrator of a very disciplined, yet personable and enjoyable school environment. Additionally, Yogi has the utmost respect for the children and her staff.
– Dr. Katti Jessen, San Diego
A Leader of Grace and Integrity
Yogi has created and runs a wonderful school full of incredibly bright, energetic children, and does so with constant grace and integrity.
– Melody A. Kramer, San Diego
A Professional and Nurturing Montessori Experience
Yogi has developed a wonderful Montessori school. She runs the school in a very professional manner, yet the environment is warm and nurturing for the children. Our daughter started the school when she was 2 1/2 years old. She is developing into a lovely, young person with good manners and a desire to learn. As parents, my husband and I couldn’t ask for more!
– Lisa De Boer, PharmD, MBA, San Diego
ECE Surina Charman, Les Oliviers French Montessori School
“It has been an insightful and fruitful 2 days course. Moving forward, I will check myself on the choice of words I use on children,taking a step back to ask questions, offer choices and allow them to make choices that they are comfortable with and not just giving instructions. Group discussions put our common problems on the table and we learnt how to use given tools to solve them with the very insightful facilitator, Yogi. It will greatly benefit teachers who are struggling with challenges in classrooms and also their own children.”
~ Surina, Montessori Guide
Positive Discipline in the Classroom Grace Rodriguez, Shanghai, China
I just attended a 2-day workshop on Positive Discipline in the Classroom certification with Yogi Patel and Positive Discipline Singapore. It was a fun-filled 2 days of laughter, meeting new educators, and of course, learning. This workshop has made me rethink some words that I need to use when talking to my students. We know how words are powerful!
I have been an educator for a long time and I have, all this time, been using the words: classroom rules. This workshop has opened my eyes that I should be using: classroom agreements! My AHA moment indeed! After the workshop, I started using the word agreement in my class and I can say that my students were more responsive to the things that I was talking about.
I am looking forward to trying more of the techniques that I have in the manual that was given to us.
This is a workshop that educators need to look into if they want to try something different in their classroom.
~ Grace Marie Rodriguez, Kindergarten Teacher, Shanghai, China
A Parent’s Gratitude for Yogi Patel’s Leadership
“It is my great pleasure to endorse Ms. Patel for what she does. She is an excellent teacher with outstanding managerial skills. My daughter spent three wonderful years under her guidance at Kinderhouse Montessori.
We always felt at ease leaving her at school, confident that she was in safe and caring hands. The teachers treat all the children as their own, creating a nurturing and supportive environment. I always recommend this school to all my friends.”
– Tarun Gheyi, San Diego
Excellence in Education and Care
“Both our daughters attended Kinderhouse Montessori for 3+ years. I have the highest respect for the work that Yogi and her team have done.
She runs a very well-organized school, provides the highest levels of education according to the original AMI Montessori principles, and maintains rules and regulations tailored for the needs of the children. Her team was incredibly attentive to the needs of our kids (one of them is hearing impaired).
And results show: our kids are in 4th and 2nd grade and are both star students in math and other topics, and are model citizens. That’s why I have no hesitation in recommending Yogi and Kinderhouse.
Thank you, Yogi, for being an outstanding educator and administrator.”
– Sacha Adam, San Diego
Vice President, Product Management
A Visionary Leader in Education
Yogi Patel is the director of the Kinderhouse Montessori my son goes to. She is an great entrepreneur and an excellent children educator, with Kinderhouse Montessori as the excellent example of her entrepreneurship and children education.
– Subrato De, San Diego
Raising the Bar on Quality Childcare
My two kids go to the KHM school run by Ms. Yogi Patel. This is an extremely well-managed school, and my kids love it. KHM is clean and disciplined, providing the children with an atmosphere conducive for learning. The administrative staff and teachers are exemplary. I believe Ms. Yogi Patel has raised the bar a few notches on quality childcare.
– Rohit D’Souza, San Diego
A Leader Dedicated to Children’s Development
Yogi is sincerely concerned about our children’s well-being and education. She has earned the respect of the children, teachers, and parents. The educational program she has designed fits well with parents interested in their children developing confidence, compassion, and character.
– James Schmeits, San Diego
ECE Jennifer Saba, Les Oliviers French Montessori School
“I attended the Positive Discipline training for Early Childhood Educators facilitated by Yogi Patel and it has been a transforming journey! Not only it allowed me to understand more the children but it also gave me practical tools that will help me as an adult not only in my classroom but also in life. The training gives us the opportunity to be vulnerable in a safe space where same minded individuals can exchange, support, understand and help each other. Thank you Yogi for your guidance, your openness, your trust and for all the help you have given us. I am really grateful to Sophia and Valery from Positive discipline Singapore to have made that in-person training happen here in Singapore. Thank you for all the efforts you put in. I highly recommend the training for all educators that would like to make a meaningful shift in their teaching career in order to respectfully and positively the little souls in our care.”
~ Jennifer Saba, Montessori AMI educator 3-6 years old
Positive Discipline in the Classroom Stacie Ng, Singapore
The PD workshop had been such an eye-opener and enlightenment for me. I signed up for this workshop as I have witnessed the huge shift in the dynamics of our students and therefore, I felt that there was a need for me to upgrade myself in order to stay current and relevant.
The term ‘Positive Discipline’ has been used very frequently nowadays and many may still possess the misconception which is that PD is permissive discipline and we have to listen to the kids and not bear any consequences. However, this is not the true essence of Positive Discipline.
In Positive Discipline, we can still be firm and kind concurrently. It’s also essential for parents to come onboard as when one is PD trained, everyone will be speaking the same language to the child. For a parent like me who has been an authoritarian for most of my parenting years, I have to say that my parenting style has changed. I’m still trying and learning how to be firm and kind. It’s a lot of trial and error.
The difference I see in this PD is that all tool kits and processes have already been crafted out and we just need to follow through. There’s also a mentor support group supporting us throughout the months via zoom. It’s definitely not a one-time off workshop. We need a community of educators to come onboard to support one another. To sum it up, we need to change ourselves first if we want to see a change in others.
~ Stacie Ng, Local School Teacher, Singapore
A Grateful Parent Reflects on Yogi Patel’s Leadership
“After visiting many Montessori schools and researching Montessori education, I felt so lucky and happy when I discovered Kinderhouse Montessori and met Yogi Patel in 2010.
The environment she created in her schools is unparalleled, and her unwavering focus on authentic Montessori education delivers the best outcomes, enabling children to reach their highest potential.
My son, Piers, continued his Montessori education in Turkey and has consistently impressed his teachers and peers with the strong, solid, and distinguished foundation he received at Kinderhouse Montessori.
Thank you so much, Yogi Patel, and all the wonderful KHM teachers.”
– Burcu Chatham, MATESOL, MBA, Istanbul, Turkey
Fostering Learning, Independence, and Personal Connections
My daughter Arathi has been a student at Yogi’s Montessori school since August 2006, and I am amazed at how much she has learned in the last two years. Through my interactions with Yogi, I have found her to be a very efficient and effective directoress of Kinderhouse Montessori. She has created a clean and healthy environment that fosters learning and independence while being a lot of fun for the children. Even though the number of students in the school has grown, Yogi takes pains to get to know each of her students and their families personally. I wholeheartedly recommend Yogi and Kinderhouse.
– Sangeetha Vijaysri Nair, San Diego
A Fantastic Learning Environment
Fantastic school, well run by headmaster Yogi Patel. Great learning environment, high standards, and integrity. Wish I could have gone back in time and had this experience myself, but at least my children have the opportunity!
– Bobby Korn, MD, PhD, San Diego
A Nurturing and Safe Montessori Environment
My children attend Yogi Patel’s Montessori school. The environment she provides is very welcoming, clean, and safe. My son is in the toddler class and loves it. He has adapted so quickly. He also has severe food allergies, and the school is one of the very few places we trust with his care.
My daughter is in her third year there and loves all the teachers and her classmates. She has made many friends and is much more confident in groups of other children, whether at the playground or in gymnastics class. She is starting to speak Spanish at home because some of her teachers speak it exclusively as part of the program.
Ms. Patel always puts the care and interest of the children first. She not only closely follows the Montessori principles but also shares them with the parents so that we can provide a consistent structure at home. This also allows us to truly understand what our children are experiencing. Montessori children are among the best-behaved. I am very happy with our decision to send our children to Ms. Patel’s school.
– Paul Eisan, San Diego
Exceptional Early Education
“Both of my daughters attended KHM for several years and received a wonderful learning experience. Ms. Patel operates an excellent educational facility for young children.”
– Bart Jessen
Investigative Strategy Lead, Drug Safety R&D at Pfizer
ECE Mary Zhuo Shaoyi, Les Oliviers French Montessori School
I am Mary from Singapore who has just attended the Positive Discipline for Early Childhood Educators course with Yogi Patel and Positive Discipline Singapore. The training has brought a deeper awareness to my thinking process, as well as to my feelings. Like an onion, it is peeling layer by layer delving deeper into a matter, with the mind, logically, and connecting with the heart. My biggest AHA moment was the concept of kind and firm. I always thought that and struggled with I can only be either kind *or* firm. However, in this training, it taught me about being kind *and* firm. It is not either or but both. The method of thinking, feeling, and deciding has also been something that I practice intentionally everyday. It has helped me not just in the Early Childhood context but myself, as an individual, and to the various relationships in my life. When in the face of conflict, it can be useful too.
It is an empowering and enriching course that provides practical tools in embarking the beginning of a lifelong journey towards the betterment of oneself. It is a daily journey, daily work and growth. Changes have to start from ourselves first and the rest will fall into its rightful places and order. Take up the course with an open mind and a learner’s heart, taste and see for yourself what it will bring to you, and to the environment/world around you.
~ Mary Zhuo, Montessori AMI educator 3-6 years old
Dream it
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Build it
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Dream it • Build it • Grow it •
Positive Discipline in the Classroom Lee Ai Lian, Singapore
I recently attended the Positive Discipline in the Classroom certification course with Yogi Patel, organized by Positive Discipline Singapore, and it was a fantastic learning experience. Having previously read Positive Discipline in the Classroom and Positive Discipline Tools for Teachers, I was inspired to implement these strategies in my classroom but often felt unsure about how to apply them effectively.
This course made the concepts come alive for me. Trainer Yogi Patel provided clear explanations that deepened my appreciation for Positive Discipline. The hands-on activities helped me understand how to use tools like the Mistaken Goals Chart and implement the activities described in the books.
If you’re interested in becoming a kind yet firm teacher and making a positive impact on your students, I highly recommend attending this workshop.
~ Lee Ai Lian, Local School Teacher, Singapore
A Charismatic Leader and Nurturing Educator
“Mrs. Yogi Patel is a charismatic leader who has created a wonderful, nurturing environment at Kinderhouse Montessori (KHM).
Her school is extremely well-managed and provides children with abundant opportunities to learn and grow. Moreover, Mrs. Patel has an exceptional ability to personally connect with each child and their families.
It was a great pleasure to have our son at KHM for nearly 2.5 years.”
– Kanu Chadha
Building a Strong Foundation with Montessori Principles
My son went to Kinderhouse Montessori School since he was 2.5 years old till KG and never worried to go to school, not even a single day. Mrs. Yogi Patel really knows what she was doing and how to handle each kid in a personalized manner. We were really happy that our son went to this school and had his good foundation with Montessori principles. Mrs. Yogi Patel is an excellent educator and administrator. I highly recommend Mrs. Patel and this school to anybody.
– Srinivasa Deevi, San Diego
A Stellar Montessori Experience
Yogi has built an excellent Montessori institution and provides a stellar experience for anyone wishing to see their child get the best start in life. She is very detail-oriented and watches over every aspect of the whole experience. And she knows how to get the best of both the kids and their parents.
– Suresh Bharadwaj. San Diego
A Passionate Educator and Community Builder
Yogi has a true passion for what she does and places unwavering priority on the well-being and development of the children she educates. Displaying a remarkable combination of love and discipline, she has built a school that is both paramount in the education it offers and unparalleled in the character and sense of community it instills.
I am grateful that my children have had the benefit of a Kinderhouse education and highly recommend this program to parents who want to instill in their children a love of learning.
– Sandi Hwang Adam, San Diego
Leading with Care and Integrity
Yogi runs her school with a great deal of care and consideration for the children and families. She follows the Montessori philosophy and practice and has shown integrity and consistency when dealing with her parent population.
– Renu Menezes, San Diego