Montessori

In the early 1900’s Maria Montessori developed a method of education based on scientific observation of children. More than a century later, her method is still internationally acclaimed as an approach that helps children develop to their full potential.

The Montessori nursery is the “Children’s house”, a home from home where children learn and develop by making their own choices, trying things out and doing things for themselves.

Our environment is meticulously planned with carefully designed learning materials that cover specific core areas of learning. Children learn from doing and are allowed extended periods of uninterrupted learning, which supports them in mastering simple and practical skills in preparation for more advanced activities and helps to develop concentration and cognitive skills. The teacher guides children to choose and explore at their own pace driven by their natural desire to learn.

Our classrooms are stimulating and carefully designed to support children’s holistic development, always clean, aesthetically pleasing and orderly, offering plenty of opportunities for movement and exploration. Activities are carefully displayed in specific ‘learning areas’ so children can easily find and independently choose what they would like to work with. Children learn through hands on experiences and the rich array of materials and activities available fully support their drive for exploration and predisposition to learning through play. All our materials and activities are educational and have a specific purpose for children’s development.

We advocate freedom within boundaries of mutual respect. There are few ground rules which are discussed together and based on respect for others and the environment. Within these, children have freedom of choice and are never forced to do something. Children naturally love learning and we provide them with progressively challenging, yet achievable and enjoyable experiences that follow their interests and extends upon them. Learning is tailored to each individual and unique child via a thorough process  of observation, planning and assessment.

Children are in mixed age groups creating a wonderful and diverse social environment that mimics family life; the younger children look up to and learn from the eldest and the eldest act as role models while consolidating their learning. Younger children move from the ‘Nido’ (Italian for ‘Nest’) around 24 months, or when we feel they are ready, but all children are given a chance to spend time together throughout the day.

We place great importance on fostering children’s independence in caring for themselves, others and the nursery environment. From a young age children learn to handle fragile things with care, learn to offer help to a friend or make amends when they have hurt someone, learn how to look after plants, the classroom and the environment around them.

Children are encouraged to fully participate in the life of the nursery and throughout our daily routines such as working together to set up the lunch and cleaning up after themselves or planting fruit and vegetables that we will harvest and use in cooking or snacks. Younger children in the ‘Nido’ are supported to be increasingly independent. Our warm and loving practitioners support them in developing numerous skills such as feeding themselves or starting to use the potty.

Teachers treat children with the same respect they would treat an adult and limits are set in a respectfully assertive way. Teachers support children to make good choices and develop self-discipline through positive interactions, they never offer bribes or threaten punishments. Montessori education supports the development of self-discipline. Children are well mannered and respectful towards each other, they love learning and cooperate together.