Montessori Curriculum & Activities

Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, believed that each child is motivated from within by a natural curiosity and love ofknowledge.  She developed a distinctive approach to the education of young children which has been reinforced bymodern educationalists.  She observed that the early years were crucial in promoting "learning" as each child goes through "periods" for learning a particular skill - putting things in order, counting, reading etc. 

The duty of the educator in a Montessori classroom is to observe each child closely to determine his/her natural developmental stage, and to supply the child with the learning material appropriate to his/her interests.  Sometimes she will divert a child that chooses a material beyond his/her ability; at other times she will encourage and inspire the hesitant child.

The Montessori classroom is designed to put the child at ease.  Tables, chairs, shelves, everything the children use,are child-size.    In this "prepared environment" children have physical as well as mental freedom.  They are free toselect and help themselves to the equipment for an activity.  By pursuing his/her individual interests the child acquiresan early enthusiasm for "learning".

The Montessori Materials are specifically structured and designed for individual work.  They can be divided intothree main groups:

•  Practical Life Exercises are enjoyable tasks based on day to day activities in the home;

• Sensorial Material can be used by all ages and is aimed at sharpening children’s senses so that they candistinguish, categorise, and relate new to existing knowledge.

• Academic Materials give the child the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Using the MontessoriTeaching Material a basic vocabulary and understanding of Cultural Subjects (Geography, Botany, History) and Grammar is gradually introduced, always promoting the natural-growth of the child, never pressurising him/her.

We will gladly provide you with more detailed information about the Montessori curriculum and philosophy if you wish to enquire.

Other Activities 

In order to foster stimulation and learning, as well as laughter and fun, children are provided with regularly changingenjoyable projects.  There is a wide choice of activities to provide for different tastes including - books and stories -singing - music appreciation - ballet - creative art  - crafts - second language - computing - poetry - "let's pretend" - games - cooking - creative play (clay/water/paint) - adventure play equipment - nature table - pet corner - educational & leisure outings. 

Aims

We aim to help children develop self-help skills, the power of concentration, self-discipline and diligence, self-worthand independence, courtesy, kindness, and respect for others. They are encouraged to become socially adept at theappropriate developmental stage.  Each child is a special and unique individual.  The children's particular learning needs as well as their personal, social, and physical requirements and preferences are respected and catered for so that they can utilise their potential to the best of their abilities.

Our aim is to make learning an enjoyable, exciting, and challenging experience which will give a good foundation to thechildren for many "happy learning" years ahead.  The habits and skills developed in early years will help them toconcentrate and work efficiently for a lifetime, no matter where they go.