What is Montessori?

How the children learn

Dr Maria Montessori compared the young mind to a sponge. It absorbs information from the environment (consider how a young child acquires his native language). Acquiring information in this way is fun for the child who uses all his/her senses to investigate the environment. It follows that a childs experience could be enriched by a classroom where he could handle materials which would demonstrate basic educational principles to him/her. Over 100 years of experience have proved her theory that a child can learn to read, write and calculate in the same way that he/she learns to walk and talk. In a Montessori classroom the equipment allows him to do this at his own pace. In order to learn there must be concentration and the best way a child can concentrate is by fixing his attention on a task performed with his hands. All the equipment in the Montessori classroom invites a child to use their hands for learning.

The nursery offers a holistic approach to the development of the child and follows the Montessori and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Weekly and monthly planning sheets and lesson plans ensure a balanced curriculum and the introduction of regular themes and topics. Children experience the joy of learning through their own choice. They learn to exercise good judgment, make independent decisions and take responsibility for their own actions.

Practical Life Skills and Personal and Social Skills

These exercises are concerned with the development and refinement of the five senses. The aim is to sharpen the child’s intellect and thought processes while developing their grasp of abstract concepts.

Sensorial

Language Development

This is an integral part of the process of learning to read and write. Language activities begin with development of speech skills through songs, stories, rhymes and drama. The children are introduced to phonic letter sounds and progress to written language. The children are given a solid introduction to children’s literature and participate in a reading scheme when ready.

Mathematics

Sensorial training plays an important role in developing a mathematical mind. Through a wide variety of materials and practical activities the children learn about numbers, shape, mathematical concepts, quantity, mathematical language as well as differentiating, identification and classification skills. Having grasped the basic skills children are introduced to early addition and subtraction activities and begin to record their findings using a variety of methods.

Cultural Studies * Music * Nature Study * Geography * Science

The children’s general knowledge and learning experiences are enriched by a wide variety of themes and topics which foster a love of learning and their natural curiosity as well as contributing to the child’s total development. Scientific enquiry is developed by assisting the children to explore and discover the world through their senses.

Creative Art & Craft

Through a variety of art projects the children are encouraged to exercise their creativity and express their individual personalities. Dexterity is improved and concentration skills are developed.

Physical Development and Dance

Exercise and activities which build the child’s physical strength as well as developing gross motor skills and hand-eye-foot coordination. An increasing agility and gracefulness aids self-confidence.