What is Montessori?
Although founded more than 100 years ago, the Montessori method, a child-centred educational approach, has been validated by the most current research on human learning and development. The child is acknowledged as one who is naturally eager for knowledge, and is self directing in his or her learning. The goal of Montessori education is to give children the skills, motivation and path to becoming independent, secure, responsible individuals who remain lifelong learners and caring, contributing members of society.
Educators
Our teaching staff are all full degree qualified teachers, having completed honours, or post graduate courses in Montessori Teaching from recognised training colleges. We are among the 10% of Preschools countrywide that qualify as Higher Capitation Schools.
The Hallmarks of Montessori.
A Prepared Environment - where the materials and equipment are deliberately chosen to provoke a child's curiosity and promote their learning through exploration and trial and error.
Multi Age Groups - children learn from their older classmates, whilst the older children experience the joy of sharing with the younger ones.
Reality Based Learning - children are sensorial and tactile. Learning focuses on a child's desire to touch, feel, negotiate and decipher for themselves.
Independence - Montessori encourages independence in simple tasks, and independence as the child guides their own choices in learning under a teachers watchful eye.
At Your Own Pace - the montessori method allows the teacher to move through the classroom between individuals or small groups, letting each child progress at the pace that suits them best.
The Montessori Approach
The Montessori Method is centred around an independent approach to learning. Montessori recognises that children do not see learning as "work". They are naturally interested and curious and have spent their years prior to pre-school touching, exploring, tasting and poking everything they come across. Their natural desire to learn has seen them learn to walk, ride a bike, jump and talk. Montessori simply provides an environment and adults that guide this natural curiosity to provide self directed and self paced learning.
The challenges of problem solving, the sharing of activities, and the exploration of the wider world, provide a rich and varied experience to stimulate eager minds in a joyful, independent, creative and responsible way. Montessori's simple early goal is to instil a love of learning that will be lifelong.