Whats Montessori?
Montessori is a method of teaching which was designed by Maria Montessori. There are five areas in which the child is taught. These are Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language and Culture.
The beauty of the Montessori method is that the child learns at their own pace and most of the time they don’t even realise that they are learning because they are having so much fun!
All of the Montessori equipment is self correcting. Therefore the child will understand if something has gone wrong in their work and can then correct it themselves. This gives the child a great sense of achievement.
Our Montessori
We were delighted in September 2007 to receive the Quality Achievement Award from St. Nicholas School of Montessori. This award is only given after various visits to the classroom have taken place and inspectors are happy that the correct method of teaching is being used by staff passionate about the method of teaching. To our delight we were recieved the award again in 2011. Regular workshops and networks are attended to ensure that we are continuing to keep up the good work which rewarded us with our award. We are extremely lucky to have staff that are fully focused on delivering the method of teaching in a kind, caring and patient way.
Both Montessori rooms are run by fully qualified staff, each bringing their own unique qualities to the class. They ensure that children are shown correctly how to use the equipment and to observe the children and take note of the areas that they are thriving in or struggling with. They will always encourage children to choose activities that they are comfortable with and that they will enjoy to work with and help them through any of the more difficult activities.
Montessori class curriculum combines learning with fun. Children are encouraged to play with their classmates and develop friendships that they often bring with them to primary school. Children can enjoy activities such as painting, glup, gluing, sand and water play, construction play, arts and crafts, baking, gardening, drama, dancing, music etc.
Newsletters are given to parents providing them with information on the activities that their child took part. Planned activities for the next month are also listed in the newsletter. This keeps open the line of communication between parents and teachers.
All of our staff are extremely aware of the importance of pre-school education and take great pride in preparing the children for the years ahead in school.
Both Montessori classes have a perfect mix of fun and learning and the children take great pride in the ‘work’ that they do daily. The curriculum allows time for Montessori, free play and group activities.
Friendships develop and children are encouraged to express their feelings and their personality freely while at the same time learning to respect the feelings of others.
