What is Montessori?

Montessori is an educational approach that emphasizes fostering a child’s natural curiosity and self-directed learning. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, this method is centred around creating an environment that encourages independence, hands-on exploration, and the development of a love for learning. In a Montessori setting, children are given the freedom to choose activities from a carefully prepared environment, which includes specially designed materials to aid
their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The Montessori philosophy values the individuality of each child, aiming to cultivate a lifelong passion for discovery and education.

Montessori is not just an educational philosophy; it’s a journey of discovery, a celebration of each child’s unique potential. At our Montessori nursery, we embrace this transformative approach, guiding little minds through a world of wonder. Montessori is about more than lessons; it’s about cultivating a love for learning, fostering independence, and nurturing the spirit of each child. Join us on a joyous expedition where education becomes a voyage of self-discovery, and every day is an adventure in growth and exploration.

The Montessori curriculum involves six keys area:

Practical life activities

Practical Life in Montessori education is a foundational component that focuses on developing essential life skills and fostering independence. Through purposeful activities such as pouring, scooping, buttoning, and cleaning, children engage in everyday tasks that contribute to their physical and cognitive development.

These activities not only refine fine and gross motor skills but also instil a sense of order, concentration, and coordination. Practical Life exercises are designed to help children gain confidence in caring for themselves and their environment, laying the groundwork for future academic and personal success.

Sensorial

Sensorial Life in Montessori education is a key element that focuses on developing and refining a child’s sensory perceptions. Through hands-on activities using specially designed materials, children explore concepts such as colour, size, shape, texture, sound, taste, and smell. These materials isolate specific sensory qualities, allowing children to distinguish and categorise sensory information in a purposeful and systematic way.

The Sensorial curriculum not only prepares children for academic learning but also contributes to the development of concentration, order, and an enhanced awareness of their surroundings. It provides a rich and comprehensive foundation for a child’s intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.

Mathematics

We embrace the enriching world of Montessori mathematics to spark curiosity and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. In our nurturing environment, we introduce young minds to the wonders of numbers through engaging tools such as Number Rods and the Spindle Box. The vibrant hues of the Number Rods beckon children to explore the concept of quantity and numerical order, fostering a hands-on understanding of the building blocks of mathematics. Meanwhile, the Spindle Box transforms the abstract notion of numbers into a tangible experience as children count and place spindles in numbered compartments, creating a bridge between the concrete and the symbolic.

Our Montessori approach to mathematics is not just about numbers; it’s about cultivating a sense of wonder and discovery, laying the groundwork for a future filled with mathematical exploration and understanding.

Language

In Montessori education, language development is nurtured through a holistic and hands-on approach. From the earliest stages, children engage in activities that promote oral language skills, phonetic awareness, and a love for reading and writing. Through tactile experiences with materials like sandpaper letters and movable alphabets, students learn to associate sounds with symbols. Reading and grammar activities further build on this foundation, encouraging both creative expression and a deep understanding of language structure.

The Montessori method fosters a lifelong appreciation for language by creating a language-rich environment that values individual progress and cultivates effective communication skills.

Creative Expression

Creative expression in Montessori education is a cherished aspect of the curriculum, fostering the development of a child’s imagination and artistic abilities. Through various activities, such as drawing, painting, and crafting, children are encouraged to explore and communicate their ideas freely. The
Montessori environment provides ample opportunities for creative expression, allowing children to engage with a wide range of art materials and tools. This not only enhances fine motor skills but also promotes selfdiscovery and self-expression.

The emphasis is on the process rather than the product, nurturing a child’s confidence and joy in expressing themselves creatively.

The Cultural Curriculum

The Cultural Curriculum in Montessori education encompasses a wide range of subjects beyond traditional academic areas, fostering a holistic understanding of the world. It includes geography, history, biology, botany, zoology, music, and art.

Through hands-on materials and activities, children explore different cultures, continents, and natural elements. The cultural curriculum promotes a sense of interconnectedness with the global community, encourages respect for diversity, and nurtures a love for learning about the world. By integrating cultural studies into the Montessori approach, children develop a well-rounded perspective that goes beyond academic knowledge, embracing a lifelong curiosity about the rich tapestry of human experience and the natural environment.