What is Montessori?
The Montessori Teaching Method
The Montessori teaching method was founded by the first female doctor in Italy over 100 years ago. After many years of research, Dr. Maria Montessori found that children require a very specific environment in which to learn, absorb and develop to their full potential. Thus, the Montessori method was born. Montessori education teachers require specific training in order to observe and understand the curriculum objectives, and needs of each individual child.
A Montessori environment is safe, loving and extremely respectful. All activities have educational elements, while focusing on real-life skills and experiences. Children are stimulated through many different angles, making the environment constantly fun and exciting for staff and children alike.
The key characteristics of a Montessori prepared environment include:
- Staff with childcare and/or teaching qualifications, as well as Montessori qualifications, or are studying towards these. Our staff are skilled in understanding the developmental needs of the children they care for, and are experts in tailoring lessons that are fun, exciting and always educational.
- Calm environment, where teachers speak calmly and respectfully at all times. When inside, the children are constructive in play and educational learning, with small group sizes to facilitate individual guidance and support. When the children are outside, it’s go time!
- Structured environment, with a consistent routine involving sleeping, eating and play patterns. We offer children great balance from the Nursery, right through to Early Learning. All of our teacher’s pre-plan their day’s lessons and curriculum in order to ensure they expose their children to all aspects of life.
- Real-life lessons, to help children understand the meaning of responsibilities. These lessons include personal hygiene, table setting, food preparation, cooking lessons, washing and gardening!
- Behaviour, including how to properly deal with conflict, and how we should behave when we’re inside or outside. For example, our teachers will explain and demonstrate the correct language to use if a conflict ever occurs.