“Montessori was one of the most important early years educators of the 20th century, the innovator of classroom practices and ideas which have had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over’ Montessori International

Montessori Curriculum

The Montessori Philosophy is taught trough the following seven areas of learning.

Personal, Social and Emotional development – Practical Life

“The essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immersely happy.” – Maria Montessori

The Importance of Practical Life Exercises

Practical life exercises play a crucial role in a child’s development, encompassing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. These activities also encourage the refinement of fine and gross motor skills.

In this area of learning, children are introduced to a variety of essential life skills, such as pouring drinks, laying a table, fastening zips and bows, caring for plants, and developing good manners. Each of these skills is applicable in everyday situations, promoting a child’s independence, self-esteem, and confidence. As they master these practical tasks, children become more self-reliant members of their community, equipped to navigate the world around them.

Communication and Language

“…with this method, the teaching of reading is begun simultaneously with that of writing.” – Maria Montessori

Expanding Language Acquisition

Within the Montessori environment, children have the opportunity to enhance their language acquisition through a variety of engaging activities. These include songs, discussions, rhymes, stories, and books, as well as everyday communication skills.

Children also learn the sounds and shapes of individual letters, which supports their literacy development. This holistic approach fosters a rich language experience, encouraging children to express themselves and engage with their peers and caregivers effectively.

Physical Development

Developing Physical Skills Through Outdoor Play

Children have the opportunity to develop and refine their physical skills through practical life activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, concentration, and the pincer grip. With free-flow access to the outdoors, children can further cultivate their gross motor skills in a dynamic environment.

Our ever-changing outdoor facilities include areas for large construction, bikes, sand and water play, as well as planting and growing activities. Children engage in large mark-making, group games, and climbing activities, allowing them to play, learn, and grow while developing greater control over their movements.

Literacy

Montessori Literacy Approach: Phonics in Action

The Montessori literacy materials are grounded in a carefully structured phonic approach, where children initially learn through sensory experiences. They begin by tracing sandpaper letters with their fingers while hearing the associated sound.

Each week, a new letter of the alphabet is introduced through the sound box. Children are encouraged to bring an item from home that starts with the weekly letter—be it a toy, photograph, or even a food item, such as ‘o’ for ‘orange’. This sharing activity not only excites the children but also reinforces their phonetic understanding of the alphabet as they engage with their peers and teachers.

Mathematics

In our tiny children the evidence of a mathematical bent shows itself in many striking and spontaneous ways.” Maria Montessori

Exploring Mathematics and the Senses

Through a varied range of equipment and exercises, each child has the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of both simple and complex mathematical concepts, including numbers, counting skills, simple sums, measurement, and fractions. The materials are designed to be self-correcting, enabling children to identify mistakes at a glance and correct them independently.

In the Sensorial area, children engage their five senses—tasting, touching, listening, seeing, and smelling—using specially designed Montessori equipment. These activities help children sort, match, and compare objects, thereby honing their powers of observation and discrimination.

Understanding the World

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” – Maria Montessori

Exploring the World: Science and Geography

In this area, children are introduced to essential concepts of science, geography, biology, and history, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. Materials such as globes, puzzle maps, continent folders, and tactile landforms serve as tools to bridge the gap between the child’s knowledge of their immediate environment and the broader world.

These resources engage children’s curiosity and encourage exploration, helping them connect their experiences to global contexts and enhancing their appreciation for diverse cultures and landscapes.

Expressive Arts and Design

“The human hand allows the minds to reveal itself.” -Maria Montessori

Creative Expression in Montessori

In our Montessori environment, children have the freedom to explore their creativity through various activities such as painting, gluing, cutting, collage, and junk modelling. These creative outlets are always available for free choice, encouraging self-expression and imagination.

In addition to these options, we provide a structured adult-led activity linked to our current topic in every session, ensuring that children can connect their creative work with their learning objectives.

Mark-Making and Mathematics in Montessori

Mark-making materials, including chalkboards, whiteboards, notebooks, paper, and a variety of writing and colouring tools, are consistently available to children. These resources encourage engagement in playwriting while also supporting the development of pencil grip and control.

In the Mathematics area of the classroom, Montessori materials facilitate the integration of concrete experiences with abstract concepts. Children use tools such as number rods, cards, and the spindle box to explore mathematical ideas. This hands-on approach allows children to investigate concepts like fractions, addition, and algebra through child-led learning, fostering independence and critical thinking skills.

Extracurricular Activities at Montessori

At Montessori, we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities that enrich the educational experience. These activities are designed to complement our curriculum and provide children with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage with their peers in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Music and Movement

At Montessori, children have the opportunity to participate in diverse music and movement sessions. These engaging activities allow them to explore physical expression through various sound and instrument-based experiences. Children can discover rhythm, enhance their coordination, and develop a love for music in a fun and interactive environment.

Cookery

At Montessori, we offer weekly cookery sessions where children refine their culinary skills while exploring different techniques each term. These engaging sessions are carefully guided by a teacher and are inspired by our letter of the week, fostering creativity and learning in the kitchen.

To support our cooking activities, we provide downloadable weekly recipe cards on our homepage, allowing families to recreate the dishes at home and continue the culinary adventure.

Gardening Club

At Montessori, we have our own allotment, where children participate in our Gardening Club once a week. In small groups, they explore, learn, and plant, nurturing their interest in the natural world. This hands-on experience allows them to connect with nature while developing essential skills in gardening and sustainability.

We also take pride in using our home-grown produce in the classroom, enhancing our learning experiences and promoting healthy eating habits among the children.

Forest School Fridays

One of our most popular sessions at Montessori is Forest School Fridays. During these adventures, children explore the nearby woodland through themed activities that encourage child-led exploration and discovery. This immersive experience fosters a deep connection with nature, promotes teamwork, and enhances problem-solving skills in a dynamic outdoor setting.

Would you like to visit us? Please contact us using the form or call us on 07494 275777