The Montessori Differentiation

The first woman in Italy to graduate in medicine from the University of Rome, Maria Montessori (1870-1952) worked with mentally underdeveloped children and began her life-long pursuit of studying child development. In 1907, based on her research in philosophy, child development and education, she opened the first 'Casa dei Bambini'. 

This is where the Montessori Method of Education was developed and where Maria spent most of her remaining life writing, lecturing and teaching these methods. 

The Montessori method believes that children learn directly from their environment and other children. The teacher is there to facilitate the child's exploration and creativity - not to dictate it. All subjects are therefore interwoven and absorbed cohesively and holistically  enabling children to learn at their own pace. This helps each child gain independence and confidence, and to attain pride through their own achievements. 

Montessori children therefore tend to be very adaptable having learned to work independently, and collaboratively. 

Since they have been encouraged to discuss their work freely with others, and to make decisions from an early age, these glistening children evolve into problem-solvers who can make appropriate choices and manage their time well. 

Their heightened communication skills enable them to navigate new settings and situations in daily life which in itself, adds to their sense of positive self-esteem. Research has shown that this is a significant predictor of future success. 

The Montessori Curriculum is based on self-directed, non-competitive activities which help children develop strong self-image and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism. 

 Every child wants to learn. With the freedom to investigate the world around them, they will become active learners. 

In the Montessori environment, children have the freedom within, safeguarded limits, to choose their own activities from the many stimulating activities available to them on the open shelves. With this freedom of choice, children will become enthusiastic learners which in itself, will aid them to practice self-discipline. 

The environment is child-centered were progress is guided with the child leading the pace. Lessons are given on a 1:1 basis or in small groups. This enables the teacher to discover more about each individual child and their inner development. 

Children develop best in a caring environment where they are allowed to express themselves, learn from their experiences, and empowered integrate into their world continuously  

We nourish children - the environment we create is architected to meet the child's need for self-construction. The setting is responsive to the continually changing needs of the growing child. 

Expression is encouraged through the arts, crafts and drama. A positive experience in self-expression leading to a solid self-concept is the foundation for learning success. This is one of the essential keystones of the Montessori Education. 

At The Montessori Nursery School, we believe in providing an all-round, holistic learning environment helping the child to develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically.   

This is quite literally a 'living room' for children. We empower them to choose their activities from open shelves with self-correcting materials and work in specifically designated work zones. 

Practical life exercises enhance the development of task organisation and cognitive order through:

• Care of self
• Care of the environment 
• Exercises of grace and courtesy
• Refinement of movement and coordination

The Sensorial Materials enable the child to order, classify and describe sensory impressions in relation, length, width, temperature, mass, colour etc...

Montessori Mathematics Materials allows the child to internalise the concepts of number, symbol, sequence, operations and memorisation of basic facts. 

Language and Communication work includes:

• Oral language development
• Written expression 
• Reading
• Grammar 
• Creative Dramatics and Children's Literature 

Basic skills in reading and writing are developed through the use of 'sandpaper letters' (loose alphabet letters) and various presentations allowing children to link sounds and symbols effortlessly, and to express their thoughts in writing. 

We also present the child with inroads to many other subjects including:

• Life Science
• Natural History 
• Geography
• History 
• Music 
• Art