At Montessori Children’s House the environment is calm, co-operative and of a mixed age. The atmosphere allows for collaboration, role modelling and learning of both social and moral behaviour.
Older children in the class can often be seen working with the younger ones, so mentoring comes as much from peers as it does from the adult teachers in the classroom.
Being outdoors is very important. Children develop gross motor skills as they climb, jump and swing and also social skills as they take turns on equipment. Maria Montessori believed strongly that children should be in touch with the substance of their world, encouraging work with gardening, digging, and building little houses etc.
Children are naturally interested in music and music is naturally good for children. Music exercises every area of their brain and develops memory, rhythm, listening skills, creativity, and it helps them to find their singing voice. Every Tuesday afternoon we offer a 1 hour music class that encompasses a wide range of songs, musical activities and instruments. Every month, Jo Hodgson, a professional and talented musician, joins this class and shares her musical knowledge with the children.
On Wednesday afternoons we offer a physical skills programme in order to develop the children’s motor skills, cross body movement, willingness to participate, and refine their perceptual judgements. Children who develop perceptual motor skills enjoy better co-ordination, body awareness, stronger intellectual skills and a more positive self-image.
Every Friday afternoon, we provide a drama class offering the children a variety of drama games and plays. Drama helps develop children’s imagination, language skills, co-operation and confidence.
At the end of every year all the children participate in a stage performance for their parents, and some of the parents enjoy putting on a show for the children.
In harmony with our Montessori programme we enjoy celebrating a number of different cultural events. We love having parents involved in these too. These include, but are not limited to, Chinese New Year, Diwali, St Patrick’s Day, Mothers and Father’s Day, Thanks Giving, Greek Easter, Christmas and our very own Wellington on a Plate.
Montessori Children’s House is a home away from home, a happy place full of friends where you can be yourself. It is a place full of interesting things to do, but also a place where you can take time out and just be quiet if you want to.
