Introduction
Dear Parents
Please see Nursery notice boards for
Parents' Evenings on 23rd March and 22nd April, thank you.
The Montessori method provides a carefully planned and structured environment in which a child can grow and learn at his or her own pace, achieving their maximum potential whilst developing independence, self discipline and self esteem. The Montessori apparatus is designed to encourage intrinsic motivation, with each apparatus or exercise having a specific purpose. Children are initially introduced to Practical Life exercises which encourage and improve concentration, co-ordination and develop manual dexterity. The Sensorial apparatus assists logical thinking and provides experience of seriation or matching, developing and reefing all five senses equally, providing early preparation for subjects such as Problem Solving, Reasoning & Numeracy, reading and writing.
Through their indirect aims and transferable skills, the practical life and sensorial exercises prepare the child for listening, speaking, writing and reading, ie; the development of language skills. Children are introduced to the phonetic alphabet by sight, sound and muscular impression using the Sandpaper Letters and use the Insets for Design, geometric shapes and frames to develop their pencil skills.
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy is introduced through a physical impression of quantity, developing counting skills and an awareness of number sequence. The written symbols are then presented via the Sandpaper Numerals and the relationship between the two established, thereby developing one to one correspondence.
To broaden the children's knowledge and understanding of the world around them, we endeavour to explore as many subjects and areas as possible, either through the celebration of festivals both from home and abroad, or through our termly topic work; homes, planets, weather, transport, occupations etc.
Children attending on Thursdays and Fridays are introduced to early French conversation.
Art and music develops creativity and explores sound, colour, texture, shape, form and space in two and three dimensions., Children also respond to what they see, hear, smell, touch and taste, thereby refining their senses.
Physical development focuses on mobility, manipulative skills and awareness of space and physical control.
Personal and Social development is extremely important in encouraging children to work, play and co-operate with one another, developing self respect and self esteem and an understanding of others.