Early Learning
EARLY LEARNING
Embodying the Montessori philosophy, our Early Learning programs, Baby Steps and Toddlers, provide the ideal preparation for inquiring young minds and offer a unique opportunity for parents and children to learn together in a Montessori environment, guided and supported by a trained coordinator.
“Montessori is an education for independence; preparing not just for school, but for life.” – Dr Montessori
The first three years of life are the most fundamental in the development of human beings. Dr Maria Montessori realised that it is during this period that children’s brains develop more rapidly than at any other time, and more learning takes place than at any other stage of development.
Recognising the importance of these formative years, we provide calm, nurturing and respectful environments designed specifically for children from eight months of age to 3 years that support the development of trust, autonomy, physical coordination and language acquisition.
Additionally, our Baby Steps and Toddlers programs provide support and guidance for families from a trained and experienced Montessori facilitator. These programs are an ideal first step into Montessori education and aim to support the child’s functional independence: the ability to do things for themselves.
Baby Steps
A class for parents/caregivers to learn with their child and gain an understanding of how a Montessori environment for children best supports their holistic learning needs. The class focuses on how to observe the child and how to offer appropriate activities. Baby Steps is designed for children from 8 to 24 months of age.
Our Baby Steps Program Offers You and Your Child
- A safe, nurturing, respectful and enriching environment designed to meet the developmental needs of your child
- A trained and experienced Montessori facilitator who will guide you to best support the changing needs of your child
- Opportunities for your child to explore and discover with specialised Montessori activities designed to support optimum development
- Opportunities for you to increase your understanding of Montessori education and learn how the philosophy can be incorporated into your child’s home life.
A Morning in Baby Steps
The morning begins at 10.30am when our Baby Steps Co-ordinator, welcomes children and their families to explore the classroom to see what activities are set up for the day. Each child chooses which piece of equipment they would like to use and sits with their parent / carer to complete their activity. Our Coordinator is on hand to offer suggestions to support each child’s development such as protecting concentration by not interrupting a child who is deep in thought.
Throughout the morning, children continue to select activities they would like to engage with. This may be a craft activity, some gross motor climbing, exploring the items on the investigation table or developing their fine motor skills through selected Montessori materials.
The opportunity to share a book or explore the resources in the room without the rush and usual distractions of daily life is a valuable time for both child and parent.
Children choose to eat their morning tea at any time during the morning. They develop their independence by accessing the tools they require to manage their own needs, such as a cup, plate and spoon. After they have eaten, the Co-ordinator and the child’s parent support them to tidy the snack table ready for the next person to use. The child washes their dishes and uses a small dustpan to sweep up any crumbs.
At 11.45am the bell rings and it is time for a short closing circle, giving children a signal that it will soon be time to go home. During the closing circle we sing some songs and rhymes and end with a familiar goodbye song that signifies the end of the session.
At 12pm a handshake and smile says goodbye and we look forward to seeing you again next week.
Baby Steps Session Times:
Wednesday 10.30am – 12.00pm
Toddlers
A class for parents/caregivers to learn with their child and gain an understanding of how a Montessori environment for children best supports their holistic learning needs. The class focuses on developing movement, language, and independence within a social context. Toddlers is designed for children from 24 to 36 months of age.
Our Toddlers Program Builds on the Foundation Provided by Baby Steps and Offers You and Your Child
- A nurturing, respectful, enriching and joyful environment designed to meet the developmental needs of your child
- A trained and experienced Montessori facilitator who will guide you to best support the evolving needs of your child
- Opportunities for your child to explore and discover with specialised Montessori activities designed to refine the senses, promote language development and heighten spatial awareness
- Opportunities for your child to work without interruption, increasing their ability to concentrate, building self-confidence and supporting the development of independence
- Opportunities for you to increase your understanding of Montessori education and learn how the philosophy can be incorporated into your child’s home life.
A Morning in Toddlers
The morning begins at 9:15am when families arrive. Children place their bags and snack containers on the shelf and hang up their hats and coats. The Toddler Coordinator greets families and invites everyone to a morning circle time. This is an opportunity to say hello to all our friends, sing songs, share presentations of new concepts or activities and develop group social skills.
Before and after morning circle time, children are encouraged to choose materials and activities they are interested in and are supported in their learning by their parents/carers. The children are active explorers of their environment which includes inside the classroom, under the outdoor veranda area and in the preschool garden.
The environment is carefully prepared to enhance the development of children’s speech and language, gross and fine motor skills, as well as self-help and independent life skills. Captivating experiences engage our young children, helping them to build the ability to concentrate and learn through sensorial exploration. The Coordinator is always on hand to support and advise parents on aspects of the Montessori approach and suggest ideas that can be incorporated at home.
Children enjoy eating their snack after morning circle. Parents/carers support them to develop independent skills such as food preparation, washing/drying their plate and glass, sweeping or wiping up spills and following a sequence of steps to successfully complete their snack time.
At 11am, the bell rings to indicate it is time for the children to pack away their activities and come together for a short closing circle. This coming together offers an early introduction to a structured, teacher led experience of reading a storybook and sharing an action song or rhyme before saying goodbye. We always finish with a familiar goodbye song to signify to the children that it is time to go home.
The morning ends at 11:15am as children gather their belongings and say goodbye to each other.
Toddlers Session Times:
Tuesday 9.15am to 11.15am
Friday 9.15am to 11.15am
If you interested in a Montessori education for your child, we encourage you to book a tour.
