132 Springs Road, Hornby, Christchurch 8042
At Trillium Montessori School, we focus on key developmental stages, ensure learning is tailored and encourage independence.
Our curriculum believes in utilising key developmental seasons. As recognised by Dr Maria Montessori, children under the age of 3, absorb information without making a conscious effort i.e. by observing and repeating what they see. Children from 3-6 years old, move into a more conscious stage of development where information and learning is sought out in order to expand pre-existing knowledge. Dr Montessori emphasised a child’s ability to absorb large amounts of information.
At Trillium Montessori School, we support this ability with a rich learning environment alongside the dedicated care of our teachers.At Trillium Montessori School, we deliver a learning focused curriculum which is child-centred, following the interests of each ākonga/student. We support children as they learn at their own pace, whilst guiding their natural desire to learn. We use an approach that nurtures the development of the whole child – physical, social, cognitive and emotional which enables us to seamlessly incorporate our National Curriculum Te-Whāriki.
Our classroom is prepared in a way that maximises independent learning and exploration. They are given the freedom to explore their indoor and outdoor surroundings, as well as the activities they choose day-to-day. This method of education enhances their confidence and self-discipline as they become active agents to their learning.
At Trillium Montessori School we provide a warm and exciting environment where children can play and learn. The activities we offer encourage creativity whilst enhancing children’s skills in many areas. We celebrate multiculturalism and incorporate Te reo Māori into our daily teaching, creating an awareness of how differences can be a part of our natural world. We encourage children to be global citizens by teaching them about sustainability, the importance of charity and how to appreciate and learn from other cultures and values. Children are encouraged to explore through self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Children will be encouraged to work individually at their own pace and in groups as they begin to discover and explore the knowledge of the world, to reach their maximum potential and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Benefits of Montessori
The Montessori method of education recognizes that children learn in different ways and look at each child as an unique individual. Children are free to learn at their own pace and advance through the curriculum as they become ready where the teachers look to guide this learning through the Individual planning for each child. Children are encouraged to care for one’s self through practical life activities and help others in the classroom as they master these skills. Montessori classrooms also become a close caring community as children of different ages (e.g. 2 1/5 to 6) work together at difference levels in the classroom at the same time. Children have the opportunity to work independently, be participants or observe the learning without interrupting the work of another child – understanding the importance of respect at a very young age. Montessori students are encouraged to share their learning or tasks they have mastered with the younger children in the classroom which creates empathy, confidence and a harmonious caring environment. As children become willing helpers and readily share their knowledge, it helps them to revisit their recently mastered activities with confidence and internalise / advance in their learning.
The Montessori classroom encourages children to maintain respect, peace and harmony as they work together. Children are taught to complete their work cycles by putting their work back in the shelves where they learn respect for both materials and their peers. Children and Teachers in Montessori classrooms use quiet voices, slow movement – walking feet, to ensure that children become aware of their environment and experience peace within.
Learning and Teaching Methodology
Dr. Montessori’s Method of education has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world. It is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. Every material in a Montessori Classroom will support an aspect of child development creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the activities.
Focuses on Key Developmental Stages
The Montessori curriculum focuses on the key developmental stages of a child from birth to the age of six years. Dr Maria Montessori believed that during this time, children construct their individuality through 2 stages of development – the unconscious and conscious stage. Children under the age of 3, have the ability to absorb information without making a conscious effort i.e. through observation and repeating what they see – “impressions do not merely enter a child’s mind; they form it” Dr Maria Montessori. From 3 – 6 years of age, children move into the more conscious stage of development whilst continuing to absorb information more easily. They will also seek information consciously in order to expand their pre-existing knowledge through experience. At this stage, they will often want to choose activities for themselves and will try to complete these tasks independently.
Dr Maria Montessori talked about the absorbent mind of children and their ability to learn effortlessly by soaking in large amounts of information.
Learning is Child-Centered
Montessori children enjoy a curriculum that is thoughtfully designed to support individual learning. It allows children to explore and learn at their own pace and promotes the child’s natural desire to learn. It is an approach that values the development of the whole child – physical, social, cognitive and emotional.
Sense of order in the Montessori Classroom
All objects and activities in the Montessori classroom are presented in a way which maximizes independent learning and exploration. Children are taught to complete their work and place things back into their appropriate places whereby they learn to complete the entire work cycle, gaining confidence and independence. The ‘prepared Montessori environment’ encourages freedom and self-discipline as children explore their surroundings – “To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will enable him to develop freely” Dr Maria Montessori.
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