0 – 3 Years
Introduction to the Montessori Theory
Maria Montessori was a remarkable doctor and pioneer in education who developed her theory during the 1890’s in Italy. Through her observations she discovered that the child’s own natural desire to learn was achieved by allowing them the excitement of learning by choice and by doing things themselves. She developed materials and lessons based on this concept.
The Montessori materials have a built-in control of error to enable the child to learn by correcting themselves rather than relying on adults to correct them. Most importantly the learning environment is calm, ordered and secure, enabling the child to feel happy, comfortable and content for optimal learning to take place.
This approach to education encourages the development of qualities including independence, self confidence, persistence and skills such as concentration and orderly work habits.
Montessori 0-3 Program
It has been well researched that the first six years of life are the most fundamental in the development of human beings and their potential. (Montessori Australia Foundation) This is when children learn instinctively from their environment using an unconscious process of absorption. (Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind) Language acquisition is a clear example of this.
The aim of the 0-3 program is to facilitate the child’s growing need for independence, order, movement and language and to increase the parents’ awareness of their child’s capabilities and needs.
The inside and outside learning environment reflects order, beauty and simplicity and is set up in a way that allows children to choose and use the materials with minimal adult assistance. Parents are shown the importance of allowing their child to complete and repeat tasks without interruption or interference, as well as many other Montessori principles and practical ideas that can be transferred to the home environment.
Session Overview
The sessions provide time for you and your child to have fun exploring and learning together without the distractions experienced at home. There are a wide range of age appropriate activities and work stations available, which have been carefully prepared for by a qualified early childhood Program Facilitator who will observe, guide and offer support where necessary.
The activities include:
Practical life activities – things that we do everyday in caring for ourselves and our home and the social graces and courtesies we extend in maintaining harmonious social relations. For example: sweeping, pouring, washing dishes, using ‘manners’ and sharing.
Sensorial activities – these assist in awakening the mind to the stimuli that are received through the senses and organising and labelling them. For example: smelling jars, weight cylinders, mystery bag.
Language – literacy learning begins before birth and talking and being read to are the first steps. Language enrichment activities include sound awareness exercises, a library corner, group sing-a-longs and story time.
Mathematics – early concrete mathematical concepts are introduced in the form of puzzles, blocks, the ‘Pink Tower’, sand and water play to name a few.
Cultural activities – include elements of the nature of the earth, its people, plants and animals. For example: working in the school’s vegetable garden, developing fine and gross motor skills such as learning to sit up and hold a pencil, art and craft activities, music and dance,
Session Times
9.30am – 11.30am
Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
Fees
$100 per child per term
50% discount for second sibling aged 1-3
No fees for second sibling under 1 year old
Address
0 – 3 Room
Middle Primary Building
Contacts
Program Facilitators- Nicki Holzer and Danielle Walker
Margaret River Montessori School Office 9757 2564 or 9758 7187
Download enrolment form here
