Montessori

The Montessori method of education was started by Dr. Maria Montessori 100 years ago. Montessori was an innovative educationalist who believed that every child was an individual. The success of her methods continues to influence both policy and practice in early childhood education.

Montessori at Grasshoppers

At Grasshoppers, we take care to observe each child's needs and interests and create an environment that provides for those needs. We help each child to find activities which absorb and interest them, which in turn helps the child to develop concentration and a love of learning. We encourage children to develop the skills necessary to do things for themselves - setting tables, putting on their coat, pouring drinks and having snack.

All our activities are carefully arranged on shelves so that children can find what they want and help themselves to the materials. The activities are grouped into subject areas:

Practical Life

Activities which help children to develop their motor skills and independence such as pouring, threading, spooning, using chopsticks, sewing, using zips, polishing etc.

Sensorial

Activities which help children to explore their senses and develop an understanding of shape, size, pattern etc.

Mathematics

We have a wide range of activities from early number rhymes and number games, to materials which help children to learn about fractions, the decimal system etc.

Literacy

Children develop a love for literacy by using the wide range of materials we have available. These include books, sandpaper letters, movable alphabets and many different language games.

Creativity

Activities which help children to develop their creativity, such as pens, pencils, scissors, collage materials, clay, play dough, musical instruments, scarves, blocks etc.

Cultural

Children are fascinated by the world around them and we encourage this fascination by helping them to make sense of their world. We are able to support children's interests with activities to do with animals, plants, magnets, space, the world etc.

Montessori accreditation

We strive to provide an excellent quality Montessori nursery. In addition to our regular inspection with Ofsted, we have invited the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board to inspect our nursery. We hope to gain recognition of the quality of our nursery, by becoming an accredited Montessori setting.

Montessori in 2010

Montessori education may be 100 years old, however Montessori principles, are just as appropriate today as they were 100 years ago. All settings are required to comply with the government guidance, the Early Years Foundation Stage, (EYFS). The EYFS aims to ensure that:

• children learn through play
• providers work closely with parents
• your child's learning at home is taken into account
• you are kept up-to-date on your child's progress
• all children's welfare, learning and all-round development are catered for

The fundamental principle of the EYFS is that all planning and teaching should be based around the child's current interests, needs and developmental stage. This is a principle which is also at the heart of Montessori education.

The Montessori Schools Association in association with government has produced a booklet entitled, Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage in Montessori Settings. The guide explains how the Montessori approach meets the requirements of the EYFS.

Find out more

To find out more about Montessori education you could visit the Montessori St Nicholas website. You could also get a copy of the Discovering Montessori DVD, produced by Tana Ramsey. Click the images below for more information:

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