What makes an activity Montessori?

• children have the freedom to choose
• target one skill at a time with mastery
• use of natural materials
• is a complete work cycle
• are organised on individual trays and baskets with items needed to complete the activity
• are repeated by the children to gain mastery of an activity
• teachers prepare the environment with thought and consideration to encourage the children and to develop and refine their skills

 

The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies

There are a number of different reasons why children may be reluctant to interact. We have seen that this may be because they are shy, because they are anxious, or because they simply have not yet learned the language. What is clear is that we cannot ignore these children because they are difficult to talk to or because we achieve more satisfactory interactions talking to talkative children.

Julie Fisher

Interacting or Interfering – Improving Interactions in the Early Years

Montessori was aware of the importance of parent-child relationships. When writing about the unfolding of the sensitive periods in the child’s development, she highlighted the role parents and careers can play in supporting the child’s optimum maturation. For example, she advocated that babies and toddlers should participate in the everyday life of the family and engage in shopping expeditions, family meals and outings. She believed that very young children absorb all aspects of human existence, and that this absorption nurtures their development.

Barbara Isaacs

Understanding the Montessori Approach – Early Years Education in Practice

 

 

Forest School gives the children a wonderful opportunity to learn in a different way, exploring the world through its natural materials, seasons, weather, plants and animals, as well as learning to cook outdoors.

Forest School is specifically tailored to help children build upon their creative thinking, confidence, risk-taking and self-esteem.

Useful Resources

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The Wild Network
Is great inspiration for what can be done outdoors Sign up to their newsletter
→ Website

Holland Park
Holland Park runs courses that show your children all the Mini beasts living in London
→ Website

Reading to young children is an important way to help them to build language skills. It exposes them to new words and ways of using language. It also helps them learn general information about the world.

Books help children to build empathy and learn how to handle challenging feelings.

Reading together with your child gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect with each other. And the sensory experience of sitting with you and hearing your voice also engages the child’s brain in a way that makes learning easier.