The young child is curious about everything and needs to explore and discover. The Montessori 2 1/2 – 6 learning environment is designed to encourage each child to move, touch, and explore. The child has freedom to work independently, based on their own initiatives with gentle and respectful guidance from their teacher. The young child has the freedom to choose their own activities using their own initiative and following their individual needs.

The Montessori Early Childhood Centre consists of children of mixed ages. The children learn from each other and because of each other, with older children being role models for younger children. Each child learns to cooperate with children of different ages, to respect and celebrate each other’s efforts and to take care of themselves, others and their environment. The classroom becomes a thriving community where children are treated with respect and dignity and where they learn to treat others with respect and dignity.

Our preschool programme aims to nurture a lifelong love of learning, and offers a solid foundation for life. Our children work at their own pace, in a safe and caring environment where respect and kindness are fundamental principles of our days.

Children explore meaningful activities in key learning areas – practical life, sensorial, language, music, mathematics, science and cultural topics. Children love using the beautiful and hands on Montessori materials to explore interesting and important concepts. Our classroom spaces are inviting, peaceful places we have carefully prepared to inspire our children and support their natural development.

Our daily routines

8.30am – Tamariki arrive

10.00am – Morning tea

10.30am – 12.00pm – Tamariki have the choice of going to the outside classroom or work in the classroom

11.55am – Tidy up time

12.00pm – Mat time

12.30pm – Tamariki staying all day will wash their hands and have their lunch

1.00pm – Tamariki resume exploring both inside and out

2.45pm  -Tidy up time

2.50pm – End of day mat time

3.30pm – Day ends

Keen to learn more about the Montessori philosophy?

Check out Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand

Check out the Parent Guide for ages 3 – 6 from Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand