CURRICLIUM
Montessori & EYFS
Montessori at Under the Willow
Montessori is a comprehensive educational approach from birth to adulthood based on the observations of children's needs in a variety of cultures.
Under the Willow is proudly accredited by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board UK. We are delighted to give parents reassurance of quality in the care and education of their children.
Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Ancona, Italy. She studied engineering and mathematics then went on to qualify as the first female doctor in her country’s history. In 1907 she opened her first school, in the area of San Lorenzo. She was so encouraged by her results that she began to share her discoveries with others by publishing books and lecturing. Thus, the Montessori Method of education was born.
The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative "materials for development" that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Montessori materials are unique, beautiful, mainly wooden and carefully crafted by experts. We aim to introduce the child to Practical Life skills using a wide range of materials especially designed to develop the child’s dexterity and muscle control. This prepares the child not only for writing at a later stage but answers his pleas for ‘help me to do it myself’, thus encouraging further independence and confidence.
We help the children with their gross and fine motor skills via the Montessori Sensorial apparatus. The children participate in group discussions and become able to express themselves using a wide vocabulary.
We introduce the children to numbers & letters indirectly through everyday activities. The letters of the alphabet are taught phonetically using a wide range of specially designed materials, as are numbers and early mathematics. Later, as the children begin to read and write, we combine our Montessori education with the National Curriculum for the Foundation stage, aiming for all children to have reached and usually far exceed the required levels in Literacy, Reading and Numeracy expected in their reception year.
To provide a range of multi-cultural activities to enhance the child’s perception of the world and all who live in it, we use real life pictures of people, places and costumes from around the world.
We provide the children with creative activities to enhance their awareness of various festivals celebrated throughout the year. Children are introduced to Geography through the use of globes, puzzle maps and an introduction to flags from around the world.
The foundation aims of the Montessori method of education and the fundamental aims of Under the Willow are to sow the seeds of interest that will fuel learning, giving children education for life. The welfare of the child is paramount. We want to provide a loving, safe and homely environment where the children can follow their ‘inner teacher’ and develop at their own pace at a time when their mind is at its most absorbent. Our carefully trained and caring teaching staff team will help to ensure that this can be facilitated.