What is a Child and Childhood?
A child is defined as an individual who is under the age of 18; however, the perception of childhood incorporates more than just the physical age. We believe that children are curious, creative and critical thinkers who are active learners.
In our setting, our views on childhood align with Montessori, as we believe it is a vital developmental stage of life where children learn best through independence, curiosity, and hands-on experience.
Montessori's view
It is recognised that children experience a sensitive period through age 0 to 6. Throughout this period of their childhood the sensitive period enables them to be driven and eager to learn new skills.
During this period, learning is natural and easy.
This development is aided through exploration and independence.
However, this period does not last forever, once they develop those skills, they move onto something new.
With these developments in mind, our service provides and facilitates materials, learning and experience to meet these milestones.
At Niamh's Nature Nursery, we integrate Montessori's views on childhood and foster these views at our setting.
We believe that childhood is the most important stage of life, therefore we recognise that children's development is innate, rather than forced
To support children's development, we provide a nurturing environment that provides them with the best start in life, enabling them to thrive and succeed.
Principles and Philosophies
Freedom
Control of error
Work cycle
The ability for the child to make choices and be independent in a well-structured environment.
Applied in practice by:
- Free play
- Ability to choose what activity they do and the duration.
We teach that the freedom is within limit, boundaries are set; such as:
-Taking in turns
- Using materials properly
- Respecting others
Our Montessori materials and activities are designed for children to notice their mistakes and correct them without the help of an adult. For example:
Applied in practice by providing materials to explore, such as:
-Puzzles, do they fit properly?
-Beads, do they add up correctly?
- Blocks, are they in size order?
The work cycle is a uninterrupted period of time where children are allowed to:
-Pick an area/activity
-Repeat tasks
- Enter a state of deep concentration
Montessori believed that children learn best when they have time to concentrate without being rushed or uninterrupted.
Role of the adult
Practitioners are a guide to support children's natural development.
The practitioners apply this to practice by:
- Observing
-Give demonstrations no lecture
-Model
-Prepare the environment
Montessori believed that an adult should do all these tasks, then take a step behind.
Prepared environment
Our environment is designed to specifically for a particular stage of a child's development. These are done through environmental features such as:
- Child sized furniture
-Calm and neutral environment
- Real materials/ self-correcting materials
- All areas of interests/ development
Montessori believed the environment should be the second teacher.