Our philosophy
We believe the basis of a child’s personality is laid before six years, so it is these earlier years which are the most important during their developmental life. The child under six is gifted with a mind capable of absorbing and learning without effort, therefore should be exposed to as many quality learning opportunities as possible during this time.
This is supported through our holistic approach to learning where children are given opportunities to make choices, to experiment and explore, to become thinkers and ask questions within a stimulating non-threatening environment; an environment with appropriate limits and boundaries, that delivers a high level of safety procedures for the well being of the children in our care.
A child’s most important instrument of learning is movement, especially that of the hands. At all times, and particularly in the classroom, a child must be given the opportunity for meaningful activity. This is reflected in our programme, our resources, and our environment.
Helpful resources:
Montessori Parent Guide
Montessori Pre-Primary Classroom
Montessori for 3-6 year olds
Montessori Aotearoa
Why us?
We offer the children opportunities to work in a calm, structured environment where their focus and concentration can be extended. In our nurturing, small centre our high level of qualified teaching staff offer many rich and varied learning opportunities to children individually and in small groups both indoors and outdoors. They are passionate about what they do and this is evident in the care they provide.
The Montessori environment contains specifically designed, hands on materials that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a Montessori teacher, children learn by making discoveries, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. The Montessori curriculum includes practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, botany, geography, art, music, drama, environmental studies and physical activity.
All children have individual learning goals identified and the teaching team work together with families to achieve these goals and challenge the child to explore, discover and flourish in their time with us. As children transition from us and onto their next stage at primary school we are confident they are well prepared with the necessary skills for a seamless and positive start at school.
Our Preschool Teachers
Experienced, Passionate and Proud to be part of the Kohi Montessori programme
We believe in continuous improvement and therefore follow a process of self review which considers all areas of our learning programme; our resources, environment, professional development, and centre management. The passionate teacher’s at Kohimarama Montessori Pre School strongly believe in reflective practice to inform their teaching practices in order to meet each child’s individual developmental needs. All teachers are Montessori qualified and have Bachelor / Diplomas of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. The teachers plan activities to provide appropriate challenges and to provide on-going learning and development; providing a solid base for transition to primary school. Teachers work closely with children and families following and extending children’s interests.
One of the key strengths of our pre school is the involvement and support from parents in the life of the centre. Parents are actively encouraged to participate in parent/child evenings, education evenings, school outings and social activities. They are welcome to assist during session as parent helpers and can be involved in activities such as story reading, music and topics of interest.
Katrina Straka
Owner
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Alison Kemp
Head Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Anne Quayle
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Mahesha Mudannayake
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Maria Domingo
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Heather Russell
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama