Our Philosophy
At Montessori Learning Tree, we integrate a blend of Montessori education, rich and interactive indigenous education, interest-based learning and the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our program and daily routines are tailored to each child’s learning and developmental needs.
Everything we do at our centres ties in to the six pillars of our core philosophy: Montessori, Play, Independence, Inclusivity, Community and Respect.
Montessori Education
Montessori education is inspired by the concepts and theories of Doctor Maria Montessori. She believed that when children learn within a naturally supporting environment, they are inclined to acquire the skills needed for life. The objective of Montessori education is not to fill a child with facts, but to cultivate their own natural desire to learn.
These are some of our favourite principles of Montessori education:
Practical Life
Our daily routine offers so many practical life skills - and the children love it! There’s a satisfaction we see on their faces when they pull on their own shoe, help with tidying up, or help a friend. It’s a brilliant way to develop their self-confidence and ability to face new challenges. Practical life skills include handling fragile things - like a porcelain plate, or animals - with care, taking care of their belongings, packing away, looking after plants, food preparation, and cleaning.
Sensory classroom
We carefully set up our learning spaces to encourage each child’s learning, interests and enjoyment. The discoveries they make for themselves using our carefully prepared activities build wonder and a love of learning.
In a Montessori classroom there are also mixed ages. Younger children learn from observing older children, and older children consolidate their learning by helping the younger ones.
Mathematics
Our hands absorb information in a concrete way. It’s one thing to hear or watch something, but we learn on a deeper level when we integrate it with our hands. Our tactile mathematical resources allow children to see and hold values in their hands. This introduces the concepts of number recognition, addition, subtraction, patterns and sequences.
Language
Using classic Montessori resources, we introduce children to phonetic and blended sounds. We encourage them to use their voices, express themselves, think critically and ask questions. As children transition to school readiness, they're encouraged to compose their own written work, as well as communicate verbally to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings.
Culture
At Montessori Learning Tree, we involve children in diverse cultural activities and experiences. The diversity within our centre and our community provides a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about different cultural groups and customs. Through daily celebrations such as cooking, music and art, children develop an awareness and appreciation of the world around them.
The Early Years
Learning Framework (EYLF)
Our educators also use the Early Years Learning Framework to develop each child’s interest in different fields, and to help construct their personalities and identities. Here are five major outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework:
1. DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF IDENTITY:
Montessori Learning Tree allows your child to develop their unique personality through the EYLF. With the freedom to achieve their goals, children find a way to build a strong sense of identity.
2. CONNECT AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD:
Our educators help children to acknowledge their connection to their environment and the world around them. We also help them to find ways to contribute to their world.
3. DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF WELLBEING:
The Early Years Learning Framework shapes a child’s understanding of wellbeing. From the early years of education, your child will understand their sense of wellbeing and welfare.
4. BECOME CONFIDENT AND INVOLVED LEARNERS:
Montessori Learning Tree provides different resources and natural environments, in order to foster confidence and involvement in a child’s surroundings.
5. CHILDREN ARE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS:
Children are encouraged to foster their voice in all day to day activities, promoting effective communication, forming opinions and critical thinking.
ACECQA has rated Montessori Learning Tree as EXCEEDING the National Quality Standards. This rating is a wonderful recognition of the dedication and care we have for the children and our centre.