A child's early years - from birth to six - are probably the period when he or she has the greatest capacity to learn and the greatest appetite for knowledge. It is what we, as adults, do during these critical years that lays the foundations for all their future learning, for their sense of themselves, their confidence, self esteem, respect and interest in the people and world around them – truly education for life.

At Greenfields, from Parents & Toddlers through to Preschool and Reception classes, Montessori methods and materials are used.

What is Montessori?

Montessori is an approach to early education that focuses on the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace. It takes its name from Dr. Maria Montessori who developed specialised equipment and ways of presenting data which allow children to increase their sense of self worth, become independent, and equip them with basic social and educational skills.

What makes the Montessori approach different, and what makes it work so well, is that it is based on a deep understanding of the way children learn – through choosing, trying and doing themselves. When allied to the availability of specially developed materials in a prepared environment, and the close observation and guidance of a Montessori-trained teacher, this leads to an enormously powerful, confidence-building approach to learning.

By understanding how children learn, and providing them with tools and opportunities tailored to the way they experience the world around them, the Montessori approach allows children to learn through understanding, rather than through being told. From understanding comes confidence and a joy of learning.

At the same time there is a strongly physical dimension to many Montessori activities, encouraging dexterity, balance and appreciation of shapes, colours and sizes. In its approach to language and mathematics in particular Montessori begins with concrete examples to illuminate abstract concepts - gradually building to a deep and permanent understanding of what most adults take for granted.

Parent & Toddlers (up to 2 years)

In this Greenfields service, with a parent's assistance, children become aware of their environment, learn to take part in activities and interact with other children. Each skill learned boosts self-confidence, increases respect for self and others and produces a greater understanding of the world around them.

Preschool (2-4 years) & Reception Class (4 - 5 years)

Greenfields addresses a range of learning and experience that is far broader than any state-prescribed curriculum. At these ages we focus on six core areas of learning:

• practical life, ranging from learning how to do up buttons to how to pass scissors or lay the table for a meal
• sensorial experience
• language, teaching the pre-reading and pre-writing skills needed as a foundation for literacy
• mathematical ability, including a full range of mathematical concepts and learning the associated vocabulary
• cultural knowledge, including learning about animals, plants and places around the world
• creative activities

Carefully structured activities in these areas, often using specially developed Montessori equipment, make it easier for the child, providing them with a broad platform of skills and knowledge that will support all their future learning.