Children gardening
Children planting seedlings
Oaks Montessori opened its doors last autumn and is now enjoying its second term following its ethos of exploration.
The school, situated in Gidleigh, has access to Dartmoor on the doorstep which proves to be a wonderful location for children to learn.
Oaks has an early elementary class for children aged 5 (reception year) to 6. A lower elementary class for ages 6 - 9 and an upper elementary for age 9 - 12. The class sizes are small and its teachers are committed to providing an excellent level of care and education based on the teaching philosophy of Maria Montessori. Alongside the Montessori curriculum it also provides weekly art, music, dance, sport and drama lessons.
Through her observations, Maria Montessori recognised that all children learn most effectively through doing. With this in mind she created specially designed equipment and resources to foster independence and facilitate that inbuilt desire in every child to learn and explore.
‘As we observe children, we see the vitality of their spirit, the maximum effort put forth in all they do, the intuition, attention and focus they bring to all life’s events, and the sheer joy they experience in living,’ said Maria Montessori.
Montessori schools offer a vibrant, broad and holistic curriculum where academic and non-academic subjects, as well as personal/social development, are equal and there is a balance between indoor and outdoor learning. Children learn at their own pace, from real objects and there is a strong emphasis on respect for each other, the planet and all things living on it.
Montessori classrooms offer a prepared environment where children are able to access everything themselves, a beautiful, harmonious environment based on nature and full of exciting and interesting learning experiences. This environment promotes freedom of choice and movement. There are quiet places to read, areas to learn and work with friends, a teacher or alone, places to create, to eat and relax both indoors and outdoors.
Each curriculum area has its own, specialised Montessori teaching materials, which are child-sized and functional. All subjects are learnt through discovery and exploration with concrete experiences which assists children to grow into capable people who have a strong sense of self and the ability to connect and collaborate with others and the planet.
For more information, or would like to arrange a visit, visit www.oaksmontessori.co.uk or email oaksmontessoridartmoor@gmail.com