Little Red Hen
Centre for Early Childhood Care and Education
8 Lower Shantalla Road Galway
Email: katielrh1@gmail.com
Toddlers
Junior Montessori
Senior Montessori
After School
The Value of Play
Sand Play
Water Play
Heuristic Play
Small World Play
Computers
Montessori
Free Play
Circle Time
Policies & Procedures
Behaviour Management
The
primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their
potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development
of social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination as well as
cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum, under the direction
of our qualified Montessori teacher, allows the child to experience the
joy of learning, and also to enjoy the process and ensure the development
of self-esteem, and provide the experiences from which children create
their knowledge.
In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment - room, materials, and social climate - must be supportive to the learner. The teacher provides necessary resources, including the opportunity for the children to function in a safe and positive climate. The Montessori class operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every program has its set of ground rules which are based on core Montessori beliefs - respect for each other and for the environment. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials may be introduced to an individual child or to a small or large group. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to balance individual mastery with small group collaboration. Modules included are:
- Geometry and Math
- Art
- Music
- Language
- Geography, Culture
- Nature and the environment
- Ourselves and others
Montessori children are usually adaptive. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem solvers who make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others, and good communication skills ease the may in new settings.