Montessori Method If you would like to take something away to read or show others, here is a pdf descibing the Montessori Method - a proven method.

Our motto, 'help me to do it myself', reflects our understanding that children love to do things for themselves, such as planting bulbs and herbs, cooking, shoe polishing, and washing dolls' clothes. Our program is different from other programs in pre-schools in a number of ways. We teach to individuals, not to the group. No other method can fulfil the requirements of the non-discriminatory approach in early childhood more satisfyingly than the Montessori Method.

All learning first comes to us through the senses. By isolating something that is being taught, the child can more easily focus on it. Exact phrasing of terms is important. An oval is not an "egg shape." A sphere is not a "ball". The Montessori method places great emphasis on using the correct terminology for what we see.		Children learn their basic letter sounds through the use of sandpaper letters, where the letters are cut from sandpaper and glued to a wooden board. As the child traces the letter, they get a real image for how the letter feels. They can also feel if a mistake was made because of the different feel of the sandpaper from the board.		This area is designed to help students develop a care for themselves, the environment, and each other. They also learn how to dress themselves, tie their shoes, wash their hands, and other various self-care needs. They learn these through a wide variety of materials and activities.

Children learn by working with apparatus that provide an environment that assists learning with all their senses to master a task, rather than through simply listening and remembering. Children do activities that encourage practical life skills, awareness of our environment and community.

Enrolment details If you would like further details about your child attending Armidale Montessori, please visit our enrolment page.

The method helps children to move beyond the basis of physical, cognitive, emotional and social development; its practical life curriculum encourages children to grow in confidence and competence which ends up producing the self-esteem necessary to prepare them for future intellectual work.

The Montessori method creates an atmosphere of cheerfulness, orderliness, calm and purposeful work which is conducive to building discipline in children.

Help me to do it myself

Activities such as planting bulbs and herbs, cooking, shoe polishing, washing dolls' clothes, polishing spoons, bells and mirrors are just a few of the popular activites that encourage practical life skills, awareness of our environment and community.

What makes Montessori so special?

• The prepared, well-organised environment which allows freedom for the children to learn at their own pace.
• A continuous program catering for the most important years of a child's development.
• An educational system which caters for all children aged 3 to 6 years
• A parent-run, community-based, non-profit institution with affordable fees

The advantages of Armidale Montessori?

• Qualified and friendly staff
• A central location in a quiet street
• An educational system which caters for every child
• Two spacious playgrounds with all equipment built in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
• Two large, sunny classrooms with a full range of Montessori equipment
• The choice of morning or afternoon sessions and full days
• The opportunity to participate in music, storytelling, pottery and Japanese sessions

What is the school's aim?

To encourage socialisation, independence, self-discipline, concentration, orderliness, creative self-expression, co-ordination, initiative, persistence, love of learning, communication and an appreciation of other languages and cultures.