Our philosophy
At Kohimarama Montessori Preschool we believe that the child’s first six years have the most significance on who they become, shaping their personality and development far into their adult lives. During this time their minds are capable of effortlessly absorbing information, and so their environment should reflect this with as many quality learning opportunities as possible. This is supported by our holistic approach to learning: Our students are given opportunities to make choices; to experiment and explore, to become thinkers and ask questions within a stimulating and non-threatening environment that provides appropriate limits and boundaries for everyone’s safety and well-being.
“What the hand does, the mind remembers.”
-Montessori
Movement – and hand movement especially – is essential for a child’s learning, developing ‘muscle memory’ and fine motor skills which will be used throughout their lifetime. This part of the Montessori philosophy is reflected in our programme, which provides age-appropriate activities such as drawing, painting, cutting out papercrafts and sculpting with clay. Gardening and cleaning give further opportunities to hone coordination through meaningful activity, all while guided by teachers and older peers.
Helpful resources:
Montessori Parent Guide
Montessori Pre-Primary Classroom
Montessori for 3-6 year olds
Montessori Aotearoa
Why us?
The Montessori Method, together with the Te Whāriki Early Childhood curriculum from the New Zealand Ministry of Education, will provide every child with a strong foundation that promotes confidence, self-reliance and life skills in addition to academic achievement. Kohimarama Montessori Preschool lessons integrate sensorial learning, practical life skills and physical activity in addition to the traditional language, numeracy, culture, arts and sciences.
“In Te Whāriki children are positioned as confident and competent learners from birth. They learn by engaging in meaningful interactions with people, places and things – a process that continues throughout their lifetimes.
This curriculum acknowledges that all children have rights to protection and promotion of their health and wellbeing, to equitable access to learning opportunities, to recognition of their language, culture and identity and, increasingly, to agency in their own lives. These rights align closely with the concept of mana.” -Te Whāriki Early childhood curriculum (2017), Ministry of Education
Compared to the traditional classroom environment, Kohimarama Montessori Preschool offers smaller class sizes, a high teacher-to-student ratio with a minimum of one teacher per 7 students, and the chance for your child to work with older and younger peers. This last benefit provides increased social interaction and endless opportunities to learn from and teach one another.
Children are given a nurturing, colourful yet calm and structured environment where their focus and concentration can reach its full potential. The specifically designed hands-on materials invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice, cultivating motivation and self-discipline along with a love of learning.
Our experienced and qualified teaching staff are passionate about bringing out the potential in every child, working with the individual and in small groups both indoors and outside. As children transition from us and onto their next stage at primary school we are confident they are well prepared with the necessary skills for a seamless and positive start at school.
There is the flexibility to work around your schedule in terms of the number of days attended and the hours – an extended school day begins at 8 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Parents are also welcomed and encouraged to participate in school outings, social events and class activities as a helper, supporting their child and his or her friends while bonding over story reading, music and other interests.
Our Preschool Teachers
Experienced, animated and proud to be part of the Kohimarama Montessori programme
At Kohimarama Montessori Preschool, it is our privilege to share the most cherished and most impactful childhood years of our students, guiding them to become the best versions of themselves from the very start.
Katrina Straka
Owner
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Anne Quayle
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Heather Russell
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Karen Ogilvie
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in Kohimarama
Tiantian (Tina) Feng
Preschool Teacher
Kohimarama Montessori Childcare - Quality Childcare in KohimaramaAll our teachers are Montessori qualified, have a Bachelor/Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education and are fully registered. They plan activities to provide age-appropriate developmental challenges tailored to each child, combining individual interests with the urge to explore for optimal engagement and development.
Our programme continues to improve and evolve with every child that enters our care. We use reflective practice to examine our resources, environment, professional development and centre management to give a well-rounded learning programme in a warm and welcoming environment.
Family is an essential part of every child’s journey, and our teachers will work closely with you to extend your child’s interests while preparing them for success as they transition on to primary school.