Learning through discovery
The early years are a time of rich discovery. Children learn through direct experience, purposeful movement and repetition, building foundations for independence, concentration and connection with others.
In our early learning environment, children have the freedom to make their own choices and follow their interests. Each child progresses at their own pace, observed and supported by their trained Montessori guides who intentionally introduce new concepts when children are ready.
The 3 to 6 year old child
The Absorbent Mind
In the early years, children absorb language, order and ways of being from the world around them.nnA rich, thoughtfully prepared environment supports this natural capacity, responding to their sensitive periods and helping them develop independence, concentration and confidence in everyday life.
Movement
Children learn by doing. Through real, hands-on activity and purposeful movement, they refine coordination, develop concentration and build confidence as they make discoveries for themselves.nnPractical life and sensorial experiences help them gain independence and take an active role in caring for themselves and their environment.
Relationships
A mixed-age community gives children opportunities to build relationships and learn with and from one another. Younger children learn through observation, while older children become role models.nnThey practise care, cooperation and respect for themselves, others and their environment.
Curriculum areas
The uninterrupted work cycle
The Montessori early learning environment provides a rich interconnected foundation for every aspect of a child's development, including social, emotional, intellectual, language and physical. Children have the freedom and time to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
Children build healthy habits through movement, food preparation, self-care and caring for their environment. Practical Life activities help children develop independence, coordination, wellbeing and confidence through meaningful everyday tasks for themselves.
Children learn through their senses. Specially designed Montessori materials support children to refine observation, comparing colours, sounds, textures, shapes, sizes, weights and dimensions. These experiences lay important foundations for future learning.
Language is woven throughout conversation, storytelling, songs and carefully sequenced Montessori materials, children naturally develop speaking, listening, writing and reading skills while building confidence in expressing their ideas.
Mathematics begins with hands-on exploration. At Meraki Montessori, children are given a unique experience through specialised materials to understand early concepts such as quantity, patterns and number relationships through concrete experiences before progressing to abstract thinking, creating a deep and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts.
Through art, music, stories and conversation, children not only build confidence in speaking and listening, but they also begin to understand people of the world and reflect their own individuality and imagination.
Transition to primary school
Montessori early childhood environments prepare children exceptionally well for their next stage of learning in primary school.
After their time in a Montessori early learning environment, children are ready to step into school with confidence. They leave knowing how to learn, having developed self-management, sustained concentration and strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, alongside the curiosity to explore the world, collaborate with others, and approach new challenges with resilience.
Children who continue into the primary school at Meraki will join their siblings within our mixed age environment. Whether your child continues with us or transitions elsewhere, a Montessori early education gives them the best possible foundation for a lifetime of learning.
We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving Te Reo Maori and tikanga into our daily life, and helping children develop a deep sense of belonging to this place in Aotearoa.