Discover our daily routine and learning environment
Confidence and independence are at the heart of the Montessori curriculum
On arrival children take off coats and shoes, put their belongings away, wash hands, put slippers on in preparation for the start of the session. The morning begins with circle time. This is an opportunity to introduce topics and themes and to engage in discussion.
Circle time is a very important aspect of the routine. At the start of the day children are at their best for learning and engage in an adult led activity where they are focused and eager to learn. It is also an opportunity to greet one another and make connections with friends.
Forest School and outdoor play feature highly in the daily routine and children spend time outdoors in all weathers. Our extensive outdoor area allows children to run, climb and explore nature at its best. Bikes, scooters and other ride on toys encourage physical activity.
Mid morning snack is prepared usually with help from the children and is an opportunity to develop fine motor skills by chopping, spreading, juicing and slicing. It also encourages children to try a variety of new foods.
The classroom is set out so that the children can self select activities working with what interests them. Children use open ended resources to encourage them to use their imagination, come up with their own ideas and problem solve.
Resources are kept to a minimum to encourage sharing and cooperative play. Our outdoor play area offers children a variety of activities – sand, water, construction and mud kitchen.
Nature's classroom - learning through outdoor exploration
The EYFS states children should be given the opportunity to "observe, talk about and ask questions about aspects of their natural world such as plants, animals, natural and found objects" - where better to do this than in our Forest Area. It is exciting to see children being curious and exploring the natural environment.
Children enjoy playing outdoors whatever the weather. They are able to explore, stimulate the senses, use imagination, improve fitness, develop muscle strength and co-ordination as well as benefiting from the fresh air.
There are endless opportunities for learning across all 7 areas of the EYFS:
Children are generally less inhibited outdoors. They appear more absorbed, motivated and willing to have a go, as well as talk and share ideas.
Movement is one of the key vehicles for learning alongside play, talk and sensory experiences. Giving children space to run, jump, climb, dig and crawl not only strengthens bones and muscles but builds confidence and a sense of independence.
Stimulating experiences naturally provided outdoors motivate children to talk therefore developing their confidence in speaking and listening skills.
Children love to collect twigs and branches which can be used for mark making and writing letters. Scavenger hunts can promote letter and word recognition.
Counting conkers, comparing lengths, observing shapes or stepping out distance are all fun activities.
Outdoors is nature's classroom, there is an infinite list of what children can learn – the weather, the seasons, growth, habitats, life cycles, light and dark to name but a few.
A glimpse into daily life at Right Start Montessori
