while working with the button frame
Montessori Category: Practical Life
Each of the Dressing Frames isolates a particular dressing skill. The stages of the process needed for undoing and then refastening the frame are shown clearly and simply to the child. Each frame provides the opportunity to practise the skill several times and as different frames are provided for each dressing skill, each child can gradually progress from the simpler skills such as buttons and poppers, to more advanced skills such as lacing, plaiting, and tying bows. Once the child has mastered the skill, he/she is encouraged to use this skill in everyday practice.
The purpose of this activity is to:
* increase self-esteem and self-confidence through independence
* develop hand-eye coordination
* develop problem solving skills and perseverance
* develop control of movement and concentration
* acquire practical dressing skills that can be applied in a wider context
Approximate age: from 2 for the simpler frames up to 6 for the more advanced frames.
From our Principal
I discovered the Montessori Method while working in London;
the more I found out about it the more amazed I was,
and the more I wondered why all settings didn't use the same principles.
I trained as a Montessori teacher in 1989 at the
Maria Montessori Training Organization, which is the only Association Montessori Internationale,
(AMI)
training college in the UK.
A course that truly was - an education for life.
sequencing with the number rods
Montessori Category: Mathematics (Group 1)
This is the first activity in maths group 1. The children initially sequence the rods according to length, in the same way they have done previously for the red rods. This gives a clear visual impression that numbers get larger. The children are encouraged to use one to one counting as they count the divisions on each rod, placing their hand on one division and saying the number before moving their hand to the next division. Once familiar with one to one counting, the numeral cards are introduced to the activity.
The purpose of this activity is to:
* give a concrete experience of number from a familiar concept (the red rods)
* show that each number is an entity, but made up of parts
* encourage steady one to one counting
* combine numbers and the numerals from one to ten
Approximate age: 3 ½ years for the initial introduction, but only when confident with the red rods.
When my own children
came along a few years later I naturally looked for a Montessori setting
for them to attend. As there was nothing available in the Derby area
I looked at other alternatives but soon came to the conclusion that if
I wanted my children to experience anything close to a Montessori approach
I would have to set it up myself.
I opened a small Montessori class
(Littleover Montessori School)
in 1995 with a handful of children. The intervening fifteen years
have seen a steady growth to the school, which had to relocate in 2002
to accommodate more children, at which point we also changed
the name to Derby Montessori School.
hands on style
We now run a successful
Toddler Community (day nursery) and
Children's House (kindergarten) which can accomodate children from 18 months to 5 years
old from 8.30am till 6.00pm, 48 weeks of the year.
Our first Cosmic Education (primary) class began in September 2009 with a mixed intake of five and six year olds (school years 1 & 2). In the long term the programme will cater for children up to 11 years old.
We pride ourselves on running a top quality nurturing setting which is
well respected in the local community as well as by OfSTED (
Reports for Derby Montessori School)
and the Montessori Community (
ME UK).
Mrs Kittie Methuen-Jones
is the principal of the school.
She has over 20 years experience in childcare and education in a variety of settings.
She holds an international (AMI) Montessori Diploma for the 3-6 age range and a (NAMC)
Montessori Teaching Diploma for the 6-9 age range. She also holds a BA(Hons) degree in
Childhood and Youth Studies and a Certificate in Early Years Practice (level 4).
Mrs Methuen-Jones regularly attends training courses to extend her knowledge and
understanding of good practice and is the Safe Guarding Children Co-ordinator. Mrs Methuen-Jones
is the Montessori Mentor and trainer for the setting.
Mrs Alice Higgins
is the deputy manager.
She holds a Montessori Diploma and a NNEB certificate in childcare,
and has a wealth of experience with children of all ages.
Mrs Higgins joined the school in 1998.
In her spare time she enjoys watching Derby County, playing badminton and looking after the family allotment.
Miss Natalie Newsholme
is lead directress of the Cosmic Education Class. She recently moved back to the UK
after living in Austria where she has worked for the past two years in a Montessori school.
Miss Newsholme is due to complete her Montessori Diploma (6-12) in 2012. She studied for her
BA Hons degree and her PGCE at Newcastle University.
Mrs Julia Cudbard
holds an international (AMI) Montessori Diploma, and has been working with children of different ages for many years. She primarily works in the Children's House and is also our Special Needs Co-ordinator. Mrs Cudbard joined our school in 1998 and holds a first aid certificate.
Mrs Cudbard is a keen gardener who also enjoys rock climbing, hill walking, ice skating and boating.
Miss Lynne Watson
is Head of the Toddler Community. She holds a NVQ3 in Childcare and has several years experience
working with children of a variety of different ages. Miss Watson joined us in 2005 and has
thoroughly embraced the Montessori Approach, completing her Montessori Assistants Certificate in 2008.
She also holds a first aid certificate.
Miss Watson returned from maternity leave in January 2011 following the birth of her son.
Miss Claire Richardson
joined our permanent staff in 2006 after previously working for us as a temp. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, a BTEC in Childcare and the Montessori Assistant's Certificate. Miss Richardson works in partnership with Miss Watson in the Toddler Community and has Early Years Professional Status. She also holds a first aid certificate.
Miss Richardson enjoys walking in Derbyshire, visiting local places of interest and stately homes. She supports Derby County and keeps up to date with new music and fashion.
Miss Sarah King
joined us in January 2009 after having previously worked in a Montessori setting in Birmingham. She holds a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and works in the Children's House.
In her spare time she enjoys keeping fit at the gym and occasionally going for a swim. She also likes to spend time visiting her family and catching up with friends in Birmingham.
Miss Rebecca Crane
joined us in January 2011 having previously worked for us as a temp providing maternity cover.
She holds a NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Childcare and Education, and is working towards her level
3 qualification.
Miss Crane works primarily in the Toddler Community.
Mrs Cruickshank
joined us in the role of part time administrator and lunch time supervisor in September 2009.
She has experience in administration and marketing from her career prior to having her family.
