Libraries are excellent environments for Montessori learning because they naturally align with the core principles of Montessori philosophy, which emphasises independence, self-directed exploration and a love of learning.
Libraries provide children with the freedom to choose their own books and resources, mirroring the Montessori approach where children select activities that interest them, encouraging independence and intrinsic…
Teamwork is a cornerstone of the Montessori classroom, fostering a collaborative environment where students and educators work together to create a harmonious and effective learning community. In this setting, teamwork is not just encouraged but is integral to the Montessori philosophy, which emphasises cooperation, respect and social development alongside academic growth.
In a Montessori classroom, students…
At St Andrew’s Montessori, we use story baskets as a dynamic tool to encourage children's storytelling and language development. These baskets typically contain a story card and puppets or props from familiar fairy tales, designed to entice children to engage in imaginative play and retell the story in their own words. Story baskets align perfectly…
Achieving an "Outstanding" rating in an Ofsted report is a prestigious accolade for any school, and Montessori schools are no exception. St Andrew’s Montessori in Islington is an Ofsted Outstanding nursery but you may not know what that means exactly, or what makes a school “outstanding.”
Several key factors contribute to this high rating, ensuring the…
In a Montessori classroom, a floor or table mat is more than just a simple piece of fabric—it's an integral part of the learning environment. These mats serve multiple essential functions that support the child’s development and learning experience.
When a child selects an activity, the process begins with carrying their mat to the floor or…
Islington offers a variety of beautiful gardens and parks that are perfect for family visits. Our very own garden at St Andrew’s Montessori is, of course, quite beautiful but if you are feeling like a change of scene, here are ten top gardens to visit in the area:
Culpeper Community Garden: This is a beautiful community…
The aim of Montessori Knobless Cylinders is to refine a child's visual discrimination, based on diameter and height. It is a sensorial material that consists of four boxes of ten coloured cylinders (red, yellow, blue, and green). Each coloured set is different:
Yellow coloured cylinders: decrease in height, as well as in diameter.
Red…
Spring is such a wonderful opportunity for us to really take cognisance of nature’s beauty. We are lucky to have a stunning garden at our nursery in Islington and we do take full advantage; planting, playing and exploring.
Recently, we inspected a flower under a magnifying glass; looking closely at the detail and comparing the real…
The Large Moveable Alphabet facilitates language development, spelling, and writing skills as children practise word and sentence construction. The apparatus consists of a set of wooden or plastic letters representing the alphabet in uppercase, typically stored in a box split into different sections. The vowels are blue and the consonants are red.
Watch the below tutorial…
Are you looking for some fun summer activities for your family? We have some great suggestions for you:
Visit the Emirates Stadium: If you have any football fans in the family, a visit to the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club, can be an exciting experience. You can take a stadium tour to learn about…
