Entries by StAndrewsBoss1

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How to include screen time in a Montessori lifestyle

The more time our children spend with screens, the less time they spend interacting with others or in hands-on, creative play, which are both proven to be important for learning. Screens were invented in an era that came after Maria Montessori developed her learning methodology but what we do know is that Montessori-style learning encourages: […]

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Language: Matching

Matching pairs is a game that children love to play – there is likely a version in most of our homes and if not, it’s quite easy to create your own playing cards using postcards or stock images, as long as the paired images are identical. All you’ll need for this activity is a clear […]

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We adopted a tiger!

Imagine having a tiger at school! – Being able to protect it and feed it, look after it and learn from it. It might sound bizarre but not at all in the mind of a child – and is, in fact, exactly what the children were discussing in one of our recent student council meetings. […]

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Sensorial: Hexagon Box

The hexagon box shows children how different shapes can be used to create other shapes; more specifically, that by joining together different triangles, four-sided figures are formed.  The sensorial angle of the lesson means that it can be presented without the use of language but also works as an introduction to geometry for an older […]

Five Montessori-inspired indoor activities

Winter is a beautiful time of year – walks in the wood, collecting cold-weather treasures in the garden and building snowmen (if we’re lucky enough to have snow) but it’s also cold and dark earlier, and sometimes snuggling indoors is the best option. Hot chocolate and a good family film are great for indoor days […]

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Sensorial: Smelling Jars

When doing sensory work in the classroom at St. Andrew’s Montessori, we engage in a variety of exercises that help children isolate each of their five senses in an effort to nurture an awareness and understanding of each particular sense. Smelling Jars is one of the activities we use to help children isolate their sense […]

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Ofsted OUTSTANDING – Third time in a row!

We are delighted to share with you, the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. St. Andrew’s Montessori school was judged to be outstanding in all aspects of teaching and learning, attainment, behaviour and leadership resulting in an overall rating of OUTSTANDING! This is the best result that any school can hope to achieve and is […]

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How a Calming Jar helps children become more self-aware

Calm is a beautiful thing. If you’ve ever walked into a Montessori classroom, you’ll notice how peaceful it is, with children learning, exploring and creating to their heart’s content. That’s not to say that these same children don’t get stressed, frustrated, anxious, fearful and angry. They do. But one of the aims of a Montessori […]

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Sensorial: Smooth and Rough boards

The purpose of the lesson using rough and smooth boards is to teach children to use their sense of touch when exploring the world around them. It’s a simple activity that can easily be replicated at home. All you need is: four varying grades of sandpaper cut into squares and glued onto individual pieces of […]

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Ten Top New Year’s Resolutions for Montessori Families

Is there anything that you would like to do differently in 2020? Positive change is a good thing and it’s even better when done together, as a family. Have a look at these New Year’s resolutions inspired by Maria Montessori’s learning philosophy, which is all about slowing down, taking in the moment and allowing children […]

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Practical Life: Collage

A collage is defined as an artistic composition made up from a collection of various materials glued on a surface. So, taking different things and sticking them together. At St. Andrew’s Montessori we love using collage not only a means of artistic expression but as a way of inspiring creativity and engaging the natural curiosity […]

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Montessori in the kitchen

Children love to imitate their parents – that’s how they learn! They love to get involved and participate in daily life, even the most mundane of exercises, like washing the dishes or setting the table. The kitchen is a great place to apply Montessori principles in your home (giving your child little jobs to do […]