Whether we embrace maths or not, humans have a tendency to think in patterns to quantify experiences and make logical connections. Some might say we all have a mathematical mind! Young children also have this innate ability and inclination, so in Montessori, we take advantage of this propensity for mathematical thinking and offer learning experiences that provide an in-depth understanding of maths even at a young age. Organised into six...
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You may have seen signage around FMS for the 9-12 ‘Going Out’ Taronga Zoo adventure. ‘Going Out’ at Montessori has a very particular meaning. More than just an excursion, Going Out is a significant aspect of learning, leadership, life- skills building for Montessori Primary School students. What is Going Out? Imagine that a group of two, three, or four children have been studying something in the classroom. They have...
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With childcare in the media for all the wrong reasons, we want to remind families what sets our Baby, Toddler and Preschool programs so far apart from conventional daycare. When choosing daycare for young children, parents have much to consider; learning, development, cost, location, proximity and other factors all play a role. For most parents, however, the safety, comfort and security of their child is first and foremost. Having...
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At FMS, our teachers facilitate your children’s growing independence, confidence, capability and real-world application of everything they learn at school. But there’s just so much to learn, and children never stop learning, even at home. This is why we love sharing ‘Montessori at Home’ with families in our community, so you can engage with and extend your child’s education, develop strong relationships with your children, and establish your unique community…
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In order to be truly free, we need to be able to make our own choices, which means having the skills and abilities to then act upon our choices. Without independence, we can’t truly be free. As children’s independence grows, so does their opportunity for freedom. They have more choices available and more to consider. The freedom children experience in our prepared learning environments is directly related to their independence.…
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Think of a time when you did an activity because you wanted to do it–maybe weeding your garden, reading a book, taking a walk, or rearranging your bedroom. Your motivations arose entirely from within you. You likely felt pure joy or satisfaction in the very act of what you were doing. In these activities, you may have also felt a sense of meaning or purpose. Or maybe you felt like…
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The Montessori method of education was born from Dr. Montessori's scientific observations as she explored how to support children’s optimum development. In her studies, Dr. Montessori found that children need a block of uninterrupted time to go through cycles of focus and consolidation. Children aged two and a half and older need at least three hours to move through rhythms of focus. Often, the most growth and meaningful work happens…
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We have seen how children feel more grounded and cooperative when they have a role to play. Thus, whenever possible, it’s helpful to find little (and sometimes big!) ways for children to help with holiday preparations. Children’s active participation helps them develop important life skills and also helps them better adapt to changes in holiday rhythms and routines. We wanted to share a few ideas on incorporating Montessori principles into…
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This week, our 9-12 students had their second Equine Assisted Learning experience (EAL) for the year. The EAL program at FMS is part of our 9-12 leadership and personal development program. The program is coordinated by 9-12 class assistant Meghan, whose business, Growth Edges, specialises in equine therapy and personal development for schools, groups and individuals. The program provides invaluable skills in leadership and personal growth for our 9-12 students,…
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Recently we’ve been sharing elements of the Montessori learning journey, and how we assess learning as our students’ progress. This week, we take a closer look at what your children learn in their Montessori classroom, specifically in the primary school years. “They have already absorbed the immediate environment and the restricted society they and their families have dealings with. You must try to give the child what he now longs…
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