Preparing Your Child For Life
22 Steynsrust Rd
Somerset West
Key Benefits Of Montessori Education
Independence
Concentration and Focus
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
Intrinsic Motivation and Love of Learning
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"We observe that a child occupied with matters that awaken his interest seems to blossom, to expand, evincing undreamed of character traits; his abilities give him great satisfaction, and he smiles with a sweet and joyous smile." - Maria Montessori
Hearts, Hands and Minds
The "Hearts, Hands, and Minds" concept in Montessori early childhood development reflects the holistic approach to nurturing a child’s emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. It emphasizes how all these aspects work together in harmony for a child’s well-rounded development:
1. Hearts (Emotional and Social Development):
Focus: Emotional intelligence, empathy, social skills, and self-awareness.
What It Involves: Montessori encourages the development of a child's emotional and social abilities by fostering a sense of love, security, and community. Children learn to express their emotions, develop empathy for others, and engage in positive social interactions. This involves activities that promote respect for self and others and learning how to collaborate and solve problems peacefully.
Outcome: Children build self-confidence, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal skills, which are key to lifelong well-being and relationship success.
2. Hands (Physical and Practical Life Development):
Focus: Motor skills, coordination, independence, and practical life skills.
What It Involves: Montessori environments provide hands-on, tangible learning experiences that help children refine their fine and gross motor skills. Activities such as pouring, dressing, and using tools help them build independence and dexterity. By engaging with the materials, they also strengthen their connection between mind and body, allowing them to learn by doing.
Outcome: Children become more independent, capable, and confident in their ability to care for themselves and their surroundings.
3. Minds (Cognitive and Intellectual Development):
Focus: Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity.
What It Involves: Montessori education is designed to foster a child’s natural curiosity and intellectual growth through self-directed learning. Children are encouraged to explore subjects such as math, language, science, and culture in ways that interest them. The Montessori materials are designed to promote deep, experiential learning, helping children understand abstract concepts in concrete ways.
Outcome: Children develop strong cognitive skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning, as they are allowed to explore at their own pace.
Integrated Approach:
The Montessori method believes that development in these areas is interconnected. A child who feels emotionally secure (hearts) is more likely to engage confidently in physical activities (hands) and explore intellectually challenging tasks (minds). By addressing these dimensions of a child’s growth, Montessori education aims to support the full potential of each child.
This approach aligns well with Cornerstone Children's Centre's Montessori values, where children are seen as whole individuals whose emotional, physical, and intellectual needs are interconnected.
The Journey to Independence Starts Here
A Day in the Life…
At Cornerstone Children’s Centre for early learners, we follow the child's natural development in order to advance learning.
Children thrive when they are placed in an environment where they feel secure, are able to move freely within limits, and engage in a wide choice of activities specifically suited to their age.
Indirect intervention from the teacher or guide allows children to work at their own pace and develop the much sought-after quality of concentration.
It is important to young children’s development that they are able to develop their own sense of self. At Cornerstone Children’s Centre this is achieved through practical life activities such as pouring, spooning, cutting, caring for themselves and caring for things around them. There are also many opportunities for sensorial activities. Our learning centre is equipped with a wide range of hands-on materials for children to develop all their senses. Children are given presentations which eventually enable them to become independent and self-directed learners.
A rich language environment is provided for the children from their first day, with plenty of opportunities for exploring language orally. Research has shown that children of age 4 are specifically sensitised to learning how to write and read in their home language. They also have “mathematical minds”.
A Night to Remember: Cornerstone Children’s Centre 2024 "The Sound of Children" Pantomime and Graduation