Ennis Montessori School Curriculum
Junior Montessori Programme
Our Junior Montessori programme caters for children from age 2 years and 8 months in their first year of preschool. Our focus in the Junior Montessori classrooms is fostering each child’s independence, building upon their social skills and supporting their emotional well-being and communication skills. We follow a child led emergent curriculum influenced by Síolta (The National Quality Framework) and Aistear (The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework), while still integrating the core beliefs and activities of the Montessori Method. By providing a wide variety of activities each day, we assist each child to develop to their full potential.
The main aims of our Junior Montessori Programme are as follows:
Fostering Independence – This is achieved through our Montessori Practical Life exercises such as spooning, pouring, opening our lunchboxes and, taking off and putting on our own coats each day. Giving children the time they need to practise will eventually enable them to master the skill. This brings the children a great sense of pride and achievement.
Social Skills – Providing a safe environment for the children to engage in collaborative imaginative play enables the children to further develop their turn taking and sharing skills. all while having lots of fun and creating friendships!
Emotional Wellbeing and Communication Skills – In all our interactions with the children, we are respectful of their emotional wellbeing. We actively listen to each child, allow time before expecting a reply and treat everyone with respect and understanding. We treat each child as an individual and take them at their own level. We help children to acknowledge and name how they are feeling throughout the day. We use materials and props such as feeling charts/themed books and circle times to help children to recognise and manage their emotions.
And of course, having lots of fun!
Senior Montessori Programme
Our Senior Montessori programme is the second year of the child’s ECCE entitlement and usually starts in the year they turn 4. Our Senior Montessori programme is an extension of the Junior Montessori programme. It gives the children the opportunity to further develop their strengths and skills and nurture their curiosity and love of learning. It is an emerging curriculum influenced by Siolta (The National Quality Framework) and Aistear (The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework) while still integrating the core beliefs and activities of the Montessori Method.
This holistic approach is designed to be inclusive and embrace diversity in our prepared learning environment. Montessori allows each child to progress at their own pace, so they can grow in confidence and reach their full potential. It provides a balance of freedom and responsibility in the classroom.
Through the Montessori Method of education we introduce our practical life, sensorial, language, maths and geography exercises. We also enjoy Cookery, Gymnastics, Yoga, Arts and Crafts. In partnership with the children, we use our imaginations to create child led memorable activities and experiences on a variety of topics.
In accordance with best practice Covid-19 guidelines, we are beginning to slowly re-introduce visitors to the Montessori and are excited to welcome back many people from our community after 2 long years.
Although we have over 20 years’ experience in Childcare, we continue to learn, grow and evolve to meet the needs of the child. We draw from the wealth of experience and embrace new ideas and processes.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is very important for young children’s development and enables them to enjoy and explore the natural environment around them, while getting all the benefits of exercise, fresh air, and building on social and emotional development.
At Ennis Montessori School, we are dedicated to ensuring that children have quality outdoor play on a daily basis and we recognise the very important role outdoor play has on a child’s overall development. All rooms have their own designated sheltered play area which is easily accessed from each room. Children also have access to a larger play area consisting of slides, role play areas and plenty of space to strengthen their physical development on trikes, scooters and by running.
Promoting Language in Ennis Montessori School
1. Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
The term SLCN refers to Speech, Language and Communication Needs, which describes challenges across various aspects and areas of communication. These aspects include:
The majority of SLCN are determined to be short term and can be addressed through early intervention. At Ennis Montessori School, we aim to support the development of all children’s speech, language and communication skills and needs.
2. English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Bilingualism is also often described as English as an Additional Language (EAL) as the individual is ‘living in two languages’ (Neaum, 2012).
Our staff have vast experience working with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. They also have particular knowledge and skills in supporting bilingual children and families.
The main strategies that we implement to support children with EAL are:
Ennis Montessori School is fully compliant with Túsla as per the 2006 Childcare Regulations.