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Our Curriculum

At Deepdales Montessori, the basis of our curriculum is the Montessori method, a child-centred approach to education, that utilises specialised equipment to advance each child’s skills, dispositions and understanding. This approach helps to build independence and confidence from an early age, and these attributes help children to break down barriers to learning as they pass through their own natural developmental milestones.

 

More information on the Montessori approach can be found below.

Our curriculum has developed over the years to include other well respected philosophies and pedagogies, such as:

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  • The Waldorf / Steiner method of learning through imitation. This includes modelled behaviour, demonstration and scaffolding a child’s learning by stepping in to support when necessary, but giving children the freedom to try things by themselves and succeed by themselves. This approach also encourages an understanding of the links between thinking, feeling and doing by engaging the head, the heart and the hands. It is similar to the Montessori approach, but allows for a less rigid curriculum that allows the child to direct the learning (child-led rather than child-centred). 

  • The Reggio-Emilia approach acknowledges the expressive and experiential learning that takes place in early childhood through the relationships that children build, and their exploration of the world around them. This method utilises creative expression and project-based learning to inspire the children to not just be the target of instruction, but to be an active participant in constructing knowledge themselves (emergent learning).

  • Aistear and Síolta: Aistear is the curriculum framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. It provides information for adults to help them plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences, so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners within loving relationships with others. Aistear describes the types of learning (dispositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge and understanding) that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions as to how this learning might be nurtured. Síolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education. Síolta is designed to define, assess and support the improvement of quality across all aspects of practice in early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings.

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https://www.ncca.ie/media/1127/information_leaflet_on_aistear_for_parents_.pdf

Character/Personality

Your child is becoming aware that he/she is part of a group and shows interest in other children their age, and starts to play in a cooperative way.  

At this age your child likes to be cared for in the same way, by the same caregiver, within a familiar environment.  

 

Our school is designed, equipped and structured to satisfy your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs, and promotes skills and qualities that are so important for a fulfilling experience of life and their sense of self.

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Montessori

What is involved?

Children are introduced to the Montessori Method through specially designed Montessori materials. The materials are precise activity provoking learning aids with which the child learns with ease in a relaxed and orderly environment. Each child is encouraged to progress in each area at their own pace.



They take part in practical and sensorial activities - experiencing colours, numbers, sounds, letters, shapes, quantities & dimensions readily leading to reading and writing skills, and an appreciation of maths geography and general knowledge. 

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Time is also dedicated to painting, crafts, singing, dancing, music and storytelling.



We cherish and promote diversity and endeavour to reflect this in our curriculum. We celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and Easter and welcome suggestions as to other events or occasions which you would like your children to learn about. 

Personal Development

The Montessori Method promotes:



• Positive self-image
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Self-awareness and sense of identity
• Development of  communication skills
• Effective expression of emotions
• Enthusiasm & concentration
• Social skills and interaction with others
• Cooperation and sharing
• Learning to take turns
• Respect for self & others
• Love of nature and the environment
• Respect of living things
• Personal safety
• Body control, co-ordination and balance
• Team play
• Proper use of equipment

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Developmental Observations and Record -  Keeping Policy

Developmental observation is an integral component of the planning, teaching and learning process and we use a range of assessment procedures suitable to the age/ability of your child. We Keep parents informed of the progress of their children throughout the year.​

Promoting Positive Behaviour

The children are given opportunities for taking turns, sharing, being polite and making choices.  Our aim is to further develop your child’s social and emotional intelligence, so they can express and deal with their needs in the moment.​

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