At Whetstone Montessori Nursery we believe that each child embarks on a unique voyage of exploration. When your child steps into our nursery, they bring with them a world of interests, hopes, and dreams. Like voyagers setting foot in a distant land, they have yet to discover the language, places to explore, or customs of this new world. As Montessori educators, our role is to gently guide these young adventurers, helping them grasp that this unfamiliar land is, in truth, theirs to nurture and cherish, a place they can flourish and discover not only the world around them but also the depths of their own potential. Here, the child will take their first steps into the social realm. It may be the first time they spend extended periods away from their parents, a journey of growing awareness of the needs and feelings of others.

A Curriculum Centred Around Your Child

We follow the natural rhythm of each child's development, embracing holistic education. In the serene atmosphere of our nursery autonomy, responsibility, self-control, and self-reflection will flourish. We encourage children to follow their interests, ask questions, and investigate, knowing that academic success will naturally follow. Your child's brain undergoes significant neural development from ages 3 to 6, allowing them to readily absorb information through imitation, observation, and investigation guided by our dedicated teachers.

Flow

Follow the child, go at the pace of the child. An unhurried child is a happy child, and a happy child will be able to take an active role in their own learning in a way that a rushed and anxious child cannot.

Flow - psychologists talk about the concept of ‘flow’ and how we are at our best when we are fully immersed in an activity that absorbs us completely. When in a flow state time seems to pass unnoticed. Concentration on a task is one aspect of flow, and this is one of the skills children develop in the Montessori Children’s House, as they focus on the moment. Following their inner drive to learn, given the chance to work uninterrupted, children will concentrate on a task for a long period of time. They are at their best focusing deeply on a purposeful and meaningful activity, of which there are many in the Montessori classroom. And, of course, this is a great source of satisfaction for the child. When we say that the children don’t do what they like, but like what they do in Montessori, this is what we mean.

For the state of flow to arise, the child must know what they are doing, how to do it, and how to overcome any difficulties themselves. They must also be free of any distractions. 

Fostering Self-Control and Flexible Thinking

You may wonder how we nurture self-control and flexible thinking in the children. This is achieved through a tranquil environment where your child can work and play for uninterrupted periods. Our nurturing environment fosters personal growth and equips children with motivation and resilience. The children explore different areas of study; what we call in Montessori the practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, world culture, and creativity.