This Montessori unit is a class of special character within Silverdale Normal School. As such, it is managed by the Silverdale Normal School Board of Trustees and supported by a parent body – the Waikato Montessori Charitable Trust. The Board and the Trust co-operate together to ensure the NZ curriculum is delivered whilst adhering to the pedagogy developed by Dr Maria Montessori. When practical and reasonable, Montessori teachers are encouraged to attend Montessori in-service training and further their Montessori qualifications.
The Principal, the Trust and the classroom teacher work together using an enrolment advisory process to place children in the unit. Children who have completed a 3 - 6yr old programme at a Montessori Early Childhood Centre are most suitable for entry. They may enroll at the beginning of the term in which they turn 6. It is helpful if children pre-enroll (from age 4½ ) whilst still attending Pre-school because this allows the school and the Trust to plan for the future.
The school day is 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., except on Tuesday when the school day is from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. As recommended by Dr Maria Montessori, the classes follow a three hour work cycle for the morning programme. Any specialist programmes or visits are usually planned for the afternoon to ensure the morning’s work is not interrupted. The lunch hour is 12.30 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. to coincide with the remainder of the school and allow the children to mix with the wider school community of children and teachers.
Montessori children work from individual programmes prepared with the teacher. The aim is to have each child working to his / her full potential. Dr Montessori’s “Great Lessons” are delivered as interconnected areas of study. Children are encouraged to undertake individually chosen research projects and to explore areas of interest using the library, internet and other resource materials. Group activities and projects also occur as a natural part of the curriculum delivery.
The classroom is fully equipped with the Montessori materials necessary to support all lessons.
Where appropriate the class integrates with the wider school for specific activities, e.g. sports and cultural activities.
Parent participation is encouraged both within the classroom and in support of the Trust.