Playgroups!
From August 2014 to August 2016 the Serendipity Trust ran a special program for parents and their children - from confident walkers up to 5 years.
This weekly Montessori inspired playgroup was held at Serendipity House twice a week.
Our Playgroup environment provided a range of graduated activities that suited the unfolding developmental stages of children from confident walkers through to children reaching 4 years. Children pursued tasks at their own pace with just a little help from Mum, Dad or other caregivers. This weekly group not only enabled children to enjoy creative play alongside other children but was also a vital support for parents from the local area.
The program was supported by a Playgroup Leader, a qualified and experienced Montessori Educator. She was available at sessions to guide and support individuals and the group though a range of fun and creative play opportunities.
Careful understanding of the development of infants enabled the Serendipity Trust to create a place that met their needs. The Playgroup offered a parent-infant community where young children could engage in activities that assisted their psychomotor skills, language acquisition, growing independence, and their understanding of the world.
This weekly Montessori inspired playgroup was held at Serendipity House twice a week.
Our Playgroup environment provided a range of graduated activities that suited the unfolding developmental stages of children from confident walkers through to children reaching 4 years. Children pursued tasks at their own pace with just a little help from Mum, Dad or other caregivers. This weekly group not only enabled children to enjoy creative play alongside other children but was also a vital support for parents from the local area.
The program was supported by a Playgroup Leader, a qualified and experienced Montessori Educator. She was available at sessions to guide and support individuals and the group though a range of fun and creative play opportunities.
Careful understanding of the development of infants enabled the Serendipity Trust to create a place that met their needs. The Playgroup offered a parent-infant community where young children could engage in activities that assisted their psychomotor skills, language acquisition, growing independence, and their understanding of the world.
About the Montessori Method
Montessori educators often refer to the stage between birth and six as the ‘absorbent mind’. Throughout this period children learn with great ease and joy if given the right opportunities.
The Montessori approach fosters children's love of learning and encourages independence by providing an environment of activities and materials which children use at their own pace. This builds self-confidence, inner discipline, a sense of self-worth and instills positive social behaviour. The approach forms the basis for lifelong learning.
Besides the opportunity for socializing and play, one of playgroup’s main aims is to educate and inspire the parent/caregiver about Montessori methodology and how this child centered approach to learning can be applied in the home and all aspects of life.
Playgroup Activities
Normal activities enjoyed at all playgroups such as painting, singing and stories were readily available, however the program also emphasised the following:
Montessori educators often refer to the stage between birth and six as the ‘absorbent mind’. Throughout this period children learn with great ease and joy if given the right opportunities.
The Montessori approach fosters children's love of learning and encourages independence by providing an environment of activities and materials which children use at their own pace. This builds self-confidence, inner discipline, a sense of self-worth and instills positive social behaviour. The approach forms the basis for lifelong learning.
Besides the opportunity for socializing and play, one of playgroup’s main aims is to educate and inspire the parent/caregiver about Montessori methodology and how this child centered approach to learning can be applied in the home and all aspects of life.
Playgroup Activities
Normal activities enjoyed at all playgroups such as painting, singing and stories were readily available, however the program also emphasised the following:
- Practical life activities: These activities improve concentration and help develop orderly work patterns. They also help develop fine motor skills and foster emerging skills of independence.
- Sensory Experiences: These activities allow exploration of the senses by isolating and focusing on one area at a time.
- Language: These experiences help to develop listening and speaking skills, prewriting and pre reading activities.
- Music and Movement: Song and dance, use of musical instruments.
- Cultural Studies: Learning about our world- biology, geography, history as well as art and craft.
