(Taken from the South African Montessori Association Trust)

The basic principle of the Montessori philosophy of education is that all children carry within themselves the person they will become. In order to develop the physical, intellectual, and spiritual potential to the fullest, the child must have freedom – a freedom achieved through order and self-discipline. The primary goal of a Montessori programme is to help each child reach the fullest potential in all areas of life and to create a secure, loving and joyful environment in which the child can learn, grow, and become independent. It strives to educate each child to acquire self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning. The program includes individualized teaching, self-corrective materials, as well as a stimulating and non-pressured environment. The lessons are individual and brief. Another characteristic of the lesson is its simplicity. The third quality is objectivity. Dr Montessori developed what she called a ‘prepared environment’ that is controlled by the teacher, while children make decisions controlled within the Environment. The teacher is often called the directress or guide, who prepares this environment, directs the activities, functions as the authority, and offers stimulation to the child; but it is the child who learns and is motivated through the work and his desire to learn. All these activities help the child develop an ‘inner discipline’ which is the core concept of the Montessori philosophy.

In Montessori schools the child is seen as a dynamic learner, full of creative potential and in need of the maximum possible freedom to be allowed to develop as a happy, confident individual. Montessori schools therefore place emphasis on the importance of process. In more traditional schools children are seen to be in need of more instruction and control from adults – there is less trust in the child’s own inner abilities and more emphasis on ensuring very defined results. So Montessori schools are learner centred, whereas traditional schools tend to be more teacher centred.

• Provide a safe, engaging and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers
• Foster the growth of functional independence, concentration, and self-correction
• Promote social development through respectful and clear communication
• Refine sensory perception and the development of literacy and mathematical understanding
• Foster the development of communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills
• Offer opportunities for imaginative exploration, leading to confident, creative self-expression
• Prepare children with the skills and experience they need to succeed at school and beyond

Especially unique about Dragenfly Montessori:

• Modern Montessori Education Program
• Curriculum covering: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, Art, Science, Geography, Culture, Botany and Zoology
• Full suite of Montessori learning materials
• Focus on facilitating each child’s individual development journey
• Passionate and highly trained teaching staff
• Holistic focus on child development
• State-of-the-art facilities with exceptional learning environments
• School readiness and transition to school program

The school day and work cycle take place between 08:00 – 13:00. Parents then have the option of choosing a ½ day or full day, ending at 13:00 or 17:00 respectively.

A 30 minute “grace” period has been allocated at both collection times should you be running late.

07:00 – 7:45 | Breakfast served at 07:15

08:00 – 10:00| First work cycle

10:15 – 11:15 | Second work cycle

11:15 – 11:30 | Carpet time

11:30 – 12:00     Extra murals

11:30 – 12:20 | Outside play

12:20 – 12:50 | Lunch

12:50 – 13:00 | Clean up time

13:00 – 13:30 | ½ day home time

13:00 – 15:00 | Nap time

15:20 – 15:35 | Afternoon Snack

15:35 – 17:00 | Play time/ full day home time

• Soccer starz – Soccer
• Kenshikai Kids – Karate
• Music Box – Music
• Coding
• Ballet

Holiday care is available for 7 days per term (depending on the length of the school holidays), at a cost of R108.00 per day. The school closes for one week each holiday (this scenario is based on a 3-week school holiday). It is especially important for the teachers and children to have a period of rest as school days are terribly busy and take a lot out of a person.  So, for us to be the best possible version of ourselves for your children, we do need to rest.

Click here to download the enrolment form.

Once completed please email to info@4seasonsmontessori.co.za