Montessori Playgroup for 0-3 year olds
"There are many who hold, as I do, that the most important part of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when a man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. But not only his intelligence; the full totality of his psychic powers."--Maria Montessori - The Absorbent Mind
Quick Facts
- When:
- Wednesday mornings 9:15am to 11:45am.
- Where:
- Wairarapa Montessori School (Room 5), Cornwall Street, Masterton
- Who:
- Suitable for infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years. Children over 3 years of age should consider the Wairarapa Montessori Preschool.
- Cost:
- We request a donation of $3 per family per session, to cover cost of materials and morning tea.
Playgroup Information
Playgroup designed for 0-3 year olds, with activities suited to various ages. Child-oriented with parental involvement. Lots of hands-on play, plus a great resource to meet with other parents with children of similar ages.
The playgroup encourages independence 
and allows opportunities for the children to investigate on his or her own. This allows the little ones to develop their budding skills, such as visual discrimination and motor skills and coordination, through the sensorial and learning materials.
Parent participation is important. It allows the caregiver to acquire insight into their child from a Montessori perspective.
The toddler environment allows space for movement, individual work, and group activities. The design of the environment is proportionate to the child's size. The children in the toddler program are given the opportunity to develop skills in language, art, music, sensorial, and practical life, as well as independence, concentration, coordination, confidence, and a sense of order.
Morning tea (fruit, crackers, and water for the children; tea/coffee for the caregiver) is provided.
We are a parent-run playgroup, and are not a licenced childcare facility. Therefore, no drop-offs are allowed.
Highlights
- Puzzles such as colour matching cards, wooden knob puzzles, shape sorters, counting games, etc.
- Painting and other craft activities
- Music and movement
- Practical life activities, such as buttoning, sweeping, pouring, etc., providing opportunities for children to learn to care for themselves and their environment.
- Safe environment for crawling/cruising/toddling, helping to build large muscle strength and coordination.
- Dedicated infant area, with lambskin rug, infant toys, full-length mirror
- Outdoor patio and grassy area during fine weather, with a sandpit and water play area.