At Tawa Montessori Preschool we have been working on our outdoor natural environment for many years. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far. Our outdoor environment has developed into a natural living landscape with natural discovery spaces, an organic garden growing healthy and nutritious vegetables, a flower garden, spaces for gross motor development and spaces set aside for the development of natural habitats. This outdoor classroom is a very special place for us, a place where we, the teachers, the parents and the children come together to learn about the natural world through a hands on experience.
In September 2009 we opened Little Earth Montessori Kapiti, a new enviro Montessori preschool in Kapiti. This new preschool is designed and build with sustainability and eco friendliness in mind, featuring natural heating and lighting, rammed earth walls and non toxic finishes. Little Earth Montessori Kapiti offers a unique enviro programme in a sustainable environment, with a naturalised outdoor environment where children can experience the beauty of nature and nurture their sense of wonder. Visit our website to read about Our place, our Enviro-nature programme, and our Remarkable community. You can also follow the construction of Little Earth Montessori Kapiti.
At Little Earth Montessori Kapiti we strongly believe that learning can and should be natural. Maria Montessori called the child a “citizen of the world”. With a holistic approach, and understanding of the similarities and differences between people, she promoted peace. Encouraging a caring attitude towards all peoples and creatures of the world is a crucial aspect of this. Our programme reflects this belief. Our children plant vegetables and weed or water the outdoor environment. They take care of our animals in an atmosphere of love and respect for life. They collect fresh eggs from the chickens, and harvest carrots for the guinea pigs. On our regular bush walks we jump in puddles, spy on bugs beneath rocks, and find huge whare pungawerewere. We learn to quietly observe nature close up, carefully admiring the treasures of Tane. Our aim is to create a sustainable preschool community. We harvest our rainwater to flush our toilets or use in the garden. The children collect paper waste to make their own paper and they compost food scraps and garden waste. They learn to share, respect, and conserve nature’s resources.
