The Montessori Philosophy

Key aspects of the Montessori Philosophy we practice in our childcare

What is the Montessori Philosophy?

The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing children to develop at their own pace and explore their own interests.

A safe, peaceful, prepared, engaging environment that allows children to influence the direction and pace of their learning
A child-centred collaborative environment where children develop responsibility, independence, curiosity, grace and courtesy
A community of learners in a multi-age grouping
A practical hands-on learning environment using purposeful materials
Children can freely choose their work and are guided by their peers and teachers
Children thrive because of the teacher’s role of observation which results in a highly individualized programme; the learning is tailored to meet every child’s current needs
A Montessori environment is non-competitive, respectful and co-operative
It is for every child, accepting of individual differences – Montessori celebrates diversity and brings everyone together in a warm and welcoming learning environment!

Why Choose The Children's Corner Childcare Centre

Everything we do is in answer to one very simple question: “Whats in the best interests of your child?”

Our team work hard to ensure that our children feel safe, secure, valued, respected and listened to as a foundation for them to grow as happy, engaged and independent learners.

Our centre is based on Te Whāriki, the New Zealand national curriculum for early childhood. This ensures that your child has access to a wide range of learning opportunities to support them to grow in mind, body and spirit.

The Children's Corner

Dr Maria Montessori

(1870-1952), the founder of the Montessori Philosophy has been described as an educator, scientist, physician, philosopher, feminist and humanitarian, and was the first early childhood educator to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

We'd love to show you around our preschool centre in Howick

Come and meet the team, talk to our centre manager, say hi to the kids and see first hand why we’re different. We’re more than happy to take you on a guided tour around the centre. You can book in your visit now, just click on the button below and choose a time and day to suit you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Feedback from our parents

We knew that The Children's Corner was the right pre-school for our son from the moment we walked in for our visit and now our daughter has also joined. No matter if it's the environment or the teachers it made us feel welcome and part of the family. All the teachers are passionate and caring and goes above and beyond for the children, nurturing them, guiding them and stimulating them to reach their full potential. The children are learning the important values of respect, care, politeness, confidence and independence during their time at school, and this will be an important foundation for them as they grow older. We love how all the teachers are constantly communicating with us on the children's progress whether it is their learning or emotional wellbeing. They genuinely care for each child as well as our whole family. Our children look forward to going to school each day and come home each day fulfilled and happy. They often surprise us with what they have learnt at school (knowing the names of the planets to singing days of the week in maori). As parents we are continuing to learn how to raise our children and the teachers at The Children's Corner provide wonderful support to us which I can never thank them enough.

Charlie has been attending the Children’s corner for close to a year now. We chose the Children’s Corner as it is a small preschool with fantastic teachers who have all been there a long time. We love the Montessori approach and Charlie has come so far since he started at the Children’s Corner. I am blown away with everything he has learnt in such a short time and it is wonderful to see his confidence building. Charlie loves coming to preschool which makes drop offs fantastic and we feel 100% happy as we know he is always in such good hands. The teachers are fantastic, always warm and welcoming, we can’t recommend the Children’s Corner enough.

We had never really heard much about Montessori before we visited children's corner but I knew it was the perfect environment for my son the moment we visited. The Montessori philosophy has nurtured his independence and confidence in leaps and bounds. We will forever be grateful to the teachers who have supported Quinn's development. But more than anything we feel like the teachers at TCC are our extended family who care so deeply for all the kids and have created a safe, caring and fun environment. As a parent I feel supported and happy knowing that Quinn is thriving under the Montessori teachings and have also enrolled our youngest to start next year. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the children's corner to any parent wanting to give their child a great start in Montessori