"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child"
- Maria Montessori
Montessori at KinderHaus
Note: If you're already familiar with Montessori our unique approach to Montessori is described below.
Montessori is all about the learning environment
If you're new to the Montessori concept this is probably the best way to summarize what it is. When the learning space is clean, proper materials are available, and the community is respectful, calm, and invested then children naturally thrive and learn by following their own sense of curiosity and interests.
What's different about Montessori from a regular daycare?
There are a number of key differences here that stand out:
|
|
Montessori |
Most daycares and schools |
|---|---|---|
|
Motivation to learn |
Children learn on their own through exploring purposely-designed self-guided activities. They experience a higher sense of satisfaction and joy when activities they chose are completed and a new concept is mastered |
Children learn by listening to the teacher passively, memorization, and doing homework. |
|
Curriculum |
Within an age ‘group’ (eg. 3-6 years), the curriculum and grade-levels are flexible and determined by the child’s own capability. |
All students in the class are of the same age and take the same lessons. |
|
Class structure |
The classroom is purposely structured with child-centric activities and lessons. If you know where the child is, you know the activity or lesson the child is involved in. |
The classroom is not strictly structured but organized for pre-planned teacher-centric activities and lessons. If you know the time and day, then you know what the lesson is. |
|
Schedule |
Freedom is given for each child to choose their activities and they are allowed to work uninterrupted for as long as needed. Teachers (Directresses is the Montessori term) observe and guide children on a one-to-one basis with different activities/lessons. |
Teachers choose and conduct lessons and activities – same lessons at the same pace for all students. A portion of students often struggle to keep up or finish the lesson by the end of the allotted time. |
|
Discipline |
Children are respectfully and carefully encouraged or redirected when needed without rewards or punishments. Confidence and self-esteem come from a child’s internal sense of pride in their learning and growth rather than approval from adults. |
Some children may not follow the prescribed lessons well especially if they are disinterested. Distractions and misbehaviour are common and are addressed using extrinsic rewards (stickers or awards) and punishments (time-outs). |
|
Mixed-age interaction |
Typically, children of three age groups are mixed in a classroom (eg. 3-6 years). This is fundamental to Montessori as children learn on their own and from one another. The older ones take responsibility to be kind and accommodating and the younger ones learn to observe, listen and adapt. Skills such as respect, kindness, consideration, communication, collaboration, responsibility, and leadership all come naturally in this environment. |
Mixed-age interaction is limited and avoided where possible in an effort to "protect" younger kids. |
|
Montessori |
Most daycares and schools |
|---|---|
|
Motivation to learn |
|
|
Children learn on their own through exploring purposely-designed self-guided activities. They experience a higher sense of satisfaction and joy when activities they chose are completed and a new concept is mastered |
Children learn by listening to the teacher passively, memorization, and doing homework. |
|
Curriculum |
|
|
Within an age ‘group’ (eg. 3-6 years), the curriculum and grade-levels are flexible and determined by the child’s own capability. |
All students in the class are of the same age and take the same lessons. |
|
Class structure |
|
|
The classroom is purposely structured with child-centric activities and lessons. If you know where the child is, you know the activity or lesson the child is involved in. |
The classroom is not strictly structured but organized for pre-planned teacher-centric activities and lessons. If you know the time and day, then you know what the lesson is. |
|
Schedule |
|
|
Freedom is given for each child to choose their activities and they are allowed to work uninterrupted for as long as needed. Teachers (Directresses is the Montessori term) observe and guide children on a one-to-one basis with different activities/lessons. |
Teachers choose and conduct lessons and activities – same lessons at the same pace for all students. A portion of students often struggle to keep up or finish the lesson by the end of the allotted time. |
|
Discipline |
|
|
Children are respectfully and carefully encouraged or redirected when needed without rewards or punishments. Confidence and self-esteem come from a child’s internal sense of pride in their learning and growth rather than approval from adults. |
Some children may not follow the prescribed lessons well especially if they are disinterested. Distractions and misbehaviour are common and are addressed using extrinsic rewards (stickers or awards) and punishments (time-outs). |
|
Mixed-age interaction |
|
|
Typically, children of three age groups are mixed in a classroom (eg. 3-6 years). This is fundamental to Montessori as children learn on their own and from one another. The older ones take responsibility to be kind and accommodating and the younger ones learn to observe, listen and adapt. Skills such as respect, kindness, consideration, communication, collaboration, responsibility, and leadership all come naturally in this environment. |
Mixed-age interaction is limited and avoided where possible in an effort to "protect" younger kids. |
Our unique perspective on Montessori
Our seven core values – Integrity, Equality, Dignity, Respect, Compassion, Love, and Harmony – define our school’s identity, its purpose and reflect our sincere commitment to the Montessori philosophy.
We are dedicated to instilling these values in our children and upholding them while providing our services to everyone in the school community.
Beyond that, we also uphold five commitments to our community:
1. First Priority – Our Children
Core to Montessori is a deep respect for each child. This means respecting their freedom, allowing them to choose, move around, correct their own mistakes, and work at their own pace.
We recognize that healthy eating is critical to focus and learning. We’re highly invested in preparing meals and snacks that are diverse, nutritious, and flavourful as part of this commitment.
2. Quality – Montessori Curriculum
We are an authentic Montessori school and our classrooms are set up with quality Montessori materials. True to Montessori, our programs are designed to provide holistic development that enables each child to develop at their own pace academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
We work under Montessori guidelines and Church Street Montessori (our previous location) was the 1st AMI Recognized school in the York Region. However since we are situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine we do go beyond the Montessori curriculum by incorporating frequent trips into the outdoor world as well.
3. Excellence – Environment and Staff
Our teachers are experienced, skilled, caring, and compassionate. Our senior staff are AMI trained and have over 30 years of combined Montessori experience. They are skilled at directing our classrooms in a manner that naturally creates focus and lots of 1:1 time between teachers and students.
4. Focus – Holistic Development
We make every effort to provide the foundation for holistic development for our children to become intelligent, creative, independent thinkers who are confident and socially fit to approach the challenges of life. Our Montessori curriculum mixed with field trips and volunteer activities fosters holistic development – i.e. the development of intellectual, physical, emotional, and social areas altogether for enabling our children to become balanced individuals.
5. Conduct – One Unified Community
At KinderHaus Montessori, we make every effort to provide a learning environment that is safe, friendly, and intellectually stimulating. We like our school to be the home-away-from-home for our young children where they feel comfortable to be free, explore and learn. However, since children never stop observing, interacting, and exploring, nurturing them requires the environment outside of the classroom to be harmonious as well. We foster a community of guardians and teachers that are committed to providing a respectful, safe, and nurturing environment for our young children.
Montessori classes at KinderHaus
Toddler Program (~18 months - ~3 years)
At KinderHaus Montessori, our toddler program (18 months - 3 years) features a two-hour uninterrupted work cycle in the morning, thoughtfully designed to support each child’s development and exploration ,independence, confidence, and love of learning from the very start.
A Place Made Just for Them
We create a safe, beautiful, and orderly environment where everything is at a toddler’s level - inviting exploration and encouraging independence.
Growing Independence
From putting on their own coat to preparing a simple snack, toddlers develop self-care skills that build confidence and pride.
Hands - On Learning
Through practical life activities, movement, and sensory exploration, children strengthen coordination, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Language Blossoms
Everyday conversations, songs, and stories nurture a rich vocabulary and a love for
communication.
Social & Emotional Growth
Small group experiences help toddlers learn to share, take turns, and express
themselves respectfully.
Freedom Within Gentle Limits
Children choose activities that interest them, within clear and consistent boundaries that create security and respect.
Connection to the Real World
Gardening, caring for plants and animals, and helping with daily tasks connect toddlers to the rhythms of real life.
Casa Program (~3 - 6 years)
KinderHaus Montessori Casa classrooms are thoughtfully prepared following AMI Standards, ensuring an authentic Montessori environment that nurtures natural development of each individual child.
Uninterrupted Work Cycles
Three hours of focused work time in the morning, and two hours in the
afternoon, giving children ample opportunity to concentrate and explore.
Prepared Environment
A calm, orderly, and beautiful classroom filled with hands-on Montessori materials for math, language, science, culture, and art.
Mixed-Age Community
Younger children learn from older peers, while older children strengthen skills by
mentoring.
Independence & Responsibility
Practical life activities and classroom care foster self-reliance, organization, and
respect.
Grace & Courtesy
Lessons in kindness, cooperation, and problem-solving develop empathy and
strong social skills.
Holistic Learning
Subjects are interconnected, helping children see patterns and relationships in
the world around them.
Role of the Guide
Teachers observe, support, and inspire, guiding each child’s unique path of
learning.