Elms Montessori for beautiful early learning

Fourteen years on from its beginnings, the Elms Montessori School in Kilcullen has matured into a beautiful early learning centre in much the same way as we can bet the young children from those early days have, writes Brian Byrne.

The School has been in a purpose-built premises on the Kilcullen Community Centre campus since 2009, a transition from its beginnings in 2003 in temporary accommodation that made all the difference. Visiting the School today reveals a bright and cheerful environment, that is also very safe.

"This is the children's own environment, where they can lead and we follow on and help them learn," says the School's Director Christine Ayerst.

Which is one of the tenets of the Montessori system — the children learn through play, at their own pace and in general terms picking the 'teaching' materials themselves to do this.

Looking around in the Elms, there's a lot going on. A variety of different activities, the children with some in small groups, others taking a time on their own, building a toy, playing with it, dismantling it if that's the kind of toy it is, and then returning it to its designated place for when the next little person takes a turn.

"Children are involved in learning through their senses and while they play," Christine says. "From the moment they come in the morning, they make their own decisions as to where or what they will work with."

Currently there are four teachers along with Christine — Anne Marie Masterson, Gina McAllister, Teresa Devanney and Catherine Mackey. Each of them is fully trained in the Montessori system, and they watch the children closely, only intervening to provide positive encouragement in a way the system would describe as 'respectful interaction'.

"In fact, the teacher needs to interact less and less as the child develops. They learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation and self-discipline and a love of learning that stays with them for life."

The largest grouping in a day would be when there's a music session, an important part of the School's curriculum. And while it sounds complicated that they are introduced to 'rhythm, beat, pace and pitch' in the process, it's really all about that theme of learning through play. As part of the programme, they learn to use percussion instruments and the violin. And, of course, to enjoy singing.

"Active children are happy children, and activity is paramount here. As the children select activities from the shelves and carry trays to and from the tables, they are learning to balance and to be independent, and discipline in that work must always be returned to its place on the shelf."

With the number of children currently at 20, Elms is an intimate and close interaction with the teachers. There is capacity for more in this year's group, and Christine can always take on a extra teaching staff should there be need.

"We offer the ECCE free school year, so if your child at the right age, give us a call. You'll find you have guaranteed your child the best foundation for learning."

The Elms can be contacted at 045 485887 and 087 6343037.

This article was first published on the Kilcullen page of the Kildare Nationalist.