Harewood Road Montessori

Montessori magic!
Today, the junior tamariki took part in a Montessori-inspired art activity where they used child-safe scissors to carefully cut pieces of paper. They then used these cut pieces to decorate and paste onto pictures of sea creatures, adding colour and creativity to their work. This hands-on experience supported their fine motor development, concentration, and independence as they practiced cutting skills and made intentional choices about where to place their paper. The activity also encouraged creativity and focus, allowing the children to express themselves while engaging in purposeful, meaningful work.

A month of Montessori magic!

Our dressing boards are used to help the Tamariki independence in dressing and un******ng themselves.
This is a practical life activity that helps to promote finger dexterity, confidence and self-esteem.
You may notice at home when it is time to put on a jacket that your child places it on the floor, standing behind before slipping their arms in a putting it over their heads. We often hear shouts of "I did it".

Meet the magic team Monday!

🌼 Meet Our Kaiako – Sisco 🌼

Kia ora everyone!

My name is Sisco and I am the lead teacher in our Kowhai Room.

This year marks my 11th year at Harewood Road Montessori, and I still love coming to work each day and learning alongside our wonderful tamariki.

I am originally from Taiwan and have lived in Christchurch with my husband for the past 12 years. We love New Zealand and feel very fortunate to call it home.

I particularly enjoy working with children aged 3 years and over, supporting them as they grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. I also teach Mandarin every Wednesday and Thursday, sharing language and culture through stories, songs and fun learning experiences.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my four cats, exploring nature and creating engaging learning environments for children.

I believe every child is unique and capable, and I feel privileged to be part of their learning journey.

Ngā mihi,
Sisco 🌿

A month of Montessori magic!

Purposeful movement in the Prep Room!
Today, tamariki explored the Montessori walking on the line activity while carefully carrying a tray. Once they felt confident with the movement, a small glass bottle filled with water was added to extend the challenge.
This Montessori practical life experience supported tamariki in developing control of movement, coordination, balance, concentration, and spatial awareness. Through purposeful movement and the use of real materials, tamariki were encouraged to move carefully and intentionally while fostering independence, perseverance, and respect for their environment.
The self-correcting nature of the activity allowed tamariki to independently adjust and refine their movements as they worked towards mastering the challenge at their own pace

The PJ Project has one simple aim, to help keep kids warm in winter! Kindness Collective Foundation

We celebrated national PJ on Friday! We have had lots of pjs donated! But you still have time! We have until the 31st June to donate as many pjs as we can keeping Tamariki of Aotearoa warm this winter!

Donations can be made to the box outside the office

A month of Montessori magic!

Today in the nursery we explored a Montessori rice scooping and pouring activity. This experience supported fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. The sensory nature of the rice encouraged exploration and learning through touch. It also fostered independence as tamariki practised a real-life skill at their own pace.

In our nursery, Montessori is reflected in the everyday moments. Whether tamariki are washing their hands, putting on their own shoes, helping to mix ingredients for baking, or tending to our gardens, they are developing independence, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for themselves and their environment. Through these meaningful, real-life experiences, tamariki are empowered to become capable and contributing members of our learning community.

Mondays are better when you meet the people who make it all happen.

Kia ora, my name is Jax!
I have been working at HRM as the Team Leader in the Nursery for over two years. I am also a proud parent of two school-aged children. Ever since they were babies, I knew that working in a nursery setting was where I wanted to be professionally.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching our pēpi learn and grow week by week. Seeing them develop new skills and build both their verbal and non-verbal communication is incredibly fulfilling.
I also have a passion for messy play and love creating opportunities for our tamariki to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences—although I don't always get as much time for it as I would like!
I feel very fortunate to be part of our nursery team and to support our youngest learners as they begin their learning journey.

Creativity through the eyes of a four year old