Airdmhor Montessori

16/09/2026

This week we have been celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and our tamariki have embraced te reo with such enthusiasm. From using kupu like poaka and ngeru, to greeting each other with “Ko ___ ahau,” their confidence has blossomed.

Our classroom has been alive with language learning through waiata, stories, games, and practical life experiences, all supporting a deeper connection to te ao Māori. Mā te ako ka mārama / through learning, we come to understand.

Dr Maria Montessori reminds us, “The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.”

09/09/2026

This week at Airdmhor Montessori, our tamariki have been immersed in the fascinating world of amphibians, frogs, salamanders, and more. Their curiosity has been incredible, sparking thoughtful kōrero and deep wonderings. One favourite pātai from the week: “Do frogs sit under the water with their back legs bent?” Moments like these remind us how naturally tamariki seek understanding when given space to explore.

Through reference books, puzzles, 3-part cards, life cycle activities, and hands-on investigations, the tamariki have been discovering:

• Frog body parts
• Life cycles
• Amphibian habitats
• Differences between frogs and salamanders

“The child seeks independence by means of work; the adult strives for independence by means of control.” Dr Maria Montessori
A beautiful reminder that when we follow the child, their learning unfolds naturally.

Fun facts the tamariki loved:
• Amphibian skin — Frogs don’t drink water; they absorb it through their skin.
• Frog hearing — A frog’s eardrum is the circular patch behind its eye.
• Salamander regeneration — Some salamanders can regrow lost limbs.
• Frog life cycle — Tadpoles start life with gills and later grow lungs.

“He taonga te ako / learning is a treasure.”

The tamariki have truly embodied this, showing us once again how rich learning becomes when curiosity leads the way.

02/09/2026

🌼 Springtime Learning 🌼

This week the tamariki have been busy exploring spring, noticing how the weather can be changeable, observing flowers, and discovering the excitement of new life emerging all around us.

Through discussions, reference books, hands‑on activities, and creative crafts, the tamariki have been deepening their understanding of this beautiful season. It has been a joy watching their curiosity blossom alongside the kōwhai and cherry blossoms outside.

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Dr Maria Montessori
“Ka tipu te whaihanga / creativity will flourish.”

We love seeing the tamariki connect with nature, ask thoughtful questions, and express their learning in meaningful ways as spring unfolds.

26/08/2026

This week our tamariki have been immersed in the beautiful world of flowers and the parts of a flower. Through hands-on Montessori activities, 3-part cards, pinouts, watering and caring for flowers, flower arranging, arts and crafts, and rich kōrero , they have been exploring how flowers grow, what they need, and why they are so important in nature.

The tamariki have discovered that:
• Petals help attract bees and other pollinators
• Stamens make pollen
• Pistils help create seeds
• Leaves help the plant make its food
• Roots anchor the plant and drink water

As we learn about flowers, we also look ahead to Daffodil Day this Friday, 28 August, a day where Aotearoa comes together to support the Cancer Society. Daffodils remind us of hope, renewal, and the strength of communities caring for one another. 🌼

A few fun flower facts the tamariki loved:
• Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter
• Flowers can “talk” to bees using colour and scent
• Some flowers close at night to protect their pollen

In the spirit of Montessori, our learning is guided by real experiences and meaningful connections. As Dr Maria Montessori reminds us, “The child learns by doing, and development unfolds through purposeful activity.”

He puāwai te tamaiti / the child is a blossom.
This week, our learning has been blooming beautifully. 🌼🌸

24/08/2026

20/08/2026

🌍 Animals of the World Learning Week 🦒🦓🦔

This week our tamariki have been busy exploring animals of the world. Their curiosity has shone through as they learned in true Montessori style, through hands‑on experiences, creativity, and meaningful engagement.

They have enjoyed arts and crafts, practical life activities, puzzles, play dough making, books, and rich discussions that sparked wonder and connection. He taonga te ako / learning is a treasure.

As Dr Maria Montessori reminds us, “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” Our environment has certainly been full of discovery this week.

We love watching our tamariki learn, explore, and grow. ❤️

13/08/2026

This week our tamariki have been deeply engaged in learning about the North American continent. Through rich discussions, reference books, our North America photo folder, hands‑on arts and crafts, matching activities, and colouring the flags of each country, the tamariki have been discovering the beauty and diversity of this continent.

They also explored our special North America treasure box, filled with little nick‑nats that sparked curiosity, storytelling, and lots of thoughtful questions. He taonga te ako / learning is a treasure.

Fun facts the tamariki loved:
+ North America has 23 countries, including the world’s third‑largest country by land area, the United States.
+ Canada has more lakes than any other country – over 2 million.
+ Mexico is home to the world’s largest pyramid (by volume), the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
+ Greenland, although part of North America, is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
+ The Caribbean Sea is home to more than 7,000 islands.

Our tamariki showed such joy, focus, and independence as they explored this continent in true Montessori style - through hands, heart, and mind.

“The child becomes a person through work.” Dr Maria Montessori

04/08/2026

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata / What is the most important thing in the world? It is people.

This week our tamariki have been exploring world flags and world currencies through hands‑on, child‑led activities. Using books, maps, and beautifully prepared materials, they’ve been busy noticing flag colours, shapes, symbols, and comparing money from Aotearoa with currencies used around the globe.

In true Montessori fashion, “The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence” our learners have been cutting, colouring, matching, sorting, and discussing what makes each country unique.

Fun facts the tamariki loved:
• The Canadian flag features a maple leaf with exactly 11 points.
• Japan’s flag is called Hinomaru, meaning “circle of the sun”.
• NZ banknotes are made from polymer, which lasts longer and is harder to tear than paper.
• The Swiss franc is used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
• The United Kingdom has four countries and each has its own flag.

Our tamariki showed such curiosity and joy as they connected with the wider world. Ka rawe, little explorers.

29/07/2026

This week our tamariki have been immersed in learning about the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, exploring the excitement, teamwork, and global connection that these games bring. Through kōrero, arts and crafts, storytelling, and their reflection books, the tamariki have been discovering the many sports being played, from gymnastics and athletics to weightlifting and, of course, swimming, where Aotearoa continues to shine. Ka mau te wehi, New Zealand!

A special highlight was the opportunity for our tamariki to see real local swimming medals - gold, silver, and bronze. This hands‑on experience helped deepen their understanding of what medals represent dedication, perseverance, and celebrating achievement. Their eyes lit up as they made connections between the medals they held and the ones being won in Glasgow.

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Dr Maria Montessori

Our tamariki truly embodied this as they explored global events with curiosity, creativity, and pride.

🥇 Fun Facts the tamariki loved:
• New Zealand first competed in the Commonwealth Games in 1930 and has never missed a Games.
• Swimming is one of NZ’s strongest sports, with multiple medals won in Glasgow.
• The Commonwealth Games symbol features three interlaced rings representing humanity, equality, and destiny.
• Glasgow hosted 17 sports, giving our tamariki plenty to explore through craft and play.
• The Games are held every four years, just like the Olympics.

He whetū ngā tamariki / shining stars making connections, asking thoughtful questions, and celebrating the achievements of their country with pride.

22/07/2026

He mihi mahana ki ā tātou whānau / a warm welcome back to all our families after the school holiday break. It has been such a joy hearing the adventures our tamariki have been on and seeing their excitement as they returned to the preschool.

This week our learning has taken us to the Antarctic and Arctic continents, exploring snow, ice, and freezing environments. The tamariki have been deeply engaged in discussions, stories, arts and crafts, and hands‑on activities that help them understand these incredible parts of our world.

“The child becomes a person through work.” Dr Maria Montessori
Our tamariki certainly embodied this as they created penguins, polar bears, icy landscapes, and explored maps with curiosity and determination.

Fun facts the tamariki loved:
• Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures dropping below –80°C.
• Polar bears live in the Arctic, not Antarctica, but penguins live in Antarctica, not the Arctic.
• The Antarctic ice sheet holds about 70% of the world’s fresh water.
• The Arctic isn’t a continent, it’s a frozen ocean surrounded by land.

We can’t wait to see where our learning journey takes us next. He taonga te tamaiti / every child is a treasure.