Our Montessori Programme
Hands-On, Child-Centred Learning at Koru Montessori Sunnynook
At Koru Montessori, our programme is grounded in the Montessori philosophy and aligned with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum. We offer a carefully prepared learning environment—both indoors and out—that is calm, engaging, and designed to foster independence, curiosity, and confidence in children aged 2 to 6 years.
Children are free to explore at their own pace, working independently or in small groups with hands-on materials that reflect their interests and developmental needs. The result is a joyful, purposeful learning experience that nurtures every child’s unique potential.
What We Offer
A small, Montessori preschool for children aged 2–6
A licensed early childhood centre for up to 28 children
Low teacher-to-child ratio of 1:7 (exceeding Ministry of Education standards)
Teaching practices grounded in Montessori philosophy and Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum
Highly qualified, experienced teachers who offer consistent, responsive, and respectful guidance
Individualised planning based on each child’s interests and developmental needs
Strong communication and collaboration with families and whānau
Mixed-Age Montessori Classrooms
Our classrooms welcome children from approximately age 2 through to 6, creating a natural community of learners. Younger children observe and learn from their older peers, while older children reinforce their learning by mentoring and modelling. This dynamic builds confidence, leadership skills, and self-esteem, especially as children prepare to transition to primary school.
Materials are arranged on low shelves within easy reach, inviting children to choose their work independently and return it when finished, building responsibility and a sense of order.
Six Key Montessori Learning Areas
1. Practical Life Skills
Activities such as pouring, spooning, sweeping, and food preparation help children develop independence, coordination, and concentration. These everyday tasks satisfy a child’s natural desire to imitate adults and contribute meaningfully to their environment.
2. Sensorial Exercises
Sensorial materials refine the five senses and support early brain development. Children explore texture, weight, shape, size, colour, sound, and smell, learning to categorise and compare, which lays the foundation for maths, language, and scientific thinking.
3. Language & Literacy
Children are introduced to phonetic sounds, letter shapes, and eventually, writing and reading. Using tactile Montessori materials, they progress from recognising individual sounds to creating and reading words with meaning.
4. Mathematics
Hands-on Montessori maths materials make abstract concepts tangible and fun. Children explore numbers, quantities, counting, sequencing, and the decimal system through movement and manipulation, developing strong number sense in the early years.
5. Cultural Studies, Arts & Music
Children learn about the world through geography, biology, art, music, and Te Ao Māori. Puzzle maps, animal and plant classification cards, and real-world objects help them understand their place in the world.
We celebrate Aotearoa’s bicultural heritage and cultural diversity, incorporating Te Reo Māori, Tikanga, and stories, songs, and customs from many cultures. Children learn to respect, appreciate, and take pride in who they are and where others come from.
6. Social & Emotional Development
Respectful relationships and social responsibility are fostered from the start. Children develop empathy, cooperation, and communication skills through freedom of movement, group activities, and mixed-age interaction. Teachers support each child’s emotional wellbeing by responding with warmth, understanding, and consistency.
Koru Montessori is a quality, child-centred preschool located in Sunnynook on Auckland’s North Shore, offering authentic Montessori education for children aged 2–6.
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
Contact
(09) 410 9535
korumontessori@xtra.co.nz
21 Kapiti Place, Sunnynook,
North Shore 0620
