
Creative Learning
The Centre has a baby´s room, and 4 other classrooms for the older children. The teachers are locally trained women from the community, who are known as “Aunties” reflecting the family-like atmosphere of this special place. There is also a kitchen and a large garden with play equipment.

Education in the Valley of the Moon Children´s Centre has a dual focus: it implements both the national pre-school curriculum and also “the Montessori method” that focuses on independence, and respect for nature. The national curriculum consists of 4 areas: Personal and social education, environmental and cultural education, language and communication, and maths. All children also participate in physical education classes twice a week - even the babies are introduced to the subject in order to stimulate movement at an early stage!
The Centre has a special emphasis on environmental education, where they learn to respect their world, by not wasting things, not throwing rubbish on the floor, and learning to identify different vegetation in the area. Most materials in the classroom are second hand, or made with recycled or natural materials, in harmony with the simplicity of their home context and also the Montessori method.
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The Montessori Method
The Montessori method is a rights based technique characterised by a child`s right to develop and direct his or her own learning and process of growing up. The “Aunties” are always present in the classroom, but after introducing the child to materials they assume the role of an observer, allowing the child to investigate, discover, and learn independently. The children learn at their own pace, in a peaceful and respectful classroom environment.
The combination of the national curriculum and Montessori method stimulates the children's five senses and provides opportunities for early development. According to the head teachers of local schools that later receive the children "they are independent thinkers and sociable - and this enhances their school performance".
We continually look to improve and innovate our educational services – we have plans to introduce more creative play, music, arts and outdoor adventures!!
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