R5 Members Learn about Birth to Threes in a Montessori Setting

The meeting at Little Learners Montessori School, Solihull was attended by 45 MSA members. We were very fortunate to have Barbara Issacs (pictured) as our speaker.

The day was divided into 2 training sessions. In the morning, Barbara talked about the developmentally appropriate ways of working with children from birth to three in Montessori settings

Everyone was inspired by her suggestions of:

• how to organise our shelves
• group activities
• potty training
• pre-literacy activities
• interaction between older and younger children
• treasure baskets and
• snacks

The afternoon was dedicated to how we can apply the different types of observations to Montessori settings and the principles underpinning each of them. This session brought about a few lively discussions amongst members and resulted in many thought provoking ideas for practitioners.

It was a very informative day, as Barbara constantly linked both her talks with the New Early Years Foundation Stage and suggestions of how to provide appropriate evidence for OFSTED.

All members left stimulated and eager to implement Barbaras excellent suggestions into their settings.