Discovery Den - Kindergarten 4 to 5 years
Discovery Den is our home away from home, where 4–5 year old children embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. Our Montessori environment is designed to foster a sense of awe and wonder, encouraging children to become more adventurous, curious, and confident learners.
The environment provides inspiring and curious activities focusing on Montessori learning areas. It is through promoting cultural diversity that children explore their local Lutruwita (Tasmania) culture and heritage. Each child’s unique background is celebrated and geography and history explored. Montessori concepts are investigated and can include map work, cultural dress and traditional music.
The Palawa Kani language of the Aboriginal people is introduced into our language education and concepts of literacy and communication developed through play and everyday routines and practices. Traditional Montessori language activities can include storytelling, puppet work, reading and writing.
The other Montessori concepts can be explored through sensorial experiences by refining the senses through texture sorting, colour grading and sound boxes. While hands on experiences and play encourage the development of mathematical foundations and skills as well as Montessori materials such as rods, sandpaper numbers and counting blocks.
Practical life skills are developed through every routine and ritual and supports children’s sense of belonging, responsibility and connection as well as giving them a sense of purpose. Practical life Montessori experiences can include exploring pouring, spooning and dressing frames.
Our classroom is carefully prepared to provide a range of hands-on materials and activities that cater to the different learning styles and interests of each child.
Our environment includes:
- Science - Exploring the natural world through hands-on experiments and activities.
- Dramatic Play - Fostering creativity and role-playing skills through imaginative play.
- Construction - Developing problem solving skills and hand-eye coordination through building and construction activities.
- Sensory Exploration - Engaging the senses through activities such as sand, water, and texture play.
- Cultural Connections - Celebrating diversity and promoting global awareness through cultural activities and traditions.
- Botany - Exploring the natural world and developing an appreciation for plants and the environment.
- Creativity - Fostering self-expression and creativity through art, music, and imaginative play.
- Empowerment - Encouraging independence, self-confidence, and self-motivation.
- Community Connections - Building relationships with the local community and promoting social responsibility.
We support children in their transition to school by connecting with local literacy and skills programs and building collaborative partnerships with educational partners. Our program is designed to prepare children for the next stage of their educational journey, while fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
