Cultural Diversity
What Does Cultural Diversity Look Like at Otari School?
We provide many opportunities for children to explore their culture and the world. Children are encouraged to share about their family culture and to listen and understand about other cultures of those in their class and in the world.
Parents and whānau are invited to share aspects of their culture with the class. Examples of this include parents sharing knowledge about religious celebrations, skills or traditions that are important to their culture.
Supporting Montessori at Home
Parents share their own culture with their child through discussion, language, values, celebrations and ceremonies.
Parents share their culture in the classroom by coming in to visit.
Parents are respectful of other cultures in the community and encourage respectful discussion about culture by trips to museums, library, taking part in different celebrations such as Matariki, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, or by visiting religious or cultural sites.
Otari School Principle
The Otari School Curriculum reflects New Zealand’s cultural diversity and values the histories and traditions of its entire people.
Montessori Philosophy and Curriculum
Teaching about culture, society, social justice and peace involves creating awareness and understanding of human studies, values, social systems and ideology. Children grow to understand what it means to be compassionate and active citizens at Otari School at home, after school and in their wider community. We empower children and introduce them to the art of peace.
MANZ Journey to Excellence Indicators
The Montessori environment is rich with learning opportunities for the young child to explore his/her culture and the world (1.7)
Montessori teachers use the interests and discoveries of all children to enrich the curriculum (1.8)