Inclusion
What Does Inclusion Look Like at Otari School?
Montessori educators use the interests and discoveries of all students to enrich the classroom curriculum as a springboard for exploration of other areas.
Children are encouraged to be both teachers and learners and to use their skills to help others.
We celebrate diversity and deliberately seek to promote a global perspective. Otari School uses the Virtues Programme to promote this.
Supporting Inclusion at Home
The Virtues Programme can be used to support children at home. Parents can foster and model courtesy through respectful conversations with children, teachers, other families and the wider Otari School community.
The interests of the child are important, and are considered when making decisions and plans.
Montessori Philosophy and Curriculum
Cultural identity is celebrated. We embrace universal values such as respect, kindness, peacefulness, compassion, responsibility and courage.
In a Montessori class children learn from each other. Our objective is for children to learn to collaborate, respect and celebrate each other’s efforts and to form a supportive community of enthusiastic, life-long learners. Cooperation is valued over competition. Through all activities, it is our aim that children learn cooperation, friendship and respect.
Otari School Principle
Multi-level classrooms promote inclusion, a key feature of Montessori classrooms. The School provides a culture where children can truly be themselves. Each child’s unique identity, including their racial heritage, is valued and affirmed.
MANZ Journey to Excellence Indicators
Montessori teachers use the interests and discoveries of all children to enrich the Curriculum. (1.8)
Montessori teachers makes careful observations of children and use knowledge of the whole child to guide each child’s learning. (2.4)
The Montessori learning environment meets the developmental needs of children. (3.1)
Children experience a respectful, safe and caring Montessori community. (3.2)
The most optimal experience is gained when the child experiences a multi-age community that is aligned with the planes of development. (3.3)
Montessori teachers are skilled in following the child and responding to the changing interests and needs of each child as a unique individual. (3.4)