2025 Newsletter Term 01 | Issue 01

In a Montessori toddler classroom, the prepared environment is thoughtfully designed to foster independence, exploration, and a love of learning. Low shelves, child-sized furniture, and carefully selected materials invite toddlers to engage in meaningful, hands-on activities that support their development. Everything has a purpose, from practical life exercises that refine motor skills to sensorial materials that enhance cognitive growth.

A sense of order and predictability in the space helps young children feel secure and confident as they navigate their surroundings. With the freedom to choose activities within a structured environment, toddlers develop concentration, problem-solving skills, and social awareness. This intentional setup creates a nurturing space where children can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

— Corinne, Anniebelle, Nina, Sarah.

A prepared environment serves as the foundation of Montessori education, inviting each child to freely explore, engage, and discover meaningful learning experiences. As we start the new year, we’ve thoughtfully arranged the classrooms to focus on child-sized furniture, open shelves, and accessible materials that spark curiosity and independence. This purposeful setup allows children to move about with confidence, select activities like working with the polishing trays and practicing pouring, and then return materials to their place once they’re done.

At the start of the year, the children begin to familiarize themselves with the prepared environment by learning where each item belongs on the shelves, and gradually engaging in simple tasks that help care for their surroundings. They wipe up spills, roll and return mats, and tuck in chairs so each workspace is ready for the next child. By enabling them to take these responsibilities into their own hands, we foster concentration, coordination, and self-assurance.

Warmest regards,

Burbangana educators – Vanessa, Annabelle, Katherine & Helene.

Dear Aikya Families,

Welcome to our first newsletter of the year! We have kicked off with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a deep dive into the rich learning opportunities provided by our carefully prepared environment. The Montessori classroom is intentionally designed to foster independence, engagement, and a love of learning, and the children have been immersing themselves in this space beautifully.

The Prepared Environment: A Foundation for Learning

Dr. Maria Montessori described the classroom as a “prepared environment” – a space that supports the child’s developmental needs through order, beauty, and purposeful work. In Aikya, the children have been actively exploring Montessori materials that allow them to practice fundamental skills appropriate for a Cycle 2 classroom. These materials encourage self-correction, hands-on learning, and deep concentration, all essential elements in fostering independence and a growth mindset.

Exploring the Great Lessons

We have begun our year with two of the First Great Lessons: The Beginning of the Universe and The Coming of Life. These foundational stories spark wonder and inquiry, setting the stage for big work in the classroom. The children have engaged in follow-up activities, from artistic interpretations to research projects, allowing them to explore the grand narratives of history, science, and interconnectedness in our world.

A Visit to the Botanical Gardens

Stepping beyond the classroom, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens, where we explored the fascinating world of invertebrates. Observing these tiny creatures in their natural habitats sparked discussions about biodiversity, ecosystems, and the roles these organisms play in our environment. This hands-on experience connected beautifully to our science learning and inspired further exploration back in the classroom.

Joyful Engagement in Learning

As the children settle into the routines of the year, we are seeing a wonderful sense of engagement, collaboration, and curiosity. The beauty of the Montessori environment is that it allows each child to move at their own pace, choosing work that captivates their interest and challenges their thinking. Whether practising fundamental mathematics, developing literacy skills, or working on collaborative projects, the students are embracing learning with joy and enthusiasm.

We look forward to sharing more of our learning journey with you throughout the term. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a strong and connected learning community.

Warm regards,
—The Aikya Team.

The Montessori-prepared environment is designed to foster independence, exploration, and deep engagement with learning through purposeful materials. This Term the Yani students have been doing just that!

Yani students have been busy diving into hands-on learning, making big discoveries with some of our favourite Montessori materials. Geography lessons have taken them on a journey across continents, exploring landforms, countries, and cultures with the continent materials – no passports required! Meanwhile, the checkerboard has been helping them tackle long multiplication like pros, and the pegboard has turned factors and multiples into a puzzle they’re determined to solve. There’s been plenty of teamwork, a few “aha!” moments, and maybe even some friendly debates over the best way to get the right answer.

Each Friday, Yani students transform into reading mentors, preparing engaging lessons for the younger Orana children. Whether it’s bringing stories to life with expressive reading or guiding little ones through tricky words, they’ve embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm (and maybe just a little dramatic flair). Beyond the classroom, Yani has quite literally set sail – learning the ropes of sailing in an excellent prepared environment. They’ve tackled tacking, mastered mainsheets, and can now throw around sailing jargon like seasoned skippers. It’s been smooth sailing so far, but who knows – Perhaps next term, we’ll see them charting new waters!

—Laura, Thomas, Ella & Amy Louise.