Learning Links – Queens Dr, St Kilda, Montessori Dunedin
Parent Testimonials
Learning Links - Montessori Dunedin
Learning Links Montessori is an Early Childhood setting on Queens Drive in St Kilda Dunedin. We follow the Montessori philosophy of child-directed learning with a big emphasis on the development of independence.
Our programme is designed to support the children’s growing curiosity and encourage them to explore and learn with the guidance of qualified Montessori teachers.
We provide a nurturing and well prepared environment where the children can develop independence and respect for both the natural world and each other. Our Montessori approach is strongly interwoven with the TeWhariki -the Zealand Early Childhood curriculum . Balanced with group activities, a beautiful outdoor learning environment and regular whanau events to promote a strong community feeling.
Our mixed age group settings foster a strong sense of community in which the children care and collaborate with each other.
We believe learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. By giving children easy access to well-organised equipment and resources as well as the freedom to choose activities they are interested in, they experience the excitement and fun of discovery at their own pace.
We are a passionate team of educators who strive to support the children on their individual leaning journey to become independent human beings.
The Montessori philosophy doesn’t just prepare the child for school, rather gives them tools to life creating a love of lifelong learning.
Feel free to arrange a visit to discuss the philosophy in more detail and to view our three Montessori environments-Nido, Rata and Kowhai.
With a complete new internal fitout and all new resources and an incredible refresh outdoors you will love our new look environment.
Some of our latest adventures!
Forest Programme (At Learning Links Hector Drive)
Connecting children to nature is something we are passionate about at Learning Links Hector. An enriching programme like this certainly isn’t something that was decided one day and began the next – it has taken a lot of preparation, consideration and dedication.
Well today, our passion became a reality! The group headed off on their expedition within our local community. They began this weekly ritual with a forest karakia and a willingness to explore and test their limits in the dense bush. We are very proud that our tamariki showed such respect for the beautiful forest and its creatures and this will be something that they will remember for many years to come – a huge thank you to our Kaiako, Rebekah and Ana for bringing our programme to life today everyone should have a good sleep tonight!
Our tamariki are becoming increasingly confident and familiar with the forest. They have already gained a strong sense of direction and able to show their kaiako which way could lead us to the destination.
They were lucky to find and try some kawakawa, which we learnt that the leaves can be made into medication that helps our digestive system. We even brought some back to our centre for our friends to try as herbal tea.
No doubt, the muddy puddles was the favourite. It was such fun for each of us to get wet, get muddy and be engaged with nature! We are also amazed to see the growing resilience of our children when they slipped into mud, when they got dirty and when they were in dilemma. They were determined to take risks and challenge themselves, physically and emotionally!
It was equally impressive to notice how tamariki cared for each other and helped their peers out of a challenging situation, they were demonstrating their growing social competence and caring nature in their bush play! We highly recommend getting out into nature - the children will surprise you!
As we continue to connect locally, to our Rototuna area, we discovered Rototuna means "lake of eels". In Pre-European times, our area had a lake named Tunawhakapeke. The lake and surrounding swamps had an abundance of tuna resources. As a result of our new knowledge the tamariki are discovering where the tuna like to live now and what they like to eat! Trying to coax them out of their hiding places, the children have been patiently dangling some food for them and to hopefully catch a glimpse soon!
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CENTRE DETAILS
Ratios: Infants 1:4, Toddlers 1:6, Preschool 1:8
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 8am to 5:30pm
Address: 39 Queens Dr, St Kilda, Montessori Dunedin
Phone Number: 03 455 5066
ERO Report: View Report
Ministry of Education Funding: View Information
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Thinking of Enrolling?
The best way to find out if we’re the right centre for your family is by seeing it for yourself! Please come in for a visit.
If you want to read more about Learning Links, please download our Parent General Information Book.
