Shine Montessori Programme
Shine Montessori Educare is a blend of Montessori practice and theory, child initiated play and Christian values carefully woven together within the framework of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki. Children learn by doing.
Our Curriculum
Our Montessori-based curriculum supports children’s independence, confidence, and love of learning.
Children develop everyday skills through practical life activities such as dressing, cleaning, and food preparation. Sensorial materials help children explore the world using all five senses, building understanding and language.
Language learning begins with vocabulary and phonetic sounds, supporting natural development in reading and writing. Te Reo Māori is woven into the programme through songs, stories, and daily use by teachers.
Mathematics is introduced using hands-on materials that build a strong foundation in number, quantity, and problem solving. Children also explore science, geography, and history, learning about the natural world, cultures, and environmental care.
Art, music, and physical activity are part of everyday learning, encouraging creativity, coordination, and wellbeing. Christian values are gently integrated, promoting respect, love, and cooperation in our learning community.
CONFIDENT & OUTSPOKEN
To all the Teachers at Shine. Thank you so much for caring and Teaching Junsen over the last year.In the beginning Junsen couldn't speak a word of english and now he's so confident to speak out loudly. I can see he is developing his writing, reading and drawing abilities.
He has always enjoyed his time at Shine with the Teachers and good friends. We will catch up with you soon when his sister turns three.
Dr Maria Montessori
Dr Maria Montessori was an Italian doctor and educator who, in the early 1900s, discovered that children learn best when they are free to explore, move, and choose meaningful activities in a thoughtfully prepared environment. Her approach has since become one of the most respected early childhood philosophies worldwide.
The Montessori Philosphy
At the heart of Montessori education is the belief that children are naturally intelligent, curious, and capable. They absorb information from everything around them and learn through hands‑on exploration. Montessori also recognised that children move through specific stages of development, usually in three‑year cycles. During each stage, they are especially ready for certain types of learning — and when the environment supports this, children thrive.
In a Montessori classroom, children are supported to:
- Choose activities that interest them and work at their own pace
- Develop independence by doing things for themselves
- Join group experiences like circle time and collaborative projects
- Build confidence in their ability to think and solve problems
- Learn from mistakes in a calm, supportive environment
Our Blended Approach
At Shine, we follow a blended philosophy. Montessori principles form the foundation of our environment, routines, and teaching practice, but we also draw from other early childhood approaches to ensure a well‑rounded, responsive programme. This allows us to meet the needs of each child while keeping our environment warm, flexible, and community‑focused.
Our Christian Aspect
Shine also includes a gentle Christian aspect within our programme. Families are welcome to opt in or out of our Atrium program, and we respect each family’s choice. What matters most is that all families are comfortable with and respectful of our Christian values, which emphasise kindness, gratitude, compassion, and care for others. These values align naturally with the Montessori belief in nurturing peaceful, confident, and respectful children.
Together, our blended Montessori and Christian approach helps children grow into capable, confident, and joyful learners — supported academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.