Our Montessori Classroom
Room 9 is a calm, welcoming Montessori environment where children aged 6–12 learn through hands‑on materials, independent work, and small‑group lessons. Our classroom is designed to help students focus deeply, explore their interests, and grow into confident, capable learners.
Known simply as Room 9, our class is part of Tawa Primary School and fully participates in school-wide activities. While guided by the teacher, students take an active role in running their classroom community—building independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.
A Prepared Environment
Our shelves are organised, uncluttered, and full of beautiful materials that invite children to learn independently. Everything has a purpose and a place, helping students develop responsibility and self‑management. The classroom includes spaces for maths, language, geometry, culture, science, art, and quiet reading.
How Learning Works
Children choose work that matches their level and interests, and the teacher presents new lessons in small groups or one‑on‑one. This approach supports independence, confidence, and deep concentration. Students also collaborate on projects, research topics they care about, and learn how different subjects connect to the wider world.
Part of Tawa School
Montessori students join the wider school for sports, assemblies, cultural events, and whole‑school activities. Room 9 is fully part of Tawa School while offering a unique Montessori learning experience.
Daily Rhythm
Our mornings are built around a 3-hour uninterrupted work cycle, where students engage in hands-on learning with literacy and numeracy integrated across the curriculum. This focus helps children develop concentration, confidence, and independence, while key concepts are introduced and scaffolded by the teacher as needed.
Sample Daily Schedule:
8:30 am — Classrooms Open
Students arrive and begin quiet work; calm transition into the day.
8:55 am — Mat Time
Roll, greetings, notices, karakia.
9:00 am – 12:20 pm — Morning Work Cycle
A 3‑hour uninterrupted work cycle including:
- Structured literacy / grammar lessons
- Maths & geometry lessons with hands‑on materials
- Great Stories, science, history, social sciences
- Arts, music, drama
- Handwriting and reading practice
- Practical life activities (cooking, Going‑Out)
- Self‑chosen snack & brain break
12:20 pm – 12:40 pm — Tidy‑Up & Lunch Eating
Students reset the classroom and eat together.
12:40 pm – 1:20 pm — Lunch Play
Outdoor play with the rest of Tawa School.
1:20 pm — Second Eating Break
Quick refuel before afternoon learning.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm — Afternoon Work Cycle
Activities may include:
- Self‑chosen project work
- Virtues / Grace & Courtesy role‑playing
- Te Reo Māori lessons
- PE and sports
- Assemblies, library time, whole‑school activities
3:00 pm — Dismissal
End‑of‑day routines and pack‑up.
History
Seeing their children thrive in a Montessori preschool environment, a group of parents formed the Manaaki Montessori Education Trust (a charitable trust) in 2000 and set out to establish a Montessori primary class alongside its founding teacher, Anna McLean (now the Principal of Primary at Wa Ora Montessori School). In January 2004, Manaaki Montessori was established at Tawa Primary School.
What began as a dream with just six students has grown into a full class that has withstood 20 years of changes in the education landscape. Today, we proudly offer quality Montessori education to families across Wellington’s northern suburbs, providing a nurturing, child-led environment where curiosity and independence flourish.
If you have questions or would like to arrange a visit, we’d love to hear from you.
