A World Of Creativity
Nature's House Preschool
Nature's House is a Montessori inspired toddler environment
(18 months - 3 years),
We offer individual care that allows for each child's potential to be nurtured. We grow a love for learning with hands on experiences, developing independence and respect for self and others within a safe and homely environment.
At Nature’s House we promote critical thinking and emphasise on nature exploration and play as part of following the child’s natural interest.
Through a personalised curriculum, all activities are carefully designed to nurture the emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of each child.
Meet the head of Nature's House
Tanya Jordaan is a qualified preschool teacher, that has always dreamed of opening her own toddler environment since starting her career in early childhood development. "Having the experience in teaching older children gives me a holistic view of each child’s developmental needs, and essentially what skills they need to learn that will help them with their school career ahead".
Parent Info
We are always available to answer questions.
What framework for learning and exploration do you follow?
Based on the Montessori method, a day at Nature’s House follows a predictable rhythm that accords with the natural needs of the child. The pace is unhurried, and the ethos is respectful of individual needs. Whether the children are indoors or outdoors, curiosity, creativity, play, and nature exploration allow for learning to happen naturally.
Their everyday experiences at Nature’s House teaches them about the world and how to be a part of it.
Montessori’s education method called for free activity within a ‘prepared environment,’ meaning an educational environment tailored to basic human characteristics and to the specific characteristics of children at different ages. The function of the environment is to allow the child to develop independence in all areas according to his or her inner psychological directives. In addition to offering access to beautiful wooden materials that supports the child’s development, the environment exhibits the following characteristics:
- Construction in proportion to the child, and his needs
- Beauty, harmony, and order
- An arrangement of inside/outside exploration that facilitates movement and activity and curiosity.
- And Tanya supporting intellectual, emotional, and social development appropriate to each of the children.
Do you have a special designated playground?
At Nature’s House, our indoor environment has a natural flow to the outdoor environment. Nature studies, while playing and exploring outside is part of our daily rhythm. We allow for the freedom of movement between our beautiful sunny inside room, the undercover patio and our safe and enclosed garden.
Will my child be playing with bigger kids?
Unlike conventional schools, which separate children into grades, Montessori classes are multi-age and non-graded. The age divisions relate to child development rather than curricular requirements. Children at Nature’s House are in a class that will best meet the child’s individual needs. We ensure that the children are allowed to develop at their individual pace and their potential is not limited. Having a vertical age group also supports social interaction, collaboration, peer learning and sense of community among the children.
What qualifications does Tanya Jordaan have?
Nature’s House Preschool follows the guidelines of the ECD regulations in our local territory to ensure the expected standards are met.
Tanya Jordaan has a BA in Fine Arts, and is a qualified Montessori Teacher (3-6 years) with a National Diploma in Early Childhood Development (NQF level 5). Tanya has six years experience in teaching and two and a half years experience as H.O.D. at Stepping Stones Montessori School. Since starting her own school (2022) she has completed a Toddler Certificate Course through the Montessori Centre, South Africa. She is also registered with the South African Council for Educators, as well as a member of the South African Montessori Association. Tanya is trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
How do you discipline the children?
Nature’s House promotes peaceful resolution of disagreements and avoids the use of authoritarian methods based on fear and punishment. Our children are encouraged to be confident and assertive, yet polite and considerate by learning from us as role models.
