I'm Elizabeth, a Montessorian with over 8 years of experience working with bilingual children and families in primary schools and daycare settings in New York, Paris and now Hampshire, U.K. 

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My happiest memories as a teacher are those that are inspired by the children themselves. I never get tired of seeing the pride on a child's face the first time they put on their own shoes or zip-up their own coat. I believe the greatest gift we can give our children is time. Time to work things out, time to wonder 'why?' and time to develop their sense of self.

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The concept of "A la Carte Montessori" came from my feeling that the daily routine of schools and daycare settings is not necessarily in sync with each child's natural rhythm. I wanted to create a safe space for children to guide their own learning within the backdrop of a caring homely environment. 

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As a child, my love of learning language, being out in the garden with my dad and cooking with my mom have come to shape my interests and personality as an adult. I love to share these hobbies with the children in my care, in addition to learning from each child's interests and passions.

EDUCATION

Colgate University New York, U.S.A., Bachelor of Arts – Psychology & French Literature

Association Montessori Internationale Paris, France, Assistant Teacher Accreditation in Montessori Pedagogy 3-6 years

Montessori Centre International London, U.K., Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy - Level 4 Diploma - Birth to Seven (Early Years Educator)

 

CERTIFICATION

Paediatric First Aid - FAA Level 3 (QFC)

Food Safety - FAA Level 2 (QFC)

Safeguarding & Protecting Children - FAA Level 3 (QFC)

Enhanced DBS Background Check

OFSTED Registered Childminder

 

LANGUAGE

English Native Speaker

French - CEFR Level B2

Most recently, I have been the lead practitioner in the pre-school room of a Montessori based daycare setting in Hampshire. I have had a great deal of practice and practical experience creating activities to suit children's interests, the EYFS (Early Years guidelines) and Montessori principles.

 

Prior to working in England, I was living and working in Paris, France where I studied and developed my understanding of the Montessori method. I was fortunate to have experience as both a French-speaking pre-school teacher (Ecole Internationale Bilingue - Monceau) and a native English-speaking reception teacher (Ecole Bilingue Maria Montessori). I worked extensively with bilingual children and families to develop curriculum that builds foundations in phonics and literacy for both native French and English-speaking children.

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My first teaching experience at the International School of Brooklyn in New York, gave me great insight and experience in the immersion method of teaching language. I supported native English-speaking children as they acquired French as a second language.  It was amazing how enthusiastically children took on the challenge of learning a new language in a nurturing and loving environment!