The Nido area, derived from the Italian word for “nest,” is a specially designed environment for infants and young children, offering a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. By integrating the principles of the Montessori method and a faith based environment, we create a unique educational experience that fosters holistic development and a strong spiritual foundation.
In our Nido area, infants and young children are provided with a safe and loving space to explore, learn and grow. The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child’s individuality. By incorporating Christian values such as love, kindness, and compassion, we aim to instill moral virtues and character development from an early age.
The benefits of a Nido environment in our Montessori school are numerous. Firstly, the Montessori philosophy recognizes that children are capable and curious learners, and the carefully prepared environment encourages them to actively engage with their surroundings. This fosters independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning, enabling children to reach their full potential academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our approach
Strong bodies and coordinated movement
Much of your baby’s energy early on will go toward building gross motor ability, as he learns to hold up his head, roll over, push up off the ground, sit up, stand, walk, climb, etc. Successful development in this area sets the stage for strength and coordination later in life, which are necessary to enjoy sports, dance, or daily life recreational activities.
For babies to fully learn to do all these things, they must have time, space, and freedom to move, so that they can practice each individual step along the way. When you first visit a Montessori Nido community, you’ll probably notice that there are no playpens, no jumpers, no walkers, and no high chairs—nothing that restricts your baby’s movement.
Confidence
Your tiny baby is trying new things all the time. Each time your baby practices a new skill, and then masters it, she strengthens the sense of confidence that will stay with her throughout her lifetime. Even your tiny baby imitates others, and can begin to take small steps towards independent self-care. Your Montessori guides will gently support your baby to learn to do things for herself, striking just the right balance between making your little one feel safe and loved, and identifying the right moment to encourage her to try something new.
Self-feeding is one of the early ways that your baby can practice independence in the area of self-care. As your baby learns to sit reliably, she sits at a tiny table on a sturdy chair, sized so that she can crawl in and out of the chair herself. The adult does as much as necessary but as little as possible at any given stage, helping your baby to do it “all by myself”!
Trust in self and in the world
Following your baby’s natural schedule encourages him to trust his body, and encourages a healthy relationship to sleeping, eating, and toileting. In the Montessori Nido, we observe your baby’s natural cycle of feeding, sleeping, and biological functions, and provide for his needs on his own schedule. This way, your little one develops a basic sense of security and trust in the world: at a fundamental level, he learns that he is taken care of, that his needs will be provided for. As he learns each step towards meeting those needs himself — crawling towards his sleeping area, feeding himself, or signing that his diaper is wet — his trust in himself grows, too!
Language development
We know the extreme importance of exposing your baby to rich spoken language and dynamic verbal interactions, in order to give his developing brain everything needed to master language. Our interactions with your baby are vibrant and meaningful. We describe what he is doing, what we are doing, and what other children are doing, making sure that he can watch the movements of our mouths as we speak.
As your baby becomes more familiar with precise language, he also begins to form connections between language, tone, and his own emotions. We expose your baby to as much vocabulary as possible, by clearly identifying objects and actions. Additionally, we read beautiful books about real people and things, and we sing — exposing your child to the full range of speech and expression.
Hand development = brain development
Maria Montessori famously observed that “the hand is the instrument of the intelligence.” She understood that your baby uses her hand to fuel the development of her brain and nervous system. In a few short months, your baby goes from involuntary and reflexive movements, to intentionally batting and grabbing at objects, then to releasing something once she has grasped it. From there, she learns more refined grasping abilities, including the all-important “pincer grip” later used for holding a pencil. She transfers things from hand to hand, and coordinates her two hands for a chosen purpose (such as to bang things together!).
Our classroom carefully nurtures your baby’s developing intelligence by offering increasingly more complex objects to explore and manipulate in intriguing ways. You’ll be amazed at how your child will learn, when simply given time and space to practice the activities that respond exactly to precise moments in her development.
Program
Beautiful by design
Upon your initial encounter with a Nido setting, you will be captivated by its tranquility and peace. The learning space exudes openness, adorned with exquisite furnishings and age-appropriate materials. Plush carpets, cozy cushions, and ergonomically designed seating await the growth and comfort of young individuals.
Space to walk and talk
Right from the moment they enter this world, children possess an inherent inclination to explore and express themselves. Within the Nido environment, skilled educators diligently assist each infant on their journey to refine essential skills like walking and talking. The classroom is thoughtfully arranged to provide a secure and nurturing space, where little ones can fearlessly navigate, develop physical strength, and freely communicate their needs and emotions.
Building confidence and feeling loved
Embracing the organic rhythm of your little one fosters a profound sense of bodily trust, while nurturing a balanced connection with sleep, nourishment, and self-care. In the nurturing environment of our Nido class, we diligently observe and honor your child’s natural cycles, ensuring that essential needs like feeding and sleeping are respected. By doing so, we cultivate a deep-rooted sense of security and confidence within young children, as they discover that their dedicated teachers will always provide unwavering care and attention to their individual requirements.
Freedom and encouragement to try new things
With each endeavor children undertake and conquer, they fortify their self-assurance, leaving an indelible mark that endures throughout their lifetime. At Christian Montessori Academy, our adept educators provide gentle guidance, empowering infants to independently navigate tasks, skillfully balancing their sense of security with the opportune moment to inspire them to embrace fresh challenges.
Scientifically designed learning materials
Infants instinctively employ their hands to stimulate the growth of their cognitive faculties and neural pathways. In the nurturing confines of the Nido classroom, your baby’s burgeoning intellect receives dedicated attention through the provision of progressively intricate objects that inspire curiosity and hands-on engagement. Prepare to be astounded as your child learns through deliberate repetition of carefully curated activities and exercises.
Teachers keep parents and caregivers involved
Deep connections between teachers and families are fostered at Christian Montessori Academy, creating a strong bond. Your child’s dedicated educator will proactively engage with you, providing regular updates on their progress and extending invitations for your active involvement in class activities. Furthermore, you will receive daily reports detailing your child’s eating, sleeping, toileting routines, as well as the enriching learning experiences they partake in.
Come visit us
We invite you to come and take a tour of Christian Montessori Academy in North Richland Hills, Texas. We are creating a safe and Biblically based environment for our children and yours to grow and develop. Here you will witness firsthand the love and nurturing environment we have created for your precious children. Discover how our Christ-centered approach, combined with the Montessori method, cultivates a love for learning, fosters character development, and instills values that align with our family's beliefs. We are eager to share our vision of creating compassionate leaders who honor God and are empowered to make a positive impact in the world. Come and experience the spirit of our community as we embark on this journey together.
Within the child lies the fate of the future.
Discover a curriculum that nurtures independence, creativity, and a passion for learning. Take the first step to provide your child with the irreplaceable gift of a Montessori education by booking a school tour today.
