Stave House uses the same sensorial approach advocated by Maria Montessori. After working in consultation with Montessori nurseries, we introduced the Stave House tray exercises into the music area that are used to help children learn. The teacher demonstrates the concept and the child then follows and is free to revisit the activity at will. In the case of Stave House, each tray can introduce a note character and the corresponding chime bar or bell. The trays form the foundation for the Stave House level 1 award and the children can achieve their certificate from the London College of Music to add to their learning journal.
Stave House, like Montessori, doesn’t believe in simplifying the terminology used to explain ideas or musical notation. Whilst activities are age appropriate they are not over-simplified as the children are more thean capable of absorbing the new information and musical concepts. The method is designed in a way that does not require the teacher to be a musical specialist, but brings the learning to life through storytelling and songs. Wendy Compson, Montessori mentor and ambassador says “not only do the kinaesthetic materials compliment the Montessori approach, but the children get so much enjoyment from exploring the characters and songs intrinsic to the programme.”
Stave House is already present in many Montessori schools both in the UK and further afield. We travelled to Bloom School, Sarajevo to provide training to staff and children who embraced the programme. Students have since received their Level 1 and Level 2 awards and continue to go from strength to strength. Listen to what founder and headteacher Maelys de Rudder has to say.
If you are a nursery wanting to find out more about the Stave House method, please contact Ruth at info@stavehouse.co.uk