In February 2005 under the EOCP funded Montessori Initiative, Catherine Lawlor, Programme Manager, Mary Nestor, Montessori Education Advisor and Áine Roche a local Montessori provider met with the Limerick City/County Childcare Committee (C/CCC) to set about the establishment of a localised Montessori County Network (MCN). This is the second such group for Montessori practitioners; the first MCN was piloted in County Meath in 2004. The purpose of these groups is to bring together Montessori providers interested in sharing information, local concerns and supporting each other in a friendly and informal environment, through the rapidly changing childcare area, with the guidance of the local Montessori Education Advisor. Through the information obtained from the Limerick C/CCC, the MCN was able to contact all those listed as Montessori providers and bring them together to introduce the idea of a local Limerick MCN.

A series of Network meetings were held in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare. At these meetings we made Parts of the tree and bird, the Life cycle of the Butterfly and the Hen. The night I enjoyed the most was when we had the Practical Life Exercises. On that night each of us brought an original practical life exercise that we produced ourselves. We all benefited greatly from the support and interaction of the group. I’m sure each took home a few new ideas from that meeting. I certainly did.

We also had some professionals speak to us. Niamh Waldron did an excellent presentation on the importance of musical training for the Pre-school child. She stressed the importance of rhythm and pulse, singing in tune and developing a love of music in the child. She introduced a wide range of instruments and showed how to play musical bingo. This was a continuation of the Music workshop held in February 2005. In February 2006 Nóilín Uí Ríain gave a lively talk on fun and fitness for the Pre-school child She energised us with her enthusiasm and belief in the importance of physical exercise for children. She strongly advised Providers to spend at least twenty minutes a day on sport and athletic activities, as this may be the only opportunity in the day for a child to take part in exercise because of the increasing sedentary nature of our lifestyle.

As a result of becoming involved in this network we have built a nucleus of Montessori Providers who help and support each other. Now we no longer need to work in isolation because through the network meetings we have the opportunity to form new friendships, share problems and find solutions. Our meeting are also a form of continuous training, which is vital in an ever-changing world.

I have been teaching for over twenty years, so these meetings are a great opportunity for me to refresh my memory, renew my enthusiasm and get new ideas. I love the social aspect as it enables me to keep in touch with old friends and to make new ones. All and all I am greatly energised by the commitment, interest and creativity of all involved. As a result, my teaching has taken on a new lease of life, therefore I would strongly recommend other Counties to enquire about starting their own Montessori County Network Group and I hope that they will get the same benefit from it as I have.

Ann Eggleston.

Feale Montessori School, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick