Tall Oaks Out of Little Acorns Grow
A Montessori school for children ages 3 months to 6 years
Our Mission is to Prepare Children For Life
All children possess a deep curiosity to explore and understand themselves and the world around them. Nature's Way Montessori
nurtures each child by offering specialized prepared environments that spark every child's imagination and the individual potential that lies with the human spirit. Each child is given the experience of individualized and cooperative learning to foster independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Why do so many families choose Montessori?
Individualized Learning
Lessons are designed and given to each child when they are most ready to learn.
Whole Child Education
Social, emotional, and physical development is emphasized along with academic skills.
Empowered by Choice
Freedom to move and choose activities fosters independence and self-confidence.
Supported by Research
Current neurology and human development research consistently backs Montessori.
Our Programs
Parent Reviews
Nature's Way is the only true Montessori school with an infant program available in Napa. We sent our son there from 13mo-2y and I appreciated the lack of electronic toys/screens, focus on whole foods (like fruits and cheeses for snacks), and how the teachers facilitate the kids learning/sharing in a calm and loving way.
— Lara Young
Nature's way is a wonderful school with dedicated teachers. They have guided our children on a wonderful journey of learning and discovery.
—
James McCeney
We have been at NWM for two years and it has been a great experience for us and our child. Teachers and staff pay close attention to children’s needs and the parent community is truly unique, supportive and fun. The quantity and quality of time the children spend outdoors is beyond compare in Napa. I highly recommend this school.
— Brenna Ruiz
Our Blog
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“As unique as each of us is, we are all much more alike than we are different. This is one of the essential lessons we impart to our children as they grow into compassionate, caring, and empathetic adults.” Fred Rogers’ This timeless message reminds us that the holiday season is a time when families come together to celebrate their traditions, give thanks, and spread joy. The word holiday itself has roots in the Old English term for “holy days,” and many families treasure religious holidays such as Ramadan, Passover, Easter, and Holi. In our Montessori classrooms, we recognize the importance of these traditions while encouraging a broader understanding of cultural diversity. We invite parents to share their family traditions with us, whether through traditional food, a special activity, or a story, enriching the learning experience for all students. Creating a Calm and Supportive Environment While the holidays are often joyous, they can also be overwhelming, especially for young children. Our goal at school is to provide a calming oasis within the classroom, offering support and stability amid the busy holiday season. We believe the Montessori approach to holiday celebrations allows children to appreciate the joys of the season without disrupting their routine or overwhelming them with external pressures. The Montessori Approach to Holidays You may wonder how holidays are addressed in our Montessori classrooms. Do we celebrate every culture? Do we change our routines? What extra activities should parents prepare for? These are common questions, and we’re here to clarify. In line with the Montessori philosophy of “following the child,” we nurture each child’s curiosity and help them expand their worldview. We balance holiday celebrations with our goal of maintaining a nurturing, stable environment that honors every student equally. What We Celebrate At NWM, we celebrate a variety of occasions that align with our core values. These include birthdays, the equinox and solstices, Earth Day, International Peace Day, and our Parents Tea. We also recognize that each family brings unique cultural traditions to our school, and we warmly invite parents to share their special holidays with us, creating a space for students to learn about the diverse cultures within our community. What We Don’t Celebrate While we embrace cultural diversity, we don’t celebrate mainstream holidays that dominate the broader culture or are not based in reality. When We Celebrate In many traditional classrooms, holidays are special events that disrupt the usual routine. However, at NWM, we take a more integrated, year-round approach to celebration. Rather than having holiday fun come and go, we maintain a spirit of giving and community throughout the year, weaving celebrations into our everyday learning. This approach helps children develop a deeper understanding of global diversity while appreciating the shared values that unite us. How We Celebrate The ways we acknowledge holidays in the classroom vary, and our celebrations are always thoughtfully designed. This might include: Sharing the history and traditions of a particular holiday Engaging in related art, music, or cooking projects Exploring significant cultural items associated with a holiday Our teachers lead these celebrations, but we also welcome and encourage parents to share their family’s traditions. This parental involvement enriches our community and provides students with a firsthand look at the diversity of the world. Building Cultural Awareness Year by Year At NWM, we take a mindful, year-by-year approach to cultural studies, ensuring that by the time your child graduates, they will have a deep appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures. In our Primary classrooms, we use the three-year cycle to cover different regions of the world, gradually deepening students’ understanding of geography, music, art, and history. This holistic approach ensures that holiday and cultural celebrations flow naturally into the overall appreciation of global diversity. The Enriching Power of Montessori Through this thoughtful, open-hearted approach to holiday celebrations, our Montessori students gain a rich understanding of the world and its many cultures. By experiencing a variety of traditions and values, they develop a broader perspective that will serve them well throughout their lives. At NWM, we aim to provide your child with the cultural knowledge that fosters empathy, respect, and an enduring sense of community—an understanding that, while we may come from different places, we are all deeply connected. This holiday season, let’s continue to celebrate the diversity of our families while nurturing the spirit of unity that binds us all.
What is Intrinsic Motivation? Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive that propels us to explore, learn, and achieve without the need for external rewards or recognition. Unlike discipline or motivation that stems from fear or the desire for rewards, intrinsic motivation comes from within. It is fueled by a natural curiosity and the need to explore our surroundings and interests. In the Montessori philosophy, the environment plays a crucial role in fostering this intrinsic motivation. An environment that promotes concentration, coordination, order, and independence enables children to explore their interests at their own pace. In this approach, the role of the teacher is not to direct, but to guide, observing and facilitating the child's learning process rather than dictating it. An essential element of Montessori education is the control of error and self-correction —which allows children to learn through exploration and discovery rather than through imposed rewards or corrections. This method respects the child’s ability to work through challenges and develop a deeper understanding, reinforcing their own intrinsic drive to learn. How to Build Intrinsic Motivation at Home Fostering intrinsic motivation in children doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Here’s how you can encourage it at home: Work with the environment: Provide your child with a space where they can freely explore and work on tasks that interest them. Encourage independence: Give your child opportunities to perform tasks on their own, from choosing their clothing to setting the table. Provide choices: Offering options allows children to feel in control of their decisions, boosting their confidence and motivation. Encourage community service: Involvement in activities where they can contribute to their community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Demonstrate tasks: Show your child how to complete a task and let them follow through, respecting their pace and effort. Developing Respect and Discipline While intrinsic motivation focuses on internal drive, it must be paired with respect and discipline to guide your child’s growth. Here’s how to nurture these qualities: Patience and respect: Allow children the time and space to work through tasks without rushing them or stepping in prematurely. Set clear expectations: Let them know what is expected, both in behavior and effort, without relying on punishments or rewards. Avoid external motivation: Steer clear of bribes, rewards, or punishments as a way to control behavior, as these can diminish intrinsic motivation. Discuss accomplishments and struggles: Regularly reflect with your child on their successes and the challenges they face. Provide authentic feedback: Rather than giving blanket praise, offer constructive feedback that recognizes effort and improvement. Work on goals together: Encourage your child to set their own goals, collaborating with them to develop a sense of responsibility. Visual progress: Provide tasks where progress can be clearly seen, helping children understand the value of perseverance. Respect their pace: Children develop at different speeds—give them the time they need to work through tasks and meet challenges. Offer Encouragement and Help When Necessary Knowing when to step in and when to step back is crucial in building intrinsic motivation. Instead of rushing to solve problems for your child, offer choices and guidance while respecting their ability to navigate challenges: Respect their independence: Allow them to make decisions and learn from mistakes. Offer choices, not control: By giving your child the power to make decisions, you demonstrate respect for their opinions and preferences. Recognize that Disobedience is Part of Intrinsic Motivation Independence often brings moments of resistance or disobedience, which are normal parts of child development. When your child refuses to follow directions or insists on doing things their own way, it’s often a sign that they are asserting their independence. This behavior is not always negative; it can be an important step in learning autonomy and self-reliance. Final Thoughts on Intrinsic Motivation Fostering intrinsic motivation in children is a gradual process that requires patience, respect, and understanding. By creating an environment that encourages independence and curiosity, offering choices, and focusing on internal drive rather than external rewards, parents and educators can nurture a lifelong love of learning in children. The Montessori approach serves as a valuable framework, emphasizing the child's natural development and autonomy while guiding them toward discipline and respect. By working with your child’s pace, celebrating their accomplishments, and offering support when necessary, you can cultivate a strong sense of intrinsic motivation that will benefit them throughout their life.