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Mathematics: Learning Math the Montessori Way

November 19, 2024 by Michelle Cortez

Learn And Play® Montessori School provides unique educational opportunities that differ from those offered by traditional schools. Our Montessori approach values self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play, while engaging the minds of our young lifelong learners. In this post, let’s discuss how we teach math the Montessori way, in age-appropriate, fun, and engaging ways. Montessori math materials allow our students to explore mathematical concepts in a way traditional education approaches may lack.

Spindle Boxes

For children three years old and younger, Spindle Boxes are an effective tool in teaching basic math concepts such as counting, number recognition, place value, and the value of zero. The box consists of compartments labeled zero to nine and is accompanied by a separate container that stores forty-five wooden spindles. The student must fill each compartment with the appropriate number of spindles. This visual allows our students to see that numbers can represent quantities. For children younger than three years old, fine motor skills are developing with this exercise. Following our philosophy, children can independently work on this hands-on task.

Number Rods with Numeral Cards

Playfully introducing complex ideas allows the child to find discovering mathematical curriculum exciting. Montessori number rods come in a set of ten and are divided into equally sized red and blue sections allowing students to visually see the rod getting larger as the number increases introducing the concept of measurement. Adding numeral place cards to this activity teaches the child to associate the number symbols with the physical quantity. Depending on the student’s level of mastery, the teacher may assign different activities using these materials.

Bead Stair

Another popular tool we use here at Learn And Play Montessori School is the bead stair. Sticking with the numbers one through nine, this instrument consists of nine segments of beads, each in a distinct color representing a number value. The first lesson instructed to our students with this tool is linear counting. Using the beads, the child can arrange each segment into a triangle by correctly counting one through nine. Following the Montessori Method, allowing the child to start this exercise on their own, gives the child the power to recognize if they made any errors by simply seeing if the triangle has been properly formed. Later in their academic journey, the students may use bead segments to assist them in multiplying numbers.

LAPMS Physical Education: Strengthening the mind and body

November 17, 2024 by Michelle Cortez

In preschool, physical education IS critical, as it helps establish healthy habits and encourages active lifestyles. Children at this age are naturally energetic and inquisitive, and structured physical activity can help channel that energy into motor skills, coordination, and balance. When children run, jump, and dance, they get the physical benefits of exercise along with confidence. Here at LAPMS throughout our campuses from Fremont to Danville, Hercules to Sunnyvale, and everywhere in between, our staff challenges our children physically, creatively, and collectively: from music and movement, dancing to yoga, outdoor and indoor activities! During play time, we have bicycles available for children to explore and play — allowing us to further help them with motor skills and just the fun of learning to ride bikes and trikes. [Read more…] about LAPMS Physical Education: Strengthening the mind and body

The Importance of Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education

October 13, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

At Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe in nurturing not only your child’s academic growth but also their social and emotional development. One of the key components of the Montessori philosophy is the emphasis on grace and courtesy—a set of social skills that help children interact respectfully and empathetically with others. These skills are crucial for building a positive and harmonious community, both within the classroom and beyond. [Read more…] about The Importance of Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education

Fall Enrollment at Learn And Play Montessori School!

October 11, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Are you looking for a fun, enriching, and successful school year for your child? Join us at Learn And Play Montessori School, where learning is a joyful adventure!

We’re a top-rated school that offers childcare, daycare, preschool and kindergarten with locations in Fremont, Dublin, Danville / San Ramon, Pleasant Hill South plus new locations in Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Hercules, Moraga and San Carlos California. Whether your child is a toddler, a preschooler, or a kindergartener (or somewhere in between), our program offers age-appropriate teaching and learning opportunities. All of our Montessori school locations offer daycare / childcare as well as preschool and kindergarten levels of instruction. [Read more…] about Fall Enrollment at Learn And Play Montessori School!

Fall Into Learning: Montessori Activities to Do with Your Kids

September 27, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori fall activities are a wonderful way to engage little ones with the season while incorporating educational principles. Here are some fun and educational ideas to enjoy with your children:

Nature Walks and Leaf Collection
Take your little ones on a nature walk to observe the changing leaves. Encourage them to collect various types of leaves, acorns, and other natural items.
Pumpkin Exploration
Bring pumpkins home and let the children explore them. They can weigh, measure, and even cut open the pumpkins to see what’s inside. Use the seeds for counting activities or dry them for art projects.
Apple Tasting and Sorting
Offer a variety of apples for tasting. Discuss their differences in color, texture, and taste. Use the apples for sorting by color or size, and create applesauce or apple prints for art projects.
Fall-Themed Practical Life Activities
Set up a sensory table with corn kernels, dried leaves, and small pumpkins. Activities such as polishing apples, scrubbing pumpkins, or sweeping leaves help children develop fine motor skills.
Seasonal Art Projects
Use fall leaves, twigs, and other natural materials to create autumn collages. Provide fall-colored paints or crayons for children to create their own seasonal artwork.
Harvest-Themed Dramatic Play
Create a pretend farmer’s market or pumpkin patch in the backyard. Children can role-play buying and selling fruits and vegetables, learning about healthy eating and commerce.
Botany Lessons with Fall Plants
Study fall plants like chrysanthemums or marigolds. Children can plant bulbs in the garden and observe their growth.
Autumn Songs and Rhymes
Teach children seasonal songs and rhymes about fall, leaves, and harvest.
Fall-Themed Storytime
Choose books related to fall, pumpkins, and harvest for story time.
Science Experiments
Conduct simple experiments, such as exploring why leaves change color or how apples decompose. These activities help children understand natural processes and foster curiosity.

These activities incorporate Montessori principles of hands-on learning, sensory exploration, and independence, making them both educational and fun for your little ones.

Centrally Located: Fremont, California – Ideal for Kids and Parents

Lets’ zero in on our Fremont, California, campuses for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten. Fall in Fremont, California, is a perfect time for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature while incorporating educational activities. One of the best spots for a family outing is Quarry Lakes Park, where children can explore the changing colors of the trees, collect leaves, and observe the natural beauty around them. This type of nature walk not only encourages physical activity but also offers a great opportunity for children to collect various types of leaves, acorns, and other natural items that they can later use in art or educational projects. Another local gem is Lake Elizabeth in Fremont’s Central Park. A stroll around the lake allows children to observe ducks, geese, and other wildlife, while parents can use the surroundings to teach about the natural world. The fall season also provides perfect weather for a picnic, where families can enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful fall scenery.

For families looking to explore beyond Fremont, taking a quick BART ride opens up even more exciting fall activities. Just a short trip away is the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, where children can engage in hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, and nature. A visit here ties in perfectly with Montessori principles, as children can explore topics like physics, biology, and space in a tactile and interactive environment. After a fun day at the museum, families can stop by the Berkeley Marina or take a scenic walk through the UC Berkeley campus. These fall adventures, both near and far, not only provide fun but also inspire a lifelong love of learning and exploration, essential elements of Montessori education.

How Montessori Education Fosters Strong Reading Skills in Children

September 15, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori students often excel in reading due to the method’s emphasis on individualized learning and hands-on experiences. Montessori classrooms typically offer a rich language environment with a focus on phonics, vocabulary building, and reading comprehension. Children are encouraged to explore language through activities like reading aloud, writing, and using language-rich materials, which helps foster a love for reading and supports their reading development.

Benefits of Montessori Language Curriculum for Reading

Early Literacy Skills: By focusing on phonemic awareness and the connections between sounds and letters, Montessori programs often help children develop early literacy skills that support reading proficiency.

Enhanced Vocabulary: The language-rich environment and diverse materials help expand children’s vocabulary, which is crucial for understanding and interpreting texts.

Self-Paced Learning: The Montessori approach allows children to master reading skills at their own pace, reducing pressure and fostering a positive attitude towards reading.

Integrated Learning: The integration of reading with other subjects and activities ensures that children see reading as a valuable and enjoyable part of their education.

These elements work together to build a strong foundation in language that supports both reading and writing skills.

Source: https://www.montessoripublic.org/2024/07/7-17-24-new-study-shows-public-montessori-students-excel-in-reading/

A Historic Campus in a Historic City: Hercules, California

Let’s look at an example of reading in action at our newly opened Hercules, California, campus. The newly opened Learn And Play® Montessori campus in Hercules, California, offers an exciting opportunity for young learners to dive into a world of reading, which serves as a gateway to exploring history, community, and the world around them. In a city like Hercules, rich with fascinating facts and a unique history rooted in its early days as a hub for dynamite production, there is no shortage of engaging stories for children to discover. Through Montessori’s emphasis on individualized learning and hands-on experiences, students at the Hercules campus will have access to a language-rich environment that nurtures their reading skills. By focusing on phonics, vocabulary building, and reading comprehension, the campus ensures that each child not only excels in reading but also develops a deep love for it.

At the Hercules campus, reading is integrated into every aspect of learning, encouraging children to explore their community’s history while developing critical literacy skills. The Montessori approach, which allows for self-paced learning, ensures that children master early literacy skills in a supportive and pressure-free environment. This combination of fun facts about their own city and a strong foundation in reading helps students see learning as an enjoyable, lifelong journey. Whether they are reading about the historical roots of Hercules or expanding their vocabulary through language activities, the Montessori curriculum at this campus makes reading a gateway to curiosity and exploration.

Did You Know? Eye-Opening Facts About Montessori Education

September 11, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori education is full of fascinating details that many people may not know. Here are some fun facts that highlight why Montessori is such a unique and impactful approach to learning:

1. Maria Montessori‘s Groundbreaking Discovery

Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori method, was the first woman in Italy to become a physician. Her early work with children with special needs inspired her innovative and child-centered teaching methods.

2. Thoughtful Classroom Design

Montessori classrooms are designed like a mini-community with designated areas for different activities, such as practical life skills, sensory experiences, and academic subjects. This layout fosters independence and responsibility in children.

3. The “Secret” of Montessori

The “secret” of Montessori is that it’s less about teaching and more about guiding. Teachers act as facilitators, helping children explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

4. Global Reach

The Montessori method is used in over 100 countries worldwide! While often associated with preschool, Montessori principles are also applied in elementary and even high school settings.

5. Emphasis on Hands-On Learning

Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning with specially designed materials. For instance, children might use sandpaper letters to learn the alphabet or colored rods to grasp math concepts.

6. Freedom Within Limits

Montessori classrooms offer children significant freedom, but within clear limits. This structured freedom helps children develop self-discipline and mutual respect.

7. Independence and Responsibility

Children in Montessori schools often take on responsibilities like cleaning up after themselves and assisting with classroom chores. These tasks build a sense of ownership and community.

8. Celebrating Mistakes

Mistakes in Montessori are seen as opportunities to learn. Children are encouraged to try again and learn from their errors without fear of criticism.

9. A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Many Montessori schools emphasize a strong connection between children and nature. Outdoor learning, gardening, and environmental stewardship are often integral to the curriculum, nurturing a love for the environment.

Montessori education is a world of exploration, curiosity, and growth—where children are encouraged to be independent, responsible, and in tune with both their interests and the world around them.

A Milpitas, California, Campus Primed for Success

As an example, let’s take a look at our Milpitas daycare, childcare, and preschool campus, which is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. This campus not only embodies the core principles of Montessori education but also caters to the needs of busy, technology-focused Bay Area parents who want their children to gain a love for learning and skills that will serve them in the jobs of the future. The Montessori method, which emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and responsibility, is perfectly suited to the innovation-driven environment of Silicon Valley. At the Milpitas campus, children benefit from thoughtfully designed classrooms where they engage in practical life skills, sensory experiences, and academic exploration. This structured freedom fosters self-discipline and encourages children to explore subjects at their own pace.

The Milpitas campus is also a shining example of how Learn And Play® Montessori integrates Montessori principles with a STEM-based curriculum, preparing young learners for the technology and science-driven careers of tomorrow. By incorporating subjects like math, science, and engineering into everyday learning activities, the campus helps children build foundational skills in a fun and interactive way. The focus on hands-on learning, such as using colored rods for math concepts or exploring nature as part of the curriculum, aligns with the Montessori emphasis on exploration and curiosity. For parents working in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced industries, the Milpitas campus provides a nurturing environment where their children can develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for future success.

Empowering Educators: How Our In-House Montessori Teacher Training Shapes Excellence in the Classroom

September 9, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Our in-house teacher training ensures that teachers are aligned with our educational goals, maintaining high standards of teaching and providing quality education to our students. The training covers a wide range of subjects, including child development, Montessori philosophy, classroom management, and hands-on materials. This comprehensive approach equips teachers to address the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each child.

Montessori education is based on specific principles about child development and learning. Training helps educators understand the Montessori philosophy, which focuses on fostering independence, respect for a child’s natural psychological development, and the importance of a prepared environment. Montessori teaching methods are different from traditional educational approaches.

Teachers are trained to guide rather than instruct, observe rather than direct, and to create learning environments that encourage exploration and self-directed learning. Montessori training often emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-reflection, encouraging teachers to continue developing their skills and understanding of the Montessori method throughout their careers.

Montessori training empowers teachers to create a learning environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace, fostering a deep sense of satisfaction in their roles as educators. These benefits make Montessori teacher training a valuable investment for those passionate about fostering the growth and development of young learners.

A New Campus: San Carlos, California

As for example, our upcoming San Carlos, California, daycare, preschool, and kindergarten campus of Learn And Play® Montessori School will exemplify our commitment to offering best-in-class educational opportunities, supported by our rigorous in-house teacher training. For example, at the San Carlos campus, teachers will undergo comprehensive training that ensures they are aligned with the school’s educational philosophy and high academic standards. This training covers essential topics such as child development, the Montessori philosophy, classroom management, and the effective use of hands-on Montessori materials. By equipping teachers with the skills to address the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of every child, the San Carlos campus will create an enriched learning environment where young learners can thrive.

At San Carlos, our daycare, preschool, and kindgarten teachers and teaching staff will be empowered to guide students through exploration and self-directed learning, fostering independence and critical thinking. The teacher training program emphasizes the unique Montessori approach, where educators serve as guides rather than traditional instructors, allowing children to learn at their own pace. With continuous learning and self-reflection being key components of this training, our teachers are equipped to meet the highest academic standards. The San Carlos campus will showcase how this approach not only nurtures each child’s natural curiosity but also supports their growth into confident, capable learners ready for future academic challenges.

The Magic of Montessori Education: Unlocking the World Through Sensorial Activities

August 26, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, is renowned for its holistic approach to child development, emphasizing independence, self-directed learning, and respect for a child’s natural development. One of the most captivating aspects of Montessori education is its use of sensorial activities, designed to refine a child’s senses and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

What Are Sensorial Activities?

Sensorial activities are tasks and exercises that help children develop and refine their five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. These activities are designed to isolate specific qualities, such as color, size, texture, and sound, enabling children to focus on one at a time. Through sensorial activities, children learn to observe, compare, and categorize their experiences, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

The Importance of Sensorial Activities

Sensorial activities are crucial for several reasons:

Refinement of the Senses: These activities help children sharpen their senses, enabling them to notice and appreciate the details in their environment. This heightened sensory awareness is essential for cognitive development.

Cognitive Development: By engaging in sensorial activities, children learn to differentiate and classify sensory input, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Language Development: As children explore different sensory attributes, they acquire the vocabulary to describe their experiences, enhancing their language and communication skills.

Foundation for Academic Learning: Sensorial activities provide a basis for future learning in subjects like mathematics, geometry, and science. For example, understanding dimensions and shapes through sensorial materials prepares children for concepts in geometry.

Concentration and Focus: Engaging with sensorial materials requires concentration and attention to detail, fostering a child’s ability to focus and work independently.

Key Sensorial Materials in Montessori Education

Montessori classrooms are equipped with specialized materials designed to stimulate and refine the senses. Some of the most iconic sensorial materials include:

Pink Tower: A set of ten pink cubes of varying sizes that children stack in order from largest to smallest, enhancing their understanding of size and volume.

Color Tablets: These tablets come in different colors and shades, helping children distinguish and match colors, as well as explore concepts like gradients and patterns.

Sound Cylinders: Pairs of cylinders filled with different materials that produce distinct sounds when shaken, training children to match sounds by listening carefully.

Touch Tablets: Textured tablets that children match based on touch, refining their tactile sense and sensitivity to different textures.

Smelling Bottles: Containers with different scents that children identify and match, developing their sense of smell.

Thermic Bottles: Bottles filled with liquids at different temperatures, helping children discern and compare varying degrees of heat and cold.

Implementing Sensorial Activities at Home

You can incorporate sensorial activities into your child’s daily routine at home with a few simple materials and creative ideas:

Color Sorting: Provide a variety of colorful objects, such as buttons or beads, and have your child sort them by color.

Sound Matching: Fill small containers with different items (e.g., rice, beans, sand) and have your child shake and match the sounds.

Texture Exploration: Create a texture board with materials like sandpaper, velvet, and cotton. Encourage your child to feel and describe each texture.

Scent Jars: Fill small jars with items like coffee, vanilla, and lavender. Let your child smell each jar and match them with pictures of the items.

Temperature Play: Use warm and cold water to let your child explore and compare different temperatures safely.

Conclusion

Sensorial activities are a cornerstone of Montessori education, providing children with invaluable tools to explore and understand their world. These activities not only refine the senses but also lay the groundwork for academic learning, cognitive development, and language acquisition. By integrating sensorial activities into both classroom and home environments, we can nurture children’s natural curiosity and support their journey toward becoming observant, thoughtful, and capable individuals. We know that today’s busy Bay Area parents are looking for a best-in-class preschool program. With campuses ranging from Sunnyvale to Hercules, Danville to Dublin, and Fremont to Milpitas – we should have a campus near you. Reach out, today, for a campus tour!

Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!

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