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Learn And Play® Montessori School

Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs

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Hercules Campus: (510) 941-0102

Hercules Campus

Learn And Play Carpool App: LearnAndGo

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As a parent at Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe you should have access to many tools that will lead to your child succeeding at LAPMS. We believe in community and fostering connections—not just between students and teachers, but also among families. That’s why we’re excited to introduce LearnAndGo, our innovative carpool app designed specifically for our school community. It’s available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. [Read more…] about Learn And Play Carpool App: LearnAndGo

A child using the Montessori method in a preschool in Moraga, California

Mathematics: Learning Math the Montessori Way

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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

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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 inside of a Montessori campus like Moraga

Learn And Play® Montessori School Launches Google My Business Listing for San Carlos Campus

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San Carlos, California – October 29, 2024. Learn And Play® Montessori School, a top-rated early education provider from Fremont to Danville, Sunnyvale to Hercules, is proud to announce the launch of its “Google My Business” review listing, allowing customers to map out the location of the forthcoming campus and ultimately share their experiences as parents of children at the preschool, daycare, and kindergarten programs. [Read more…] about Learn And Play® Montessori School Launches Google My Business Listing for San Carlos Campus

The Importance of Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education

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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

children at the New San Carlos Campus

Fall Enrollment at Learn And Play Montessori School!

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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

Fall Into Learning: Montessori Activities to Do with Your Kids

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Botany Lessons with Fall Plants
    Study fall plants like chrysanthemums or marigolds. Children can plant bulbs in the garden and observe their growth.
  8. Autumn Songs and Rhymes
    Teach children seasonal songs and rhymes about fall, leaves, and harvest.
  9. Fall-Themed Storytime
    Choose books related to fall, pumpkins, and harvest for story time.
  10. 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.

Discover Our New Hercules Campus: Learn and Play Montessori’s Latest Expansion!

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Learn And Play Montessori School has been proudly serving the Hercules community with our newest campus. Our commitment to providing exceptional Montessori education continues as we bring our unique approach to early childhood learning to this vibrant area.

At Learn And Play Montessori, we are dedicated to fostering a love for learning through a child-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on exploration, independence, and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey. Our skilled and passionate teachers create a supportive and stimulating environment where children thrive.

Classrooms Designed for The Future

The Hercules campus boasts thoughtfully designed classrooms, engaging educational materials, and a range of activities tailored to diverse learning styles and interests. We are dedicated to offering a safe and welcoming space where children build essential skills, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong passion for learning.

We invite families in Hercules and the surrounding areas to discover how our Montessori approach can support their child’s growth and development. Visit us to learn more about the opportunities awaiting your child at our Hercules campus.

A Unique Curriculum that Combines Montessori and STEM

As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional early childhood education, we are proud to introduce the unique blend of Montessori and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) that sets our school apart. This innovative approach not only fosters a love for learning but also equips young learners with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

At the heart of our philosophy is the Montessori method, which focuses on a child-centered approach to education. We believe that children learn best through hands-on exploration and at their own pace. Our classrooms are designed to promote independence, creativity, and self-directed learning. Montessori education emphasizes respect for each child’s unique developmental journey, and our skilled and passionate teachers are dedicated to supporting children as they grow, both academically and emotionally. In this nurturing environment, students are encouraged to take charge of their learning, explore their interests, and develop a lifelong passion for discovery.

Our Hercules campus exemplifies the Montessori principles of thoughtful classroom design and engaging educational materials. The classrooms are carefully organized to foster independence and responsibility, with areas dedicated to practical life skills, sensory experiences, and academic subjects like math and science. By offering children the freedom to explore and learn within a structured environment, we help them build essential skills and gain the confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.

In addition to the Montessori method, we are proud to integrate STEM education into our curriculum, even at the earliest stages of learning. At Learn And Play Montessori, we recognize the importance of preparing young learners for the future, and STEM plays a critical role in that preparation. By incorporating STEM concepts into daily activities, we introduce children to the basics of science, technology, engineering, and math in fun, age-appropriate ways. Whether they are building structures with blocks, experimenting with water, or learning basic coding through interactive games, our students are developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will serve them well in the years ahead.

The combination of Montessori and STEM creates a dynamic learning environment where children are not only prepared for academic success but are also inspired to think creatively and solve real-world problems. We believe that introducing STEM concepts at an early age helps spark curiosity and opens the door to a wide range of future career possibilities, from engineering to technology and beyond. By fostering a love for these subjects in a supportive, hands-on setting, we give our students a strong foundation to build on as they progress through their educational journey.

A Welcoming Space for Children to Learn

Our Hercules daycare, preschool, and kindergarten program is designed to be a safe, welcoming space where children can explore, learn, and grow. With thoughtfully designed classrooms, a rich array of educational materials, and a range of activities tailored to diverse learning styles and interests, we are dedicated to providing the best possible environment for young learners. Families in Hercules and the surrounding areas are invited to discover how our Montessori plus STEM approach can support their child’s growth and development.

We are currently enrolling students at our Hercules campus and would love for you to visit us and learn more about the opportunities awaiting your child. Experience the difference that a Montessori education can make in your child’s life and give them the tools they need to thrive in a world that increasingly values creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.

We are now enrolling!

For more information, visit: Enrollment Details

children at the New San Carlos Campus

How Montessori Education Fosters Strong Reading Skills in Children

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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.

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

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