Learn And Play® Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs
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At Learn And Play® Montessori School, our goal is to give each child the individualized attention needed to learn, discover, and develop core values. Our Montessori-inspired curriculum focused on STEM is designed to build well-rounded individuals both academically and personally. LAPMS prides itself in providing quality education, however, we recognize the financial considerations many families make when choosing a school for their child. [Read more…] about LAPMS Financial Aid: Subsidy Programs
Although it may not seem like it on the surface, when children are playing, they are learning profoundly. Mindful playing invites children to connect with the activity at hand. Whether it be playing with Legos, sculpting with Play-Doh, or creating art, play can be a practice that nurtures creativity, focus, and of course joy! Throughout our Montessori-inspired programs, whether at our Irvington, Sunnyvale, Hercules or other Bay Area campuses, we encourage “mindfulness” among the children, and a calm patience-centered learning experience. [Read more…] about Mindful Playing: Stimulating Activities for Your Child
Although it may seem like winter entails being restricted to the indoors, various activities are fun for children to enjoy with you during the cold winter season. Obviously, in our campuses we use the Montessori method, and use Montessori-inspired methods to encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning experiences. Parents often ask us how they can encourage learning experiences at home, especially as we approach the Winter Break. Remember: learning is a lifelong process!
Here are eight unique enjoyable activities you can do together:
Science Experiment: Crystal Snowflakes
Turn your home into a science lab with this hands-on science experiment! Growing salt crystal snowflakes does take a couple of days to take shape, but the result is worth the wait. For supplies, you will need table salt, hot water, a measuring cup and spoon, paper, and a tray or dish to keep your snowflakes in. Simply cut paper into a snowflake design and add the salt solution –a mixture of hot water and salt. Make sure to pour over the whole design, set it aside, and wait for your crystals to grow!
Seasonal Art Projects: Decorating Gingerbread
Arts and crafts are fun for children to get creative and practice fine motor skills. You only need paper, coloring pencils, and imagination in this activity! Create a gingerbread outline out of paper and let your child get creative in decorating. Whether it be using leftover construction paper or crayons and markers, this activity allows children to have fun while using their artistic abilities to create something new.
Learning How to Put on Winter Gear
Learning how to properly put on a sweater was a focus throughout our November curriculum. Knowing how to perform practical life skills builds a child’s confidence to be independent and take the initiative to accomplish tasks alone. This winter season, challenge your little ones to put on their coats on their own.
Baking Treats
Practical life skills are practiced year-round at LAPMS. Teaching our students how to carry a tray, pour liquid, use a whisk, and set the table are some prime focuses in our Montessori practical life curriculum. Baking goods always seem to be extra special during the winter holiday season –allow your children to help bake cookies and see how well they can assist with these tasks.
Montessori Activity: Tong Transfer
The Montessori tong transfer activity is a fun way for children to practice their fine motor skills. This engaging exercise uses 1 set of tongs, 2 bowls, and cotton balls. At our schools, we like to add some excitement to this activity by telling our students that cotton balls are snowballs! The objective of this activity is to use the tongs to transfer the snowballs from one bowl to another.
Seasonal Art Projects: Creating a Snowman
Put your cotton balls to use again with this art project! On a piece of paper have your little one glue cotton balls together to create a 3-D snowman! Use paper to complete the rest of your snowman’s decorations or be extra creative and find little twigs or rocks for the snowman’s hands and eyes!
Nature Walks
Nature walks are great for getting fresh air, looking around, and noticing wildlife around you. With your child, you can point out how trees look like during this time of the year versus during the summer. You may notice more deer on your nature walks -or- the absence of certain wildlife.
Winter Storytime
For the days when the outdoors is too gloomy, you can lead your little one into a world of wonder by reading to them. With the countless children’s books that are published with many adventures to be had indoors!
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
Children are naturally curious and full of energy! Play-based preschools harness this innate curiosity by creating an environment where learning happens naturally and joyfully. Through imaginative play, hands-on activities, and social interactions, children explore the world around them, discover new concepts, and build foundational skills.
Imagine a preschool where children spend their days building with blocks, painting masterpieces, pretending to be shopkeepers, or digging in a garden. In these activities, children are not just having fun—they are learning. They are developing problem-solving skills, understanding cause and effect, improving their fine and gross motor skills, and learning to work collaboratively with others.
Cognitive and Emotional Benefits
Play is more than just a way to keep children entertained; it is crucial for cognitive development. When children engage in play, they are actively experimenting with the world around them. They are testing hypotheses, exploring relationships, and developing critical thinking skills. For example, a simple game of building a tower with blocks teaches basic principles of physics and engineering.
Encouraging Creativity and Independence
One of the greatest advantages of a play-based preschool is that it nurtures creativity and independence. Children are given the freedom to choose their activities and follow their interests. This autonomy allows them to explore their passions and develop a love for learning. A child who is fascinated by dinosaurs, for example, might spend hours creating a prehistoric world in the sandbox, learning about history, science, and storytelling along the way.
Building Strong Social Skills
In a play-based preschool, children constantly interact with their peers. Whether they are playing house, sharing toys, or collaborating on a project, they are learning to communicate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. These social interactions are the foundation of strong interpersonal skills, which are vital for building relationships and succeeding in any social environment.
So, if you’re looking for a preschool that offers more than just academics, consider a play-based program. It’s a choice that will set your child on a path to success, happiness, and a lifelong passion for learning.
