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
Pleasant Hill South Campus
The Joy of Learning Through Play
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.
Positive Affirmations and Mindful Moments at LAPMS
Positive affirmations serve as powerful tools in shaping the mindset and behavior of young children, playing a pivotal role in their overall development. At Learn And Play® Montessori School, nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area with campuses in Fremont, Danville, Hercules, and Sunnyvale, we integrate positive affirmations seamlessly into our Montessori-inspired curriculum to foster a culture of positivity and self-belief among our students. [Read more…] about Positive Affirmations and Mindful Moments at LAPMS
Spring Adventures: Fun Activities for Kids!
Hey there, young adventurers! Welcome to spring – the season of new beginnings and exciting outdoor fun! In this blog, we’re diving into four awesome activities perfect for kids during this vibrant time of year: spring cleaning, enjoying seasonal events, outdoor sports and activities, and appreciating nature. Let’s get started! [Read more…] about Spring Adventures: Fun Activities for Kids!
Unveiling the Future of Commerce: Learn And Play® and the ICSC@Monterey 2024
From March 25th to 27th, 2024, the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA, buzzed with energy as industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers convened for ICSC@Monterey. Organized by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), this event aimed to explore the future of commerce and its impact on communities. [Read more…] about Unveiling the Future of Commerce: Learn And Play® and the ICSC@Monterey 2024
The Future of Retail and Community: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Gathering
This blog is Jenny Mackie (the Director of Acquisitions, Strategy & Growth at LAPMS)’s takeaways in terms of the Future of Retail and Community from the ICSC@Monterey 2024 event.
In a world where community connections are more vital than ever, the landscape of retail and city planning is rapidly evolving. As I reflect on a recent gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, and retail giants, several key takeaways emerge that signal a profound shift in how we approach business and community development. [Read more…] about The Future of Retail and Community: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Gathering
Springtime Splendor: Free Family Adventures in the Bay Area
As the vibrant colors of spring paint the world anew, it’s the perfect time to embark on exciting adventures with your little ones. At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we believe in fostering a love for exploration and discovery both inside and outside the classroom. To enroll into our programs (such as preschool or daycare), please contact us at (510) 916-1600 or email us at [email protected]. After you’ve enrolled in our programs for educational excellence, take advantage of these enriching experiences: [Read more…] about Springtime Splendor: Free Family Adventures in the Bay Area
Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid
At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we are passionate about providing quality education and care for every child, recognizing that financial considerations can be a significant hurdle for many families. We are committed to making our Montessori program accessible to all, and to support this mission, we have diligently researched and partnered with various subsidy programs in the Bay Area. Our website features a dedicated tab that serves as a comprehensive guide to the different financial aid options available for parents seeking affordable childcare. [Read more…] about Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid
Unlocking the Montessori Experience: A Comprehensive Onboarding Journey
Embarking on a new journey in the realm of Montessori education can be both exciting and challenging. For teachers joining our team, the corporate office onboarding serves as a crucial initiation into the world of Montessori philosophy and practices. Many educators may enter without prior Montessori experience, making this introduction an invaluable foundation for their future classrooms.
Cultivating a Montessori Culture: The Core Purpose of Onboarding
The primary goal of our onboarding program is to immerse teachers in the unique ethos of Montessori education. Beyond a set of teaching methods, Montessori is a holistic approach that values each child’s individuality, fosters independence, and encourages a love for learning. By bringing teachers into the corporate office for training, we provide them with an opportunity to not only understand the principles but also to become acquainted with our organizational culture.
Hands-On Learning: Montessori Materials and Techniques
During the onboarding process, teachers experience firsthand training with Montessori materials. These materials, carefully designed to engage children in self-directed learning, become the tools that teachers use to guide their students. This interactive experience allows educators to familiarize themselves with the materials they’ll be utilizing in their classrooms, ensuring a seamless transition from training to teaching.
Comprehensive Training: Beyond Montessori Principles
Our onboarding day is more than just an introduction to Montessori. It serves as a platform for teachers to undergo essential training sessions that are crucial for their roles. This includes mandated reporter training, pesticide training, and anti-harassment training. These sessions not only comply with legal requirements but also equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
Building State Files: Onboarding Requirements for Schools
A significant aspect of the onboarding day is the completion of requirements that contribute to the teachers‘ state files. These files, a prerequisite at our schools, encompass all necessary documentation and certifications, streamlining the administrative process and ensuring that teachers are ready to step into their classrooms with confidence.
Montessori Overview: Understanding the Foundations
To ensure a strong foundation in Montessori principles, the onboarding includes an overview covering the following key areas:
- What is Montessori?: A deep dive into the philosophy and principles that underpin Montessori education.
- Classroom Management: Strategies for creating an environment that promotes independent learning and cooperation.
- Behavior Management: Techniques for guiding children toward positive behaviors, fostering a harmonious classroom atmosphere.
Navigating the Learn And Play Systems: Paylocity and Employee Handbook Training
In addition to Montessori principles, our onboarding extends to the practical aspects of our organization. Teachers receive training on the systems we have in place for Learn And Play, including:
- Paylocity: An overview of our payroll and HR system, ensuring teachers are familiar with the tools they’ll be using.
- Employee Handbook: A comprehensive guide to our policies, procedures, and expectations, creating a cohesive understanding among our teaching staff.
In conclusion, our onboarding day is a pivotal step in the journey of our educators. By integrating Montessori principles with practical training and administrative requirements, we strive to equip our teachers with the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness necessary for success in their classrooms and within our organization. Together, we nurture a community dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for our students.