San Carlos Campus

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!

Learn And Play® Montessori School Launches Major Online Advertising Campaign for New San Carlos Campus

September 19, 2024 by Gloria McNabb

San Carlos, California – September 19, 2024. Learn And Play® Montessori School, a top-rated provider of early education programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, is excited to announce significant online advertising to promote its forthcoming campus in San Carlos, California. [Read more…] about Learn And Play® Montessori School Launches Major Online Advertising Campaign for New San Carlos Campus

Learn And Play® Montessori School Announces Waitlist Opportunities for San Carlos Campus Including Daycare, Preschool, and Kindergarten

September 19, 2024 by Gloria McNabb

San Carlos, California – September 19, 2024. Learn And Play® Montessori School, a top-rated provider of early education programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, is thrilled to announce that open enrollment is now available for its forthcoming campus in San Carlos, California. [Read more…] about Learn And Play® Montessori School Announces Waitlist Opportunities for San Carlos Campus Including Daycare, Preschool, and Kindergarten

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!

The Benefits of Toddlers and Preschoolers Learning Montessori Practical Life Skills

August 26, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori education is celebrated for its child-centered approach, which encourages independence, self-motivation, and a love for learning. One of the foundational elements of this educational method is the focus on Practical Life skills. These activities, designed to mirror everyday tasks, offer a wealth of benefits for toddlers and preschoolers. Here’s why incorporating Montessori Practical Life skills into early childhood education is so beneficial.

What Are Montessori Practical Life Skills?

Montessori Practical Life activities are tasks that help children learn to care for themselves, their environment, and interact with others. These activities include dressing, cleaning, cooking, gardening, and practicing social graces. They are carefully designed to be age-appropriate and to promote independence, coordination, and a sense of responsibility. We know that today’s busy Bay Area parents want their kids to learn practical life skills – the kind of skills that position the child for success at their career and at the complex life in a technological society. With campuses that span from Hercules, California, to Sunnyvale – from Fremont to Danville, we have an assortment of campus locations in the Bay Area. Use or website or call us to find a campus near you.

Key Benefits of Practical Life Skills for Young Children

Developing Independence
One of the primary goals of Practical Life activities is to help children become more independent. By engaging in tasks like buttoning their shirts, pouring water, or sweeping the floor, toddlers and preschoolers learn to do things for themselves. This fosters a sense of autonomy and self-reliance, which are crucial for their overall development and self-esteem.

Enhancing Motor Skills
Practical Life activities are excellent for developing both fine and gross motor skills. Tasks such as threading beads, using tweezers, or washing dishes require precise movements that enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These skills are not only essential for daily tasks but also lay the groundwork for writing and other academic pursuits.

Fostering Concentration and Focus
Engaging in Practical Life activities requires children to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. This practice of sustained attention helps improve their ability to concentrate on academic tasks later on. Children learn to complete activities from start to finish, fostering a sense of accomplishment and persistence.

Teaching Responsibility and Care for the Environment
Through activities like watering plants, feeding pets, or tidying up their play area, children learn about responsibility and the importance of caring for their environment. These tasks teach them that they have a role in maintaining their surroundings, promoting a sense of stewardship and respect for their space and resources.

Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
Successfully completing Practical Life activities gives children a sense of achievement and boosts their confidence. When they see that they can perform tasks independently, it builds their self-esteem and encourages them to take on new challenges. This positive reinforcement is vital for their emotional development.

Promoting Social Skills and Grace
Practical Life activities also include lessons in grace and courtesy, such as greeting others, saying please and thank you, and taking turns. These activities help children learn important social skills and how to interact politely with others. They develop empathy and consideration for others, which are essential for forming healthy relationships.

Instilling a Love for Learning
Montessori Practical Life activities are designed to be engaging and enjoyable. When children find joy in these tasks, it instills a love for learning and a curiosity about the world around them. This positive attitude towards learning can have a lasting impact on their educational journey.

Incorporating Practical Life Skills at Home

Parents can easily integrate Montessori Practical Life activities into their daily routines. Here are a few ideas:

Involve Children in Household Chores: Let them help with tasks like setting the table, sorting laundry, or cleaning up after meals.

Create a Self-Care Station: Set up an area where children can practice brushing their teeth, combing their hair, and dressing themselves.

Encourage Cooking and Baking: Simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or kneading dough can be both fun and educational.

Gardening Together: Let children help with watering plants, planting seeds, and caring for a small garden.

Practice Social Graces: Role-play different social scenarios and practice greetings, table manners, and polite conversation.

Conclusion

Montessori Practical Life skills provide toddlers and preschoolers with invaluable tools for their development. These activities foster independence, enhance motor skills, teach responsibility, and promote social skills, all while building confidence and instilling a love for learning. By integrating these activities into early childhood education and home routines, we can help children grow into capable, confident, and caring individuals.

From Montessori to STEM: San Carlos’ Premier Early Childhood Education Center

August 18, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new Montessori + STEM school in San Carlos, CA! Our school is dedicated to nurturing the natural curiosity of children and fostering a love for learning in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. With our unique blend of Montessori philosophy and STEM education, we are excited to offer a comprehensive early childhood education program for children ages 2-6 years.

Our Programs

We understand that every family has different needs, and we are pleased to offer a variety of programs to accommodate diverse schedules:

Full-Time Programs: Designed for families who need consistent, full-day care. Our full-time program runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Additionally, we offer morning care from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM exclusively for children enrolled in the full-time program, ensuring your child has a full day of enriching educational experiences.
Part-Time Programs: Ideal for families who need flexibility. Our part-time options allow you to choose the days and times that best suit your schedule while still providing your child with high-quality education and care.
After-School Programs: Perfect for families who need care beyond regular school hours. Our after-school program offers a range of engaging activities that promote learning and social development in a fun, relaxed setting. This program is particularly beneficial for TK and Kindergarten students, providing them with additional learning opportunities and social interaction.

Why Choose Our Montessori + STEM School?

Montessori Philosophy: Our Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. We encourage children to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and become independent learners.
STEM Integration: In addition to the Montessori curriculum, we incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to inspire curiosity and innovation. Through hands-on experiments, projects, and activities, children gain a strong foundation in these critical areas.
Experienced Educators: Our team of dedicated and experienced educators is passionate about early childhood education. They are committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our San Carlos campus features modern, well-equipped classrooms and outdoor play areas designed to support both learning and play. We provide a safe and welcoming space where children can explore, discover, and grow.
Community Focus: We believe in the power of community and strive to create strong connections with our families. We offer regular opportunities for parent involvement and communication, ensuring that we work together to support your child’s development.

Prepare for the Future

Our TK and Kindergarten programs are designed to give children a head start, ensuring they are well-prepared for 1st grade. By enrolling in these programs, your child will gain the skills and confidence needed to excel academically and socially.

Learn More and Stay Updated!

While we are not yet ready to offer tours of our new campus, we invite you to learn more about our programs by calling us at 510-916-1600 or emailing us at [email protected]. Additionally, you can sign up on our waitlist page to be the first to know updates about our school, including when tours become available and enrollment opens.

Building Future Innovators: San Carlos’ New Montessori + STEM School

August 13, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming innovative Montessori + STEM school in the beautiful city of San Carlos, CA! Starting this fall, our school will be accepting children from ages 2 to 6 years old. Nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, San Carlos is home to many professionals who value high-quality education for their children, and we are here to meet that need with a unique curriculum that blends Montessori principles with STEM education.

A Unique Curriculum for a Bright Future

Our curriculum stands out because we combine the time-tested Montessori approach with modern STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts. This blend ensures that our students are not only grounded in practical life skills but are also introduced to crucial STEM topics at an age-appropriate level. This prepares them for the future and helps them navigate the ever-changing job market with confidence.

Montessori Education: Building Strong Foundations

The Montessori method emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. Our classrooms are designed to foster independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Children engage in practical life activities that build fine motor skills, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. This strong foundation in personal development is crucial as they grow and face new challenges.

STEM Education: Preparing for the Future

Incorporating STEM into our curriculum allows us to introduce young children to the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a way that is engaging and accessible. Through interactive activities and age-appropriate projects, we nurture their natural curiosity and problem-solving skills. By doing so, we ensure that our students are not only ready for their academic journey but are also equipped with the skills needed for the future workforce.

Serving the San Carlos Community

San Carlos, often referred to as the “City of Good Living,” is a vibrant community located in the San Francisco Bay Peninsula. It is home to many professionals who work in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Our school aims to provide these families with an educational option that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

We understand the importance of quality education in the early years, and our goal is to offer a program that supports the developmental needs of young children while also challenging them intellectually. By bringing our Montessori + STEM school to San Carlos, we are committed to educating the children of the professionals who work and live in this dynamic area.

Enrollment Information

Our school will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering various part-time, full-time, and after-school programs to accommodate the diverse needs of families. We invite interested parents to learn more about our programs and enroll their children to give them a head start in their educational journey.

For more information or to enroll your child, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you to our school community and embarking on this exciting educational journey together!

We believe that every child deserves an education that prepares them for a successful future. Our Montessori + STEM school in San Carlos is dedicated to providing such an education, ensuring that your child is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Join us as we open our doors and hearts to the children of San Carlos!

Unlocking Potential at Learn And Play Montessori School: Advanced Curriculum and Enriching Programs

August 13, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

At Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe that every child has immense potential waiting to be unlocked. Our mission is to nurture this potential through a unique blend of advanced curriculum, enriching after-school programs, and a commitment to the Montessori method. We offer a comprehensive educational experience that prepares our children not just academically, but for life.

Advanced Curriculum for Early Learners

One of the hallmarks of Learn And Play Montessori is our advanced curriculum. From the very beginning, we introduce our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students to kindergarten-level books, ensuring they have a strong foundation as they transition into more formal education. By the time our students reach kindergarten, they are already exploring first and second-grade materials. This early exposure to advanced content not only challenges our young learners but also instills a love for learning and curiosity that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.

STEM Experiments Aligned with Montessori Principles

Our commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. In the afternoons, we engage our students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiments that are both age-appropriate and educational. These hands-on activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of scientific principles, all while staying true to the Montessori method. By integrating STEM into our curriculum, we ensure that our students develop critical thinking skills and a strong foundation in these essential areas.

Private School Programs: TK and Kindergarten

Learn And Play Montessori’s TK and Kindergarten programs are considered private school programs, offering a higher standard of education that prepares our students for the challenges of first grade and beyond. Our experienced educators are dedicated to providing personalized attention, ensuring that each child reaches their full potential. We focus not only on academic excellence but also on the development of practical life skills that will benefit our students throughout their lives.

Practical Life Skills for Long-Term Success

At Learn And Play Montessori, we understand that education is about more than just academics. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with practical life skills that they will carry with them into adulthood. From basic self-care and organizational skills to problem-solving and social interaction, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and competence.

Enriching After-School Programs

Our after-school programs offer a variety of activities that complement our advanced curriculum and Montessori principles. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, or additional STEM projects, our after-school programs provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore their interests and develop new skills. With campus locations spanning from Hercules to Pleasant Hill, Fremont to Danville, Dublin to Sunnyvale and beyond we are bringing top-rated early education opportunities to children across the Bay Area. Use our website to find the campus best for you and your child.

At Learn And Play Montessori School, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares children for future success. Our advanced curriculum, commitment to the Montessori method, and focus on practical life skills ensure that our students are well-equipped to thrive in school and beyond. We invite you to learn more about our programs and see how we can help your child unlock their full potential.