Sunnyvale Campus

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

Learn And Play® Montessori School Announces Fall Enrollment for Daycare and Preschool at Newly Opened Sunnyvale Campus

October 29, 2024 by Lee McDonald

Sunnyvale, California – October 29, 2024. Learn And Play® Montessori School, a top-rated early childhood education provider in the Bay Area, is proud to announce Fall enrollment opportunities in daycare and preschool at its newly opened Sunnyvale campus. [Read more…] about Learn And Play® Montessori School Announces Fall Enrollment for Daycare and Preschool at Newly Opened Sunnyvale 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!

Discover the Best Early Education in Sunnyvale, California!

October 11, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Are you looking for a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can thrive? Look no further than Learn And Play Montessori School’s Sunnyvale campus! We are now accepting enrollments, and we’d love for your child to join our vibrant community.

Why Choose Learn and Play Montessori in Sunnyvale?

At Learn and Play Montessori, we believe in the power of early education to shape a child’s future. Our Sunnyvale campus offers a unique blend of the Montessori philosophy and a strong academic foundation. Here’s what makes our school stand out:

Montessori Excellence: Our curriculum is rooted in the time-tested Montessori method, encouraging children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace. This approach fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Highly Qualified Teachers: Our teachers are not just educators—they are passionate guides who understand the importance of early childhood development. Each teacher is dedicated to creating a supportive and enriching environment for every child.
Engaging Learning Environment: Our Sunnyvale campus is designed to inspire curiosity and exploration. With state-of-the-art classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and beautiful outdoor spaces, your child will have the freedom to learn and play in a safe and engaging setting.
Comprehensive Curriculum: We offer a well-rounded curriculum that includes not only core academic subjects like math, science, and language but also art, music, and physical education. Our goal is to develop the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Flexible Programs: We understand that every family has different needs, so we offer a variety of programs to suit your schedule, including full-time and part-time options. Whether you need morning care, afterschool care, half day care, or full-day care, we have a program that’s right for you.

Enroll Today!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give your child the best start in life. Our Sunnyvale campus is now accepting applications for new students, and spots are filling up quickly. Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or you’re looking for a better fit, Learn And Play Montessori is here to support your family every step of the way.

https://www.learnandplaymontessori.com/sunnyvale/programs-fees/

Visit Us!

We invite you to visit our Sunnyvale campus to see firsthand what makes Learn and Play Montessori special. Schedule a tour today and discover how we can help your child reach their full potential.

https://www.learnandplaymontessori.com/sunnyvale/school-tours/

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.