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Learn And Play® Montessori School

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Learn and Play Montessori School

Fremont Montessori

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

Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid

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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

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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:

  1. What is Montessori?: A deep dive into the philosophy and principles that underpin Montessori education.
  2. Classroom Management: Strategies for creating an environment that promotes independent learning and cooperation.
  3. 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:

  1. Paylocity: An overview of our payroll and HR system, ensuring teachers are familiar with the tools they’ll be using.
  2. 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.

Preparing Your Child for Montessori: A Parent’s Guide

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The decision to send your child to a Montessori school is important, and the transition from being at home to attending a Montessori school is a significant milestone for both you and your child. Our Montessori school programs run currently in Fremont, Danville, Dublin, and Milpitas. The Montessori method of education is known for its unique approach to fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning in children. To help ease this transition, we’ll explore some valuable tips for parents and what to expect during the first few weeks of Montessori school.

Prepare Your Child Emotionally. Emotional readiness is crucial for a smooth transition. Start by discussing the upcoming change with your child. Explain why they’ll be going to school and the exciting experiences they will have. Encourage their curiosity and enthusiasm, reassuring them that school is a fun place to learn and make new friends.

Brochure supporting a Montessori school in Fremont, California.

Familiarize Your Child with Montessori Principles. Montessori schools have a unique philosophy focusing on child-centered learning, freedom within limits, and mixed-age classrooms. Introducing your child to these principles before their first day is a good idea. You can read books or watch videos about Maria Montessori’s ideas, which will help your child understand the learning environment.

Tour the School Together. Before the first day of school, arrange a tour of the Montessori classroom with your child. This will help them become comfortable with the physical environment, the materials, and the teachers. You can also introduce your child to some of the other students to make them feel welcome.

Click here to Schedule a Tour of any of our Learn And Play Montessori Schools

Establish Routines. Montessori schools emphasize independence, and it’s helpful for children to have a structured routine at home. Encourage your child to dress themselves, tidy up after activities, and take care of their personal belongings. These skills will make the transition to the Montessori classroom smoother.

Encourage Grace and Courtesy: Beyond academic development, Montessori education places a strong emphasis on cultivating grace and courtesy. Introduce your child to the values of respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Emphasize the importance of polite interactions and the joy that comes from being part of a supportive and respectful community. By instilling these social skills early on, your child will seamlessly integrate into the Montessori environment, fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers alike. Incorporating grace and courtesy into their daily routines at home will further nurture these essential qualities, contributing to a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent educational experience.

Build Confidence. In the Montessori environment, children are encouraged to make choices and decisions. Help your child build their confidence by letting them make age-appropriate choices at home, such as selecting their clothing or deciding what snacks to eat. This will prepare them for the independence they’ll experience at school.

Transitioning from home to a Montessori school can be an exciting journey for both parents and children. By preparing your child emotionally, introducing them to Montessori principles, and building their confidence and independence, you can help them adapt to this enriching learning environment. During the first few weeks, embrace the unique aspects of Montessori education, including mixed-age classrooms and individualized learning, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers. With patience and support, your child is on their way to a fulfilling and transformative Montessori experience.

Montessori + STEM Experiments & How to Enhance Learning at Home

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Montessori education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are powerful tools for nurturing children’s curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. When these two educational philosophies intersect, children experience a dynamic learning environment that ignites their passion for discovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Montessori + STEM education and provide a collection of exciting at-home STEM activities to complement your child’s school experience. To learn more about our STEM curriculum, you can take a tour of any of our schools.

At-Home STEM Activities to Enhance the Montessori + STEM Experience

  1. Weather Watchers: Create a weather journal to record daily observations. Discuss temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Over time, your child will notice patterns and gain a deeper understanding of weather.
  2. Seed Growth Experiment: Plant seeds in different conditions – some with lots of water, some with minimal water, and some in different soil types. Observe and discuss how each condition affects seed growth.
  3. Simple Machines at Home: Explore simple machines using household objects. For example, construct a pulley system using a rope, a chair, and a bucket to learn about mechanical advantage.
  4. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Organize a nature scavenger hunt, encouraging your child to observe and collect different items from the natural world. Discuss the characteristics and functions of these objects.
  5. Invent with Recyclables: Provide your child with a collection of recyclable materials, and challenge them to invent a useful or creative item. Discuss the engineering principles involved.

Enhancing Montessori + STEM at HomeMontessori plus STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)

  • Encourage your child’s questions and curiosity. Emphasize that it’s okay not to have all the answers – part of the STEM process is exploring the unknown.
  • Create a dedicated STEM workspace at home. This can be a corner of a room or a table stocked with supplies for experiments and projects.
  • Keep a science journal. Encourage your child to record their observations, hypotheses, and the results of their experiments.
  • Foster critical thinking by discussing everyday STEM-related challenges and problem-solving together.

Montessori + STEM at home creates an environment that extends your child’s learning beyond the classroom, fueling their passion for exploration, discovery, and problem-solving. These experiences help children build a strong foundation in STEM and develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

 

Montessori Thanksgiving: Cultivating Gratitude and Togetherness

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Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, reflect on their blessings, and create meaningful memories. At our Montessori school, we believe in fostering gratitude, independence, and togetherness among our young learners. In this blog, we’ll explore Montessori-inspired activities and ways in which parents can make Thanksgiving a meaningful and educational experience for their children.Celebrating Thankgiving in a Montessori preschool in Fremont, CA.

  1. DIY Thanksgiving Decorations. In the Montessori classroom, children learn the value of practical life activities. This Thanksgiving, engage your child in making DIY decorations. They can create paper turkeys, leaf garlands, or placemats. This not only hones their fine motor skills but also instills a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Cooking Together. Thanksgiving offers an ideal opportunity for parents and children to cook together. Invite your child to help with age-appropriate tasks, like washing vegetables, peeling potatoes, or mixing ingredients. Cooking fosters independence, practical life skills, and a love for food and nutrition.
  3. Nature Walks. In Montessori education, nature plays a crucial role in learning. Consider taking a nature walk as a family in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Collect leaves, pinecones, or acorns to incorporate into your decorations or crafts, all while fostering a deep connection to the natural world.
  4. Setting the Table. Teach your child how to set the Thanksgiving table with precision. This practical life skill includes arranging utensils, napkins, and dishes in an organized and beautiful manner. It instills a sense of responsibility and order.
  5. Montessori Grace and Courtesy. In Montessori, children are taught the importance of grace and courtesy. Use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to teach your child about being polite and expressing gratitude. Encourage them to say “please” and “thank you” and to express their thanks for the meal.

Thanksgiving in a Montessori spirit is all about fostering gratitude, independence, and togetherness. By engaging your child in these Montessori-inspired activities, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that aligns with the principles of Montessori education, all while building precious family memories and instilling values that will last a lifetime. Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Montessori Transitional Kindergarten Outshines Public Transitional Kindergarten in California

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The decision of where to send your child for their transitional kindergarten (TK) year is a significant one. Transitional kindergarten serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, and choosing the right environment can set the stage for a lifetime of learning. While public schools have long been the traditional choice, Montessori Transitional Kindergarten offers a unique and transformative educational experience that often outshines the offerings of public schools. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Montessori TK stands out as an exceptional choice for early education.transitional kindergarten in Fremont, California

  1. Child-Centered Learning: Montessori education is renowned for its child-centered approach. In Montessori TK classrooms, children are active participants in their learning journey. The curriculum is tailored to each child’s unique needs and interests, promoting a love of learning that goes beyond rote memorization. In public school TK programs, curriculum is often more standardized, making it challenging to meet the diverse needs of every child.
  2. Hands-On, Experiential Learning: Montessori TK classrooms are filled with hands-on materials that engage children in meaningful learning experiences. These materials are designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. In public school TK programs, there may be more emphasis on worksheets and structured activities, which may not offer the same level of experiential learning.
  3. Child-Led Independence: Montessori education places a strong emphasis on nurturing independence in children from a young age. In a Montessori TK program, children are encouraged to make choices, engage in activities that interest them, and take responsibility for their learning environment. In contrast, public TK programs often have a more structured and teacher-directed approach, which may not provide the same level of autonomy for the child.
  4. Holistic Development: Montessori education focuses on the development of the whole child, encompassing not just academics but also emotional, social, and physical growth. Lessons are integrated into real-life experiences, and activities often extend beyond traditional academic subjects. In public TK programs, the focus may be more narrowly on academic readiness, sometimes overlooking the importance of holistic development.
  5. Open Communication with Parents: Montessori educators value strong partnerships with parents. Expect open communication, including regular meetings and updates on your child’s progress. While public schools also communicate with parents, the larger class sizes can sometimes limit the level of personalized attention that Montessori schools offer.

When it comes to providing your child with the best possible start to their educational journey, Montessori Transitional Kindergarten stands out as an exceptional choice. With its child-centered approach, hands-on learning, emphasis on independence, holistic development, and strong parent-teacher communication, Montessori TK offers a transformative educational experience that can set the stage for a lifelong love of learning and personal growth. While public schools have their merits, Montessori TK programs are specially designed to provide a strong foundation for a bright and promising future.

Irvington Campus Is Now Enrolling! Please Join Our Open House!

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Our Irvington Campus is located in Fremont’s trendy Irvington neighborhood, this beautiful and spacious Montessori school campus includes eight large classrooms and secluded play area for children ages 18 months to 9 years. [Read more…] about Irvington Campus Is Now Enrolling! Please Join Our Open House!

Fremont, California, preschool program including daycare and childcare.

Discover Our Preschool Program

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Our Preschool Program provides young children with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. Our curriculum focuses on individual needs utilizing a hands-on approach that encourages independent thinking and problem-solving skills. With an emphasis on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, our program provides a diverse learning environment that promotes positive attitudes and respect for self, others, and the environment. Our curriculum prepares children for later academic experiences by encouraging intellectual growth in a nurturing atmosphere. It has been proven to be an effective early childhood education method with positive effects on children’s overall development. [Read more…] about Discover Our Preschool Program

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!
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