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Learn And Play® Montessori School

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Learn and Play Montessori School

Montessori

Creating Montessori Activities at Home

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At Learn And Play® Montessori School, our philosophy reflects the Montessori approach, which emphasizes hands-on learning and fostering independence. It’s important for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, and engaging in Montessori-inspired activities at home can be incredibly beneficial. Homemade activities are a wonderful way to keep children engaged during weekends or school breaks, especially during the holiday season. Here are three simple, Montessori-inspired activities you can create at home to keep your child’s learning journey active and enjoyable. [Read more…] about Creating Montessori Activities at Home

LAPMS Financial Aid: Subsidy 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

Mindful Playing: Stimulating Activities for Your Child

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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

Winter Montessori Activities to Do with Your Kids

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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!

The Importance of Montessori Mats in Early Childhood Education

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Montessori mats play a vital role in early childhood education, particularly in Montessori classrooms. These soft surfaces are more than just a decorative addition; they create designated workspaces that foster independence, encourage gross motor skills, and provide a structured yet flexible learning environment.

Designated Workspaces

Montessori mats clearly delineate personal work areas for children, allowing them to engage in activities without distractions. When a child chooses their mat, it

automatically becomes their workspace for the assignment. This setup promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility, as children learn to care for their space and materials. Furthermore, having designated areas helps minimize disruptions in the classroom, fostering a calm and focused learning environment.

Development of Gross Motor Skills

Using Montessori mats also supports the development of gross motor skills. Activities on the mats often involve movement, such as rolling, crawling, and transitioning between different positions. These physical interactions not only enhance coordination and balance but also encourage children to explore their bodies in a safe and supportive environment. For instance, children may practice yoga or engage in sensory activities, further refining their motor skills through play.

Freedom Within Limits

One of the core principles of Montessori education is the balance of freedom and structure, Maria Montessori believed in a child’s ability to ignite their own desire to learn. Mats offer children the freedom to choose their activities while still maintaining a sense of order. Within the boundaries of their mat, children can select from various materials and tasks, promoting autonomy and decision-making skills. This freedom is crucial for fostering deep-rooted motivation, as children feel empowered to pursue their interests while understanding the limits of their designated space.

Conclusion

Montessori mats are more than simple classroom accessories; they serve as foundational tools in Montessori philosophy. By providing designated workspaces, promoting gross motor skill development, and offering freedom within a structured environment, these mats contribute significantly to a child’s overall growth and learning. As children interact with their mats and the activities in our curriculum, they cultivate essential skills that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.

LAPMS Physical Education: Strengthening the mind and body

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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

Maria Montessori as a product of Montessori education

Famous Montessori Alumni: A Legacy of Innovation and Success

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The Montessori method of education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, has long been recognized for fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning in children. What might be less known is the impressive roster of Montessori alumni who have gone on to become leaders in various fields, from technology and entertainment to literature and politics. The success stories of these individuals are a testament to the lasting impact of Montessori education on the development of creative thinkers and innovators. [Read more…] about Famous Montessori Alumni: A Legacy of Innovation and Success

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

children at the New San Carlos Campus

Fall Enrollment at Learn And Play Montessori School!

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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!

Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!

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Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!
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