Learn And Play® Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs
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
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
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!
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.
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
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
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
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!
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:
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.
