Learn And Play® Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs
Enroll Now New Hercules Campus New San Carlos Campus
Spring season is full of wonder, growth, and sunshine—making it the perfect time to do hands-on nature activities with young children. While the park is a great physical activity, it’s equally important to nurture your child’s curiosity and cognitive development at home. [Read more…] about Spring Montessori-Inspired Activities to Do At Home
A 2023 report rated American children’s reading ability as woefully inadequate compared to other wealthy countries. Yet reading is fundamental to learning – first, the child “learns to read,” and subsequently, the child “reads to learn.” You must prioritize reading at the earliest levels, as it is (obviously) a foundational skill. At Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe in working hard with every child to that he or she becomes “above average,” (hopefully way above average), and becomes a fluent reader by the time they graduate from our preschool curriculum. We build a solid foundation of language skills with early phonetics instruction, learning how to write through Montessori activities. We also emphasize “fun,” as we strive to make reading “fun,” including hands-on learning experiences. This strategy helps students develop the skills and passion needed for reading in the future. [Read more…] about Building Strong Readers: How Learn And Play Montessori Nurtures Literacy Success
Art is often thought of as “something extra,” but art is a huge part of education and a major part of “being human.” Throughout our programs, we leverage art for fun and as a mechanism to help kids learn and to learn to love learning. Let’s discuss art! [Read more…] about Learning Through Art
Montessori Golden Beads teaches mathematical concepts such as linear counting, place value, basic arithmetic, and the decimal system. Using the Montessori hands-on approach, these materials allow our young learners to count units from ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands. We use this strategy across our campuses, from Fremont to Hercules, Milpitas to Pleasant Hill, and across our many best-in-class preschool programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Combining independent learning with this sensorial mathematical activity builds curiosity within our Learn And Play® Montessori School students, engaging them in a way traditional math practices are unable to do successfully. [Read more…] about Material Spotlight: Montessori Mathematical Golden Beads
Our senses – taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight – are the key way that we perceive the world. Kids instinctively know this, but Montessori-based learning helps kids to understand their senses, and how to interpret them. We use these throughout our preschool programs from Fremont to Milpitas, Hercules to San Carlos, Dublin to Irvington and everywhere between
Cognitive and language skills develop through the use of repetition and the interaction of children with their senses, environment, and surroundings, which all should start as early as possible in a systematic way. Teaching your kids to “label” each sense, and the words associated with the five senses not only encourages brain development and critical thinking, but also builds vocabulary through sensory play. Here are some at-home tips and ideas you can use to help your child really understand what’s going on with his or her senses. [Read more…] about Sensorial Activities to Do at Home
Although we are sad to see 2024 go, we have plenty of memories and knowledge to look back on and cherish. This year was packed with fun hands-on activities that truly grasped the attention of our students and planted the seed for the love of learning. From January 2024 to now, there has been visible growth among all our students –and we don’t just mean height! [Read more…] about Looking back at 2024
Our Learn And Play methodology uses the educational “play-based” method. Following this philosophy, our students learn primarily through play and naturally develop a passion for learning. It is through this method that our students develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and so much more. Our teachers guide our young learners by facilitating activities and demonstrating techniques. You can do the same thing with your children!
Here are four play-based activities you and your child can do together.
Playing with a ball:
This activity is not only engaging for children but involves motions such as throwing, kicking, and catching. These large movements help our growing students become familiarized with their body movements, practicing hand-eye coordination and grasping skills.
Magnetic tiles:
This interactive game combines playing with learning. Not only does it develop problem-solving skills, but it sharpens fine motor skills. Building these tiles involves precise movements that strengthen muscles in one’s hands and fingers. There is also a STEM and creativity component integrated into this activity –making it a perfect tool for enriching multiple areas of development at once.
Painting:
Arts and crafts are a fun way to introduce educational lessons while allowing children to express themselves creatively. Painting can be a sensory experience when using fingers to paint and familiarizes children with different colors. Science is also seen within this craft when children begin mixing colors! It is a perfect activity for all age groups.
Sensory bins:
Sensory play gets the five main senses activated which is crucial for development in the early years. There are countless ways to do this activity, but a LAPMS favorite is water sensory bins. Filling a plastic tub with water and then adding toys, scoops, funnels, and other safe objects for water play creates a fun activity that gets your child to splash, pour, and engage in imaginary play.
The play-based approach fosters critical skills that support a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. This method allows our students to explore, showcase their creativity, and enhance problem-solving abilities through play. Our classroom hands-on activities improve our students’ communication skills as they learn to collaborate and work as a team. By engaging in meaningful play, children develop critical abilities that lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success, making it a highly beneficial approach to early childhood education.
Maria Montessori created multiple tools to aid a child’s journey in learning how to write. The Montessori materials used for language development tie in with hands-on lessons that give the building blocks needed to ultimately give a child the ability to write comfortably on their own. Practicing how to write outside of the classroom is just as important as practice makes perfect! [Read more…] about Practicing Writing at Home: The Montessori Method
Learn And Play Montessori School has been proudly serving the Hercules community with our newest campus. Our commitment to providing exceptional Montessori education continues as we bring our unique approach to early childhood learning to this vibrant area.
At Learn And Play Montessori, we are dedicated to fostering a love for learning through a child-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on exploration, independence, and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey. Our skilled and passionate teachers create a supportive and stimulating environment where children thrive.
Classrooms Designed for The Future
The Hercules campus boasts thoughtfully designed classrooms, engaging educational materials, and a range of activities tailored to diverse learning styles and interests. We are dedicated to offering a safe and welcoming space where children build essential skills, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong passion for learning.
We invite families in Hercules and the surrounding areas to discover how our Montessori approach can support their child’s growth and development. Visit us to learn more about the opportunities awaiting your child at our Hercules campus.
A Unique Curriculum that Combines Montessori and STEM
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional early childhood education, we are proud to introduce the unique blend of Montessori and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) that sets our school apart. This innovative approach not only fosters a love for learning but also equips young learners with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
At the heart of our philosophy is the Montessori method, which focuses on a child-centered approach to education. We believe that children learn best through hands-on exploration and at their own pace. Our classrooms are designed to promote independence, creativity, and self-directed learning. Montessori education emphasizes respect for each child’s unique developmental journey, and our skilled and passionate teachers are dedicated to supporting children as they grow, both academically and emotionally. In this nurturing environment, students are encouraged to take charge of their learning, explore their interests, and develop a lifelong passion for discovery.
Our Hercules campus exemplifies the Montessori principles of thoughtful classroom design and engaging educational materials. The classrooms are carefully organized to foster independence and responsibility, with areas dedicated to practical life skills, sensory experiences, and academic subjects like math and science. By offering children the freedom to explore and learn within a structured environment, we help them build essential skills and gain the confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.
In addition to the Montessori method, we are proud to integrate STEM education into our curriculum, even at the earliest stages of learning. At Learn And Play Montessori, we recognize the importance of preparing young learners for the future, and STEM plays a critical role in that preparation. By incorporating STEM concepts into daily activities, we introduce children to the basics of science, technology, engineering, and math in fun, age-appropriate ways. Whether they are building structures with blocks, experimenting with water, or learning basic coding through interactive games, our students are developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will serve them well in the years ahead.
The combination of Montessori and STEM creates a dynamic learning environment where children are not only prepared for academic success but are also inspired to think creatively and solve real-world problems. We believe that introducing STEM concepts at an early age helps spark curiosity and opens the door to a wide range of future career possibilities, from engineering to technology and beyond. By fostering a love for these subjects in a supportive, hands-on setting, we give our students a strong foundation to build on as they progress through their educational journey.
A Welcoming Space for Children to Learn
Our Hercules daycare, preschool, and kindergarten program is designed to be a safe, welcoming space where children can explore, learn, and grow. With thoughtfully designed classrooms, a rich array of educational materials, and a range of activities tailored to diverse learning styles and interests, we are dedicated to providing the best possible environment for young learners. Families in Hercules and the surrounding areas are invited to discover how our Montessori plus STEM approach can support their child’s growth and development.
We are currently enrolling students at our Hercules campus and would love for you to visit us and learn more about the opportunities awaiting your child. Experience the difference that a Montessori education can make in your child’s life and give them the tools they need to thrive in a world that increasingly values creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
We are now enrolling!
For more information, visit: Enrollment Details
