Michelle Sarrosa

Famous Montessori Alumni: A Legacy of Innovation and Success

October 19, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

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 Joy of Learning Through Play

October 17, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Children are naturally curious and full of energy! Play-based preschools harness this innate curiosity by creating an environment where learning happens naturally and joyfully. Through imaginative play, hands-on activities, and social interactions, children explore the world around them, discover new concepts, and build foundational skills.

Imagine a preschool where children spend their days building with blocks, painting masterpieces, pretending to be shopkeepers, or digging in a garden. In these activities, children are not just having fun—they are learning. They are developing problem-solving skills, understanding cause and effect, improving their fine and gross motor skills, and learning to work collaboratively with others.

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Play is more than just a way to keep children entertained; it is crucial for cognitive development. When children engage in play, they are actively experimenting with the world around them. They are testing hypotheses, exploring relationships, and developing critical thinking skills. For example, a simple game of building a tower with blocks teaches basic principles of physics and engineering.

Encouraging Creativity and Independence

One of the greatest advantages of a play-based preschool is that it nurtures creativity and independence. Children are given the freedom to choose their activities and follow their interests. This autonomy allows them to explore their passions and develop a love for learning. A child who is fascinated by dinosaurs, for example, might spend hours creating a prehistoric world in the sandbox, learning about history, science, and storytelling along the way.

Building Strong Social Skills

In a play-based preschool, children constantly interact with their peers. Whether they are playing house, sharing toys, or collaborating on a project, they are learning to communicate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. These social interactions are the foundation of strong interpersonal skills, which are vital for building relationships and succeeding in any social environment.

So, if you’re looking for a preschool that offers more than just academics, consider a play-based program. It’s a choice that will set your child on a path to success, happiness, and a lifelong passion for learning.

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.

Discover Our New Hercules Campus: Learn and Play Montessori’s Latest Expansion!

September 25, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

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

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.

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

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