Dusterberry Fremont Campus

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!

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.

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.

Empowering Educators: How Our In-House Montessori Teacher Training Shapes Excellence in the Classroom

September 9, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Our in-house teacher training ensures that teachers are aligned with our educational goals, maintaining high standards of teaching and providing quality education to our students. The training covers a wide range of subjects, including child development, Montessori philosophy, classroom management, and hands-on materials. This comprehensive approach equips teachers to address the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each child.

Montessori education is based on specific principles about child development and learning. Training helps educators understand the Montessori philosophy, which focuses on fostering independence, respect for a child’s natural psychological development, and the importance of a prepared environment. Montessori teaching methods are different from traditional educational approaches.

Teachers are trained to guide rather than instruct, observe rather than direct, and to create learning environments that encourage exploration and self-directed learning. Montessori training often emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-reflection, encouraging teachers to continue developing their skills and understanding of the Montessori method throughout their careers.

Montessori training empowers teachers to create a learning environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace, fostering a deep sense of satisfaction in their roles as educators. These benefits make Montessori teacher training a valuable investment for those passionate about fostering the growth and development of young learners.

A New Campus: San Carlos, California

As for example, our upcoming San Carlos, California, daycare, preschool, and kindergarten campus of Learn And Play® Montessori School will exemplify our commitment to offering best-in-class educational opportunities, supported by our rigorous in-house teacher training. For example, at the San Carlos campus, teachers will undergo comprehensive training that ensures they are aligned with the school’s educational philosophy and high academic standards. This training covers essential topics such as child development, the Montessori philosophy, classroom management, and the effective use of hands-on Montessori materials. By equipping teachers with the skills to address the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of every child, the San Carlos campus will create an enriched learning environment where young learners can thrive.

At San Carlos, our daycare, preschool, and kindgarten teachers and teaching staff will be empowered to guide students through exploration and self-directed learning, fostering independence and critical thinking. The teacher training program emphasizes the unique Montessori approach, where educators serve as guides rather than traditional instructors, allowing children to learn at their own pace. With continuous learning and self-reflection being key components of this training, our teachers are equipped to meet the highest academic standards. The San Carlos campus will showcase how this approach not only nurtures each child’s natural curiosity but also supports their growth into confident, capable learners ready for future academic challenges.

The Magic of Montessori Education: Unlocking the World Through Sensorial Activities

August 26, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

Montessori education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, is renowned for its holistic approach to child development, emphasizing independence, self-directed learning, and respect for a child’s natural development. One of the most captivating aspects of Montessori education is its use of sensorial activities, designed to refine a child’s senses and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

What Are Sensorial Activities?

Sensorial activities are tasks and exercises that help children develop and refine their five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. These activities are designed to isolate specific qualities, such as color, size, texture, and sound, enabling children to focus on one at a time. Through sensorial activities, children learn to observe, compare, and categorize their experiences, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

The Importance of Sensorial Activities

Sensorial activities are crucial for several reasons:

Refinement of the Senses: These activities help children sharpen their senses, enabling them to notice and appreciate the details in their environment. This heightened sensory awareness is essential for cognitive development.

Cognitive Development: By engaging in sensorial activities, children learn to differentiate and classify sensory input, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Language Development: As children explore different sensory attributes, they acquire the vocabulary to describe their experiences, enhancing their language and communication skills.

Foundation for Academic Learning: Sensorial activities provide a basis for future learning in subjects like mathematics, geometry, and science. For example, understanding dimensions and shapes through sensorial materials prepares children for concepts in geometry.

Concentration and Focus: Engaging with sensorial materials requires concentration and attention to detail, fostering a child’s ability to focus and work independently.

Key Sensorial Materials in Montessori Education

Montessori classrooms are equipped with specialized materials designed to stimulate and refine the senses. Some of the most iconic sensorial materials include:

Pink Tower: A set of ten pink cubes of varying sizes that children stack in order from largest to smallest, enhancing their understanding of size and volume.

Color Tablets: These tablets come in different colors and shades, helping children distinguish and match colors, as well as explore concepts like gradients and patterns.

Sound Cylinders: Pairs of cylinders filled with different materials that produce distinct sounds when shaken, training children to match sounds by listening carefully.

Touch Tablets: Textured tablets that children match based on touch, refining their tactile sense and sensitivity to different textures.

Smelling Bottles: Containers with different scents that children identify and match, developing their sense of smell.

Thermic Bottles: Bottles filled with liquids at different temperatures, helping children discern and compare varying degrees of heat and cold.

Implementing Sensorial Activities at Home

You can incorporate sensorial activities into your child’s daily routine at home with a few simple materials and creative ideas:

Color Sorting: Provide a variety of colorful objects, such as buttons or beads, and have your child sort them by color.

Sound Matching: Fill small containers with different items (e.g., rice, beans, sand) and have your child shake and match the sounds.

Texture Exploration: Create a texture board with materials like sandpaper, velvet, and cotton. Encourage your child to feel and describe each texture.

Scent Jars: Fill small jars with items like coffee, vanilla, and lavender. Let your child smell each jar and match them with pictures of the items.

Temperature Play: Use warm and cold water to let your child explore and compare different temperatures safely.

Conclusion

Sensorial activities are a cornerstone of Montessori education, providing children with invaluable tools to explore and understand their world. These activities not only refine the senses but also lay the groundwork for academic learning, cognitive development, and language acquisition. By integrating sensorial activities into both classroom and home environments, we can nurture children’s natural curiosity and support their journey toward becoming observant, thoughtful, and capable individuals. We know that today’s busy Bay Area parents are looking for a best-in-class preschool program. With campuses ranging from Sunnyvale to Hercules, Danville to Dublin, and Fremont to Milpitas – we should have a campus near you. Reach out, today, for a campus tour!

The Benefits of Toddlers and Preschoolers Learning Montessori Practical Life Skills

August 26, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

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:

Involve Children in Household Chores: Let them help with tasks like setting the table, sorting laundry, or cleaning up after meals.

Create a Self-Care Station: Set up an area where children can practice brushing their teeth, combing their hair, and dressing themselves.

Encourage Cooking and Baking: Simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or kneading dough can be both fun and educational.

Gardening Together: Let children help with watering plants, planting seeds, and caring for a small garden.

Practice Social Graces: Role-play different social scenarios and practice greetings, table manners, and polite conversation.

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.

Unlocking Potential at Learn And Play Montessori School: Advanced Curriculum and Enriching Programs

August 13, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

At Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe that every child has immense potential waiting to be unlocked. Our mission is to nurture this potential through a unique blend of advanced curriculum, enriching after-school programs, and a commitment to the Montessori method. We offer a comprehensive educational experience that prepares our children not just academically, but for life.

Advanced Curriculum for Early Learners

One of the hallmarks of Learn And Play Montessori is our advanced curriculum. From the very beginning, we introduce our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students to kindergarten-level books, ensuring they have a strong foundation as they transition into more formal education. By the time our students reach kindergarten, they are already exploring first and second-grade materials. This early exposure to advanced content not only challenges our young learners but also instills a love for learning and curiosity that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.

STEM Experiments Aligned with Montessori Principles

Our commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. In the afternoons, we engage our students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiments that are both age-appropriate and educational. These hands-on activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of scientific principles, all while staying true to the Montessori method. By integrating STEM into our curriculum, we ensure that our students develop critical thinking skills and a strong foundation in these essential areas.

Private School Programs: TK and Kindergarten

Learn And Play Montessori’s TK and Kindergarten programs are considered private school programs, offering a higher standard of education that prepares our students for the challenges of first grade and beyond. Our experienced educators are dedicated to providing personalized attention, ensuring that each child reaches their full potential. We focus not only on academic excellence but also on the development of practical life skills that will benefit our students throughout their lives.

Practical Life Skills for Long-Term Success

At Learn And Play Montessori, we understand that education is about more than just academics. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with practical life skills that they will carry with them into adulthood. From basic self-care and organizational skills to problem-solving and social interaction, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and competence.

Enriching After-School Programs

Our after-school programs offer a variety of activities that complement our advanced curriculum and Montessori principles. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, or additional STEM projects, our after-school programs provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore their interests and develop new skills. With campus locations spanning from Hercules to Pleasant Hill, Fremont to Danville, Dublin to Sunnyvale and beyond we are bringing top-rated early education opportunities to children across the Bay Area. Use our website to find the campus best for you and your child.

At Learn And Play Montessori School, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares children for future success. Our advanced curriculum, commitment to the Montessori method, and focus on practical life skills ensure that our students are well-equipped to thrive in school and beyond. We invite you to learn more about our programs and see how we can help your child unlock their full potential.