Learn And Play® Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs
Enroll Now New Hercules Campus New San Carlos Campus
Summer is around the corner, bringing with it fun-filled adventures that our teachers and students are excited to begin. Learn And Play operates 15 locations—and we’re continuing to grow! Our Montessori and Play-based schools offer academic programs tailored to their unique educational philosophies, and our summer programs are no exception. [Read more…] about Discover What’s Ahead: Our Summer Curriculum at Learn And Play
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
Learn And Play Montessori School acknowledges the importance of equity in education and strives to give all our students the tools needed to succeed. All our campuses, from Hercules to Sunnyvale, give each child the individual attention needed to learn and discover while developing core values such as honesty, integrity, empathy, compassion, and kindness. Our classrooms, prepared by Montessori-certified and trained teachers, offer hands-on tools for each child at every stage of development.
Equity is achieved in our classrooms through providing support based on a student’s needs, recognizing diversity such as the value of a student’s strengths and challenges, being inclusive, and building relationships with our students and families. Every day, we put our Learn And Play Montessori School value, Equity, into action. Here are a few examples of how we bring equal access to top-notch learning, removing barriers and creating a level playing field.
Montessori activities are designed to follow a child’s progress, fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom where all students can thrive. During math class, our students are introduced to Montessori Number Rods to understand numbers, quantity, and measurement. Once they are confident with these materials, they move on to adding number cards. This addition allows them to have a visual representation of number symbols. Learn And Play Montessori Schools recognize that children learn at their own pace. Our teachers provide differentiated instruction and support to assist everyone’s needs.
Social-emotional learning (S.E.L.) is a critical part of our curriculum, as it is our goal to help guide individuals outside of core academics. Addressing social-emotional topics during a child’s early years –regardless of their background– ensures their understanding of emotions, giving them the tools to communicate and advocate for themselves. Building a child’s voice and confidence empowers them to speak with parents and teachers when they need support. S.E.L. creates self-assured individuals who can express their needs, giving LAPMS insight into when a child needs help.
All our LAPMS campuses work on building a strong sense of community where our students and families alike feel valued, connected, and respected. Being able to form a community and bond allows our educators to provide the best support possible. From your first conversation with our enrollment team to attending orientation and beyond, LAPMS is here for you every step of the way.
Our goal is to give each child the individualized attention needed to learn. We achieve this goal by providing an enriching environment for each student, regardless of their background. Our school value, equity, aligns with the Montessori philosophy that our schools are centered around. To Learn And Play Montessori School, our community is strengthened and enlightened by the diversity and uniqueness of all our students and families we have the honor of serving.
A new year can offer a clean slate! Our team is ecstatic to have a clean slate for 2025, a year to fill with new memories, accomplishments, and adventures with our kids from daycare / childcare, to preschool, to kindergarten and beyond. Most of all, we are grateful to continue opening our doors to new and returning students, as we highly cherish the the opportunity to share the Montessori + STEM methodology with kids and parents. [Read more…] about Stepping Into a New Year of New Opportunity
As a parent, we want the best preschool experience for our children. Well, what happens then at a Montessori-based Preschool Program? Here’s a breakdown of our daily schedule, providing insight into the enriching activities designed to foster growth and learning.
Montessori Morning Circle: A Warm Welcome
Each day begins with our Greeting Morning Circle. Here, students walk along the blue line, a fun way to develop large motor development and focus. We gather to go over the calendar, discussing days of the week and weather, which helps build their understanding of time and seasons. This circle time also includes Montessori presentations, where teachers introduce engaging activities that spark curiosity and encourage independent exploration. 
Snack Time: Nourishing Body and Mind
Following our morning circle, it’s time for a snack. This moment not only refuels our students but also offers a chance to practice social skills. Sharing snacks and conversing with peers promotes a sense of community and enhances their communication abilities.
Montessori Work Time: Hands-On Learning
Around 9:30 AM, we transition into Montessori Work Time. During this period, children explore essential concepts like shapes, colors, numbers, sounds, and language through hands-on activities. Each child selects materials that interest them, promoting autonomy and a love for learning.
Outdoor Play: The Importance of Movement
After focused work, we enjoy 30 minutes of outdoor time. Play is crucial for child development, allowing them to engage in physical activity, explore nature, and interact with peers. Whether they’re running, climbing, or playing games, this time is filled with energy and joy!
Transition Time: Songs and Stories
Next, as we prepare to move indoors, we focus on handwashing to promote self-care and hygiene. This transition is
accompanied by songs and stories, reinforcing literacy and listening skills in a fun, engaging way.
Lunch and Nap Time: Rest and Rejuvenation
After our singing session, it’s time for lunch. Eating together encourages healthy habits and social interactions. Following lunch, children settle down for nap time, which is vital for their growth and rejuvenation, helping them recharge for the rest of the day.
Afternoon Learning: Spanish and Cultural Studies
Upon waking, we dive into Spanish and cultural studies. This exposure fosters a sense of diversity and broadens their understanding of the world around them. Learning basic Spanish vocabulary through songs and activities makes this experience enjoyable and memorable.
STEM Enrichment: Exploring Science and Math
Next, we shift gears with our STEM enrichment program. This hands-on experience encourages problem-solving and critical thinking as children engage in activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our curriculum has many science experiments embedded in the schedule which our students enjoy participating in. 
Snack Time and Outdoor Play: Active Exploration
After STEM, we have another snack followed by more outdoor play. During this time, we focus on physical activities that promote gross motor skills, such as running, riding bicycles, and bouncing balls. This active play is crucial for developing strength, coordination, and confidence.
Tea Time: Grace and Courtesy
As the day winds down, we gather for tea time, where we practice our grace and courtesy skills. This essential component of our curriculum teaches children about respect, sharing, and polite interactions, reinforcing the values of kindness and community.
Closing with Music and Movement
We conclude our day with music and movement. This fun activity allows children to express themselves creatively while enhancing their gross motor skills. It’s a joyful way to wrap up a busy day of learning and exploration!
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
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, 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!
