Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Teaching Kindergarteners About Our Forefathers

Teaching Kindergarteners About Our Forefathers

Teaching kindergartners about our forefathers and their legacy gives the youngsters the opportunity to learn about our nation and the groundwork and vision that went into the founding of our fine nation with its outstanding democratic ideals and beliefs. 

In addition to Independence Day, another major day to celebrate is Constitution Day, which falls on September 17 each year.  When it falls on a weekend, schools and other institutions observe it on an adjacent weekday. For example, in 2016, September 17 falls on a Saturday, so Constitution Day will be observed on Friday, September 16, with. U.S. Constitution Week occurring on September 16 through the 22.

That is an excellent time for Montessori students to be treated to worksheets and printables of appropriate coloring pages, symbols, vocabulary words, and to learn about and see pictures of a learning experience such as the Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 30, 1974.

Kindergarteners will be fascinated to see pictures of this magnificent fourth-tallest United States statue at 81 feet tall after having been reduced from 150 feet. It is also the world's largest monument made out of solid granite. It took more than 70 years to complete in the 1800s and was finally dedicated on August 1, 1889. Its components teach us how we can preserve America as an example of liberty to the world.

This monument has large but intricately carved figurines with very detailed facial features. The overriding tall figure of Faith stands at the base of the pedestal, and four seated statues represent Morality, Liberty, Law, and Education. Flanking these figures are smaller engravings representing more components, inset into the base are four marble dioramas depicting activities of the pilgrims, and two plaques list the pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower.


It is unfortunate that this impressive historic monument is more visible from the sea and is often overlooked by visitors because it is located on a hill in a small park in an unknown residential area. There is a circle drive around the statue and you can park and walk up to it. You can view teaching preschoolers about such important history if you schedule a tour of one of the Montessori schools in the Bay Area.
The Value of Play

The Value of Play


Play-based learning allows your child to express their creative side. One of the favorite things for two-year-olds to play is imitating what they see you doing. Give them a broom and they will work beside you, find a rake their size and you'll get some fun times together gathering leaves. This is a great age where pretend play will blossom. Play-based learning is perfect for this stage and can be achieved through many items: toy cars, dolls and a farm with animals. All of these will help your child stimulate their creative side. 

When your child has reached a level where they have gained confidence and developed language skills, it will become easier to engage in some great play times that will actually be learning experiences. You will have the chance to teach patience, counting and taking turns; three concepts that are extremely important for children to achieve to enable more enriched social encounters. Your child will benefit in a Montessori environment where they will be given hands-on activities based on what they are interested in. They have the options of interacting in a play kitchen, science area, water table, space block or the reading nook with teacher guidance to play and interact.

With the guidance of a Montessori teacher, your child will be introduced to play-based learning by using real-life simulation. Their playtime will include real like items that have been designed to their appropriate height. These items will be things seen in everyday life such as; kitchen items, tableware, tools and more. They will play with others while actually receiving a learning experience for appropriate social skills and how to get along with others.

Preschool time is when your child should learn emotional and social skills so they are ready to go onto academic learning later. Play-based learning is exactly what will help your child develop these skills in a setting that is organized with a plan and routine for their day. The Montessori preschool program prepares your child for kindergarten by giving them a sense of confidence and teaches them how to interact with adults and other children in different settings.


Contact a Montessori school in your area today and get your child started on the right path for their future. Enter them into a play-based learning environment to enhance their social and language skills as well as independence and self-confidence.