Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Internet Safety for Kids

Internet Safety for Kids

Kids today are using the internet at very young ages. It is very important to teach your kids a few internet safety rules before they go online.

Never Give Out Personal Information
Children should learn that it is dangerous to post their address, phone number, and even their email address. They should understand that this is information that should never be online for the whole world to see.

Never Friend People They Don't Know on Social Media
Kids need to understand that predators will always disguise themselves as kids. You should teach your children to never friend people they don't know, and they should tell you when a stranger tries to friend them. You need to know if there is a predator targeting your child.

Never Meet Up With “Online Friends”
Kids should know the dangers of meeting online friends. Regardless of how long the online friendship has gone on, it should never be done. They should understand that they cannot be 100 percent sure that their friend is actually who they say they are and that a meeting can be very dangerous. They should also alert you when “online friends” suggest a meeting.

Never Bully Other Kids Online
Your kids should understand how hurtful and dangerous bullying can be. Every year, there are stories on the news about young kids who have committed suicide as a result of bullying. You should teach your children that bullying in person and online is unacceptable. You should teach your child to rise above the bullying, even if all of the other kids are doing it. You should also teach them to tell you if they see someone being bullied. Let them know that they can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Think Before You Post
It is important to explain to your kids that once they post something online, it is there forever. They should always think before they post anything such as a photo, an idea, or even a thought. Remind them daily that the internet posts can never be erased.

Don't Be Afraid to Tell
Make sure your kids understand that if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell you immediately. This could be anything from a stranger sending them messages and photos online to a person who is just asking too many questions. Make sure that your kids understand that it is okay for them to come to your with their concerns about things that they read and see online.

Teach Them to Respect Others People's Views
You should teach your children that just because they don't agree with other people's views on the internet, they cannot be rude. They should understand that everyone won't always agree, and that is part of what makes people and life so interesting.


At Mission Valley Montessori, your child will learn internet safety tips to keep them protected. For more information, contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how the Montessori Method teaches kids to make smart and educated choices. 
Early Math Concepts for Children

Early Math Concepts for Children

If you have ever sat and stared at one of those math problems that come up on your Facebook feed, you are not alone. Just the other day there was a math problem going around with horses, boots, and horseshoes. Math is everywhere in our day to day lives and without a strong foundation, it can be hard to even answer the simplest of math questions.

Starting your child early on math concepts can make a big difference when it comes to a lifelong love and understanding of math.

Teaching Early Math Concepts on a Daily Basis

There is no need for preschoolers to sit down and do a math sheet every day; quite often, this will just lead to frustration. Instead, add math into your everyday activities and play. Whether you are at home or you are out and about, you can start to incorporate early math concepts into your day.

Early Math Activities

Here are some math activities you can use to help your child get a head start in math.
  • Count it Out - Counting everything may seem a little redundant, but it can help a lot. Count out snacks on a plate, all the yellow cars you see as you drive, and toys as you put them away.
  • Sorting - Sorting laundry, blocks, buttons or any other small objects can help your child start to understand size, shape, and patterns.
  • Tell the Time - This is one of the foundational pieces of math. Bring attention to the clock during the day, let your child know what time it is, and have them look at the clock. Create a clock with a paper plate that your child can play with themselves.
  • Shapes are Everywhere - You can start early on geometry by helping your child recognize shapes. Use a shape sorter at home and explain the different sides and names. When you are out and about, talk about all the different shapes you find.
  • Measurement Fun - A yard stick is a great way to get your child learning and enjoying measuring skills. Hand the yard stick to your child and head outside. Show them the numbers on the yard stick and let them have fun exploring and measuring their favorite things.
By adding these early math concepts into your day to day activities you can give your child a strong start when it comes to math.


Our Montessori schools focus on teaching math through hands-on activities and play. We have seen this learning style bring forth a greater understanding of math as your children grow. If you would love your child to have a great math foundation, contact Montessori School of Fremont today to learn more about our programs.
What Nature Teaches Our Children

What Nature Teaches Our Children

If you look around at what children are doing these days on a day to day basis, it is far different from what happened even a decade ago. Children are spending more time in classrooms, more time in front of screens and more time indoors. While to some this may seem the safer option, there is a whole lot that children can miss out on when they aren't out in nature.

Why Nature is So Important to Our Children

There are several reasons why children should be out in nature more; a lot of it has to do with building a strong and resilient child. Let's look at some of the reasons it is important to get your child outside.
  • In the Moment - Being outside can slow your mind down, it helps us to breathe and relax and just be in the moment. Learning this lesson early on can help keep that childlike wonder in your child's life.
  • Discovering the Senses - When a child is outside they are touching different objects, smelling the wonderful fresh smells, hearing the leaves rustle and the wind blow and feeling the sunshine on their face. Being outdoors can help them learn about their senses in the best way possible.
  • Learning to be out of Control - Your child learning that they are not always in control is a wonderful lesson and will help your child be more resilient as they grow up and face the world. In nature, you can't control if a bug crawls on you or if the sun shines too bright. When your child is indoors all the time they are in a controlled environment and too much of this can cause anxiety and fear when they leave that controlled environment.
  • Building Connections - When your child is outside with other children, connections happen. There are no faces in front of screens ignoring each other - you are outside learning and exploring together. As adults we understand how this works, it's like magic when all devices are left behind and you spend time face to face with another. Nature ramps this up as there are no rooms to escape too and no virtual realities to get lost in.
  • Learning to Meet Challenges Head On - When your child is outside, challenges are sure to be thrown at them. If there is a big rock in the way, how will they get to the other side? If the only way to get down is to get down a steep hill, how will they do that? Being outside presents obstacles that your child needs to navigate. Learning the skills to navigate these obstacles will help your child grow up to be a problem solver, which is never a bad thing.

At Montessori Children's Center, we believe being out in nature is an integral part of your child's learning experience. If you would like to learn more on how we incorporate nature into our program, contact our school today to schedule a tour.