Sunday, December 17, 2017

Strategies to help your Elementary Child Focus

Strategies to help your Elementary Child Focus

Everyone can get sidetracked now and then, but children, especially the younger ones, also have short attention spans. In order to help your child focus on the projects at hand, try out some of these tips to help put those projects into perspective, making them easier to pay attention to. Not only will these tips help your children focus better, they may assist you in your daily routines as well.


Minimize Distractions

It is far too easy to get caught up in the moment and lose yourself in more enjoyable functions. One of the best ways to have more focus is to reduce the number of distractions. For elementary children, this means more than just technology, too. It also means creating a quiet environment that allows greater concentration, with all the materials necessary close at hand. With less stuff getting in the way of making progress, it will be easier to get each job completed.


One Goal at a Time

Multitasking is great, but it is much easier to focus on a single thing at a time. Teach children to tackle one task and complete it before moving on to other projects. Similarly, break large projects down into smaller parts. This allows the child to put more concentration into the job at hand, in addition to giving them a sense of accomplishment each time another portion of the project reaches its conclusion.


Take Breaks

There is no shame in needing to take a break. Encourage children to take a short break every so often, so they can get their thoughts organized. The key is that a break is just that - an interval between bursts of concentration - rather than an invitation to put the project aside and move on to other activities. The timing for breaks should correspond to the attention span of the child, which means more frequent, short breaks for the smaller children and longer periods spaced farther apart for older kids. Taking breaks may be especially helpful for special needs children, such as those with attention deficit conditions.


Communicate About Pending Tasks

A lack of focus and enthusiasm may have underlying causes which need to be addressed. If you notice your child having more difficulty concentrating than usual, it could be because something else is on their mind. Communicating with your child is more than a good way to help them clear their mind, talking out potential problems is a great way to build confidence and a sense of importance for children.

A cornerstone of Montessori learning is making the educational process more enjoyable, and parents can adopt this approach at home. Turning a project that seems to be moving slowly into a more exciting prospect will help children find more energy and interest in the subject. Look for ways to combine exciting activities with the lessons at hand, and show your children that you are excited by the progress they make.  

Elementary students at the Montessori School of Pleasanton are taught these strategies and more to help them focus on different projects throughout the learning cycle.  If you are looking for ways to help your child focus, consider enrolling them in a Montessori school, where teachers are able to provide a more individual approach.  Contact us today to schedule a tour!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Preschoolers Learning about Calendars - days, weeks, months - oh my!

Preschoolers Learning about Calendars - days, weeks, months - oh my!

The preschool years are a great time for kids to start learning about the calendar. Many parents have wondered how teaching preschoolers about the calendar impacts their learning. The good thing to know is that your preschooler will benefit from opportunities to learn more about days, weeks, and months.

How to Introduce Calendar Time
One way to introduce calendar time into your child's routine is to make a calendar, either using poster board or felt or wood for greater durability. Asking your child questions about what day of the week it is, was yesterday or will be tomorrow is a great way to generate interest in the days.

Going With an Interactive Option
Instead of focusing on individual weekdays, you might prefer to use a calendar that focuses on the numerical dates. This is an interesting way to help spark your child's interest in numbers and make sure they recognize them easily. This method is a fun way for your child to learn to count down the days til their birthday or a holiday.

Take Advantage of Dry Erase Options
A dry erase board is a fun way to make a calendar that is fully customizable. Your child will enjoy filling in the squares with activities they're looking forward to for that day. Don't be surprised if he or she takes the initiative and starts filling in the calendar out of their own initiative.

Use the Calendar for a Matching Game
This option works best if you have the calendar filled out and have index cards with matching numbers handy. The object will be to have your child match the card numbers with the numbers on the calendar. Your child will be able to identify and match the numbers with total ease after a few tries.

Use Pictures for Greater Impact
Drawing pictures inside the calendar boxes helps put activities into the proper perspective. For example, pictures of pizza and ice cream can help remind kids that going out for these treats is part of the day's fun. Drawing a house with the name of one of your child's friends next to it can be a playdate reminder.

Even though specific days may be a vague concept for preschoolers, using a calendar will make it easier for them to put everything into perspective. Your preschooler will look forward to fun events in his or her life and learn from their anticipation.  Using an interactive approach to teach your child falls right in line with the Montessori Method that our teachers use at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and see how incorporate interactive and hands-on learning into our daily curriculum.
Creative Preschool Holiday Party Food Ideas

Creative Preschool Holiday Party Food Ideas

The holidays have officially begun, and that means it's time to start passing around the snack plate. So if you have a party for your preschooler coming up, here are some fun and creative ways to celebrate with festive food and snacks.


No. 1 - Snowman Juice Boxes

If you're looking for something simple, fun, and creative – these snowman juice boxes are perfect for you.
Here's what you'll need:
  • Juice Boxes
  • Thick Construction Paper
  • Sharpie
  • Buttons
  • Glue Gun
  • Ribbon for Scarf
Once each juice box is dressed up for the occasion, simply pack them up and enjoy watching all the happy faces once you reveal them to the party.


No. 2 - Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

Turning Rice Krispie treats into Christmas trees is the perfect snack to bring to your preschooler's party. And best of all, they are easy and fun to make with your kids who will love adding the frosting for garland and candy for ornaments.
Here's what you'll need:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal
  • Butter
  • Marshmallows
  • Green Food Coloring
  • Miniature Reese’s Cups
  • M&M Minis
  • Candy Stars
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Milk
  • Corn Syrup
For a full tutorial on how to make these Rice Krispie Christmas tree snacks, click here.


No. 3 – String Cheese Snowman

For something super fast but still festive, try making these cute string cheese snowmen with just the supplies you have laying around the house.
Simply draw on the snowman's face and buttons with a sharpie, use a small piece of ribbon for the scarf and then some black scrap paper for the hat. And because it's such an easy holiday snack, your kids can join in on the fun when creating them!


No. 4 – Snowflake Oreo Cookies

Who doesn't love Oreo cookies? But when you add sparkling white snowflakes on them with a blue background, these ordinary cookies turn into something extraordinary - with little effort on your part.
To make this yummy holiday snack, you'll need:
  • Oreo cookies
  • White chocolate
  • Edible white pearls
  • Sparkling sugar
  • Marshmallow fondant
  • Corn syrup
  • Paintbrush
  • Circle cutter
For a full set of instructions on how to create these snowflake Oreo cookies, click here.


No. 5 – Fruit Grinch Kabobs

If you want to bring a healthier snack to your preschooler's holiday party without being boring, try making these colorful fruit Grinch kabobs.
Just round up the following ingredients and shape them into the adorable Grinch kabobs you see here.
  • Green Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Toothpicks

The truth is, you don't have to spend a ton of time or money to create fun and festive snacks for your preschooler's party. The holiday snacks on this list are quick and easy, but they're still sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.  The teachers and staff at Montessori Children's House encourage parents to work with their students in creative activities outside the classroom, including being creative with food!  Schedule a tour of our Montessori classrooms before the winter break! 

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Fun Map Activities to teach your Preschooler about Basic Geography

Fun Map Activities to teach your Preschooler about Basic Geography

Geography is a challenging subject for many school-age children, and part of it may be not being taught enough of it at an earlier age. Perhaps because so many adults find geography difficult and unexciting, they're unlikely to find fun ways to teach it to younger children.

Here are a few ideas for making geography memorable for your preschooler, not to mention fun for both of you!
  • Puzzles: There are many geography puzzles that make geography easier and more fun to learn. For instance, you could get a floor puzzle of the United States to help kids learn where all the states are, or even a map of the world to help teach the locations of major countries and give your child a sense of scale of the world we live in.
  • Geography Bingo: Make or buy Bingo boards with states, countries, rivers, mountain ranges, or other features. For younger kids, you can randomly call out the names on their boards, or even make their boards the pictures or shapes of the states instead of the names. For older or more proficient kids, you can make it more challenging by making it into a memory game. For instance, you could call out the capitals, and they would have to choose the corresponding states on their board.
  • Geography Twister: Get an old flat sheet at a thrift store or repurpose one from your own closet for this fun game. Using a permanent marker, draw a map of the US or the world on the sheet. Your preschooler will love to help by coloring in or painting the states or countries. Also make a deck of cards with the names of states or countries on them. Shuffle and draw the cards one at a time to tell your kids where to put each hand or foot.
  • Hopscotch: Grab some sidewalk chalk and head outside to play this fun game! Draw a simple map of the United States, the continents, or whatever other geography you want to teach. When your child plays hopscotch on the map, they have to name each state they hop in.

Learning geography doesn't have to be either boring or difficult. These fun games will help your child better remember basic geography such as the US states, European countries, or continents. At the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus, our teachers incorporate hands-on and interactive learning techniques throughout the subject areas, including geography.  To find out more about how our Montessori program works, contact us today to tour our school.
What to Expect: Parent-Teacher Conferences at a Montessori School

What to Expect: Parent-Teacher Conferences at a Montessori School

Most Montessori schools hold periodic parent-teacher conferences, under one name or another. Each conference is a short, personal dialogue between parents and classroom staff, aimed at improving the performance of the children, or working out a plan to incorporate the home environment into the Montessori method. Neither you nor your children are on trial, and the meeting should not be thought of as any sort of mark against your kids. The idea is to keep you informed and in the loop.


You’re On The Same Team

Before you even head out the door for your first parent-teacher conference, remind yourself that you and the classroom staff are both interested in the best outcome for your children. Before you become defensive, take a moment to hear out the instructor and consider what they are trying to say. Having a united front between the parents and teachers provides children with an example that education is an enjoyable part of life.


Communicate and Inquire

The student guide, as teachers may be referred to, is going to spend around 15 minutes or so with each parent. During that time, the goal is to communicate to you any strategies being looked at to assist your child, and you have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have in a formalized setting. Keep in mind that your children are the focus of the meeting, and prepare yourself accordingly.


The Montessori Environment

If the meeting is held inside your child’s classroom, the teacher probably had to bring in a piece or two of adult-sized furniture. You will notice that most of the room is designed around the perspective of a child. The idea of meeting in a child-centered classroom is to allow parents to experience the way the room is designed around the children’s activities rather being built to adult scale with a few child-sized items. Feel free to ask about any of the items in the class, and how they can be used to teach various lessons.


Your Child’s Strengths and Challenges

The Montessori method is a total life-skills approach to education. During your conference, the teacher will talk with you about the perceived strengths your child has exhibited, and discuss challenges that may need to be addressed. The subject of the conversation may include many different topics, including your child’s behavior, dietary concerns, areas of special achievement, and more. This is a good time to share insights, and ask pertinent questions.

Parent-teacher conferences help you establish a direct involvement in your children’s education. They are a good time to talk about any worries or joyous occasions related to Montessori method. The idea is to keep parents and teachers on the same page, and lay the groundwork for future educational strategies.  To schedule an introductory meeting and get a better understanding of the Montessori method as a whole, contact the Montessori School of Pleasanton today.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

History Lesson for Preschoolers: Pilgrims and Native Americans

History Lesson for Preschoolers: Pilgrims and Native Americans

Even young children associate Thanksgiving with Pilgrims and Native Americans. However, are there ways to present the Thanksgiving story in a way that's culturally sensitive, accurate and age-appropriate? The good thing to know about this is that it is possible, and by taking these ideas into account when discussing Thanksgiving with your child, he or she will be more likely to have a better understanding of what the day is about.
Among other things that your child will learn, he or she will:
  • Learn a greater respect for those who differ from them
  • Appreciate the value of offering help to and accepting help from others
  • Have a greater understanding of the idea of giving thanks


Read Some Books About Thanksgiving

Two helpful, age-appropriate books for preschoolers are "The Story of Thanksgiving" by Nancy J. Skarmeas and "The First Thanksgiving" by Lou Rogers. Both of these books are age-appropriate and have colorful illustrations that help make everything come to life.

After reading the books, take some time to talk to your child about what he or she learned. Depending on your child's age and curiosity level, you might want to think about discussing why we use the term Native Americans, why the Pilgrims came, and how the local tribes might have helped them find food.


Make a Fun Treat

Preschoolers will appreciate learning about how Squanto taught the Pilgrims to plant corn, especially when taught using an edible example. To do this:
  • Put some chocolate pudding into small cups with crumbled graham crackers on top to represent dirt
  • Place a piece of candy corn into the cups to represent corn seed, with a goldfish cracker or Swedish fish to stand in for the fish used as compost
  • Cover the candy corn and fish with the "dirt", then serve


Discuss Thanksgiving Foods

A preschooler should be able to name the foods they like the most on Thanksgiving. As they name the foods they like, help them learn to categorize them.
  • Is it a type of meat? Explain how Native Americans and Pilgrims hunted for some meats because there were no stores.
  • Are certain foods fruits or vegetables? Tie this in with your earlier corn-related activity and explain that early Americans grew certain foods that we buy now.
  • Discuss certain Thanksgiving favorites that people like now that wouldn't have been present at the first Thanksgiving meal. This can be a good way to discuss the importance of traditions.

Taking time to discuss Native Americans and Pilgrims is a great way to help your child appreciate the significance of the holiday.  At Montessori Children's House, we teach students about every holiday using hands-on and interactive learning techniques.  We enjoy teaching our students through history and encourage them to learn more about holidays through their families own unique traditions.  Contact us today to see our hands-on teaching approach firsthand.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Using Instruments as a Preschooler: Is it too Early?

Using Instruments as a Preschooler: Is it too Early?

Childhood prodigies are extremely rare, but the only way to discover one is to give them access to instruments. Instead of pushing your child to be one, consider the benefits of having access to musical instruments, and allow natural talents to emerge on their own. There are other purposes for instruments at early ages, and using instruments should begin as early as possible.


Early Music Appreciation

For many infants, music is the equivalent of auditory bright colors. When a baby hears musical notes that they like, they may become more active, expressive, or even vocal in their own babyish way. Obviously, you cannot expect an infant to play a symphony, but allowing him to touch an instrument and associate that instrument with sound is an important way to encourage his enthusiasm. The goal is not so much to learn how to play the instrument at that age as to give the child a tangible association between music they hear and the instruments which make it happen. Just as children must learn to associate a face with a voice, they are also learning to identify sounds with specific objects.


Brain Development and Music

Few people realize the relationship between music and mathematics, even though the two are very closely entwined. Musical compositions rely on several types of mathematical functions, including timing, spatial concepts, and repetitive patterns which are easily detectable. Even a toy xylophone makes it easy for a young child to discover that identical patterns will produce different results based on the force and timing used to produce the sounds. A young child does not even need to be able to count to form an understanding of how these facets interact.


Learning Musical Concepts

Teaching a child to perceive the underlying concepts of music can begin as soon as the child is able to manipulate an instrument, regardless of their level of motor control. Pitch, timing, and rhythm are all concepts that can be learned, though probably not mastered, before children have learned to talk. Discovering the sounds associated with various instruments is a simple and entertaining game parents can enjoy with their preschooler - no talent required.


Introducing Musical Instruments

It is not necessary to start out with complicated instruments. Even simple bells are a great way to explore tones and help children grasp the link between size and sound, and then they can discover what sounds to expect from different types of instruments. A simple instrument such as a set of drumsticks will allow children to discover a wealth of information about patterns, music, and their own ability to manipulate one to create the other. The process can be very empowering.

Access to musical instruments is an excellent way to both discover natural talent and to assist development of the brain and fine motor skills. Giving a preschooler access to musical instruments is equivalent to giving them a headstart on many developmental skills, and should begin as early as possible.

The Montessori Method encourages children to explore and learn at their own pace, including diving deeper into areas that interest them, such as music.  Incorporating music from a young age can have a positive and lasting effect on students.  Give us a call and set up a tour of the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus today to see how our teachers encourage students to learn through hands-on, interactive learning.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Preschool fall fun in the Bay Area

Preschool fall fun in the Bay Area

There is no doubt know that the Bay Area is a fun place, but may not have realized how many options are there for preschoolers. This area is filled with attractions that will arouse even the littlest ones' natural curiosity. Taking your preschooler to visit one or more of these attractions is a great way to give them something to do this fall and help them learn something new in the process.

Children's Discovery Museum

There is a wealth of fun for your child to experience here, with over 28,000 square feet of space. The exhibits are a mixture of both traveling and permanent options, and the museum's website even lists related activities that you and your child are likely to want to do at home. This museum introduces children to the subject of the exhibits through experiments, manipulation, exploration, and touch. Just a few of the highlights include a fire engine kids can play inside, block-building, and experiments featuring bubbles and water.

Randall Museum

This museum is very popular with preschoolers and their parents because of the number of hands-on opportunities it offers. Some of the subjects your child will learn about include natural history, science, and arts and crafts. Arts and crafts workshops are offered for several age groups, with preschool classes of particular interest. Some of the other highlights include a scale caboose model, exhibits related to California wildlife, and an earthquake refugee shack replica.

Habitot Children's Museum

This children's museum is of particular interest to parents of preschoolers because of its scaled-down size exhibits. These exhibits are designed with the youngest children, including infants and toddlers, in mind. Some of the highlights include:
  • A Wind Tunnel, providing an authentic experience with wind
  • Little Town Grocery & Cafe, where kids can mimic grocery shopping
  • Waterworks exhibit featuring a water table, river ramp, and pumping station
All of these exhibits combined help create a sense of curiosity in even the youngest preschooler.

Lawrence Hall of Science

One of the things that attracts many families to this museum is its selection of exhibits designed for preschool children. The exhibits are designed to encourage natural exploration, be as hands-on as possible, and also encourage learning about cause and effect. Highlights include a planetarium, a gravity wall, and a place to design raceways. Exciting workshops will keep your little one wanting to come back.

All of these attractions are some of the best places for preschoolers in the Bay Area. You can be sure they will arouse your child's curiosity and spark their imagination.  At Montessori Children's House, we teach the Montessori Method through hands-on learning.  We encourage parents to take their children to interactive and exploratory museums to further foster the Montessori Method outside of school.  To learn about the hands-on activities we incorporate into our curriculum on a daily basis, schedule a tour today.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

What Nature can Teach your Elementary Student

What Nature can Teach your Elementary Student

Nature - Fremont Montessori West

As a parent, it is up to you to teach your children. While they will learn plenty at school, they need to learn at home as well. This means more than working with your children on their math, spelling, and reading. You should also be teaching your child about nature. There are plenty of benefits of your elementary student learning about nature and the outdoor world around them.

Learning About Nature Helps Your Children Appreciate the World
Most kids are curious. When they see a bug or a caterpillar on the sidewalk, they squat down to get a closer look. When you take your elementary student outdoors and teach them about nature, they will realize that when they interact with nature, they are a part of it. Over time, their love and respect for nature will grow. When your children grow up, they will want to protect the world around them.

Learning About Nature Encourages Scientific Study
When your children study nature, they will be curious. They will want to explore the world and learn more about it. This is the foundation that your child will need later on when they are in an advanced scientific study class. When your elementary student starts studying nature early, it will benefit their education later on.

Nature Study Gets the Kids Outdoors
In today's technological world, it can be difficult to get your children to put down their electronics and go outdoors. When you teach your children about nature, it is the perfect opportunity for this to happen. Your children will put down the video games and go outdoors. Not only is this good for their mind, it is also good for their bodies.

Nature is an Easy Science
When you teach your children about science, you won't need any special equipment or books. Everything that you need is right outside your door. Your children will learn by observing different animals, insects, and plants. This is one of the easiest sciences to teach.

Studying Nature Will Make Your Child Want To Learn
When your elementary student studies nature, they will want to learn more. For example, if you are taking a nature hike and your children spot animal tracks, they will want to find out what type of animal created the tracks. Nature is full of mysteries that your children will investigate and solve. When your children solve the many mysteries in nature, it will make them want to learn more. This is a great way to instill a love of learning in your children at a very early age. This love of learning can help them through their entire lives. A child who loves to learn will grow up to be a successful adult.

Teaching your elementary student about nature is just as important as teaching them to read and write. You want your children to grow up to love and respect the planet. You also want them to understand science and find the fun in solving scientific mysteries in nature.  Montessori education at the Montessori School of Pleasanton is meant to teach your elementary student as a whole, incorporating nature into daily lesson plans.  Contact us today to schedule a tour for you and your elementary student to learn more about the Montessori method.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Activities to Build your Elementary Student's Self Esteem

Activities to Build your Elementary Student's Self Esteem

Self esteem is an important aspect of Montessori education. Children who are confident in their abilities are also willing to take on new tasks and encourage other students. Activities which build self esteem in elementary students give them a foundation for success. They become more interested in doing things and being part of the group. By instilling self esteem during the elementary years, we give children the building blocks to get involved and to examine new ideas.


Activity Suggestions

Giving children the opportunity to play a part in classroom and home activities is a great way to build self-esteem. In some instances, play could be exactly what the children are doing, but the day is filled with opportunities to provide self-fulfillment while you make learning fun.

In the Classroom
Everything which takes place at school could help to build self esteem, whether it is discovering new things about the world or playing a game to build coordination. For instance, any of the following activities is a chance to build confidence and self esteem:
o   Playing and interacting with others students.
o   Speaking to groups or the whole class
o   Displaying successful projects
o   Drawing or coloring
o   Helping the teacher

Activities at Home
Almost any activity can help build self esteem
if it is treated with respect and acceptance. Whether your child is doing chores, putting together a project, or playing a favorite game, it is important that every child receives positive encouragement and a sense of accomplishment. Some general ideas to give a child more confidence include:
o   Build a birdhouse
o   Measuring and cooking in the kitchen
o   Packing for a trip
o   Hobbies and crafts


Giving Feels Good

Any activity which includes helping others will help build self esteem and confidence. Being nice to others and offering a helping hand makes everyone feel good about themselves and gives them a sense of fellowship and well-being. The activity can be something as simple as taking a refreshing beverage to someone feeling ill or reading a story to a sick friend or relative. The important thing is that the contribution is noticed and positively reacted to.


Performance and Recognition


Every child enjoys being the center of attention, whether it is doing well on a science project or learning how to play music. Giving him the opportunity to display his talents helps build self esteem. Showing enthusiasm and respect for his accomplishments gives him the confidence to tackle new things, take on new responsibilities, and take pride in his accomplishments. Even if your child is not perfect in every subject, being enthusiastic about his efforts encourages him to exhibit determination and strive for success.

Montessori elementary students at the Montessori School of Pleasanton are encourage to explore and learn at their own pace, being guided by both the teacher and older students. We understand the importance of building a child's self esteem and work with our students to ensure they are successful in their education.  To see the Montessori method firsthand, contact us today to schedule a tour.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Teaching your Preschooler Great Dental Habits

Teaching your Preschooler Great Dental Habits

Good dental habits are important for both children and adults, and helping your preschooler establish a routine early on can make a huge difference in their oral health for the rest of their lives. Often kids resist simple hygiene efforts such as brushing their teeth, so how can you set your child on the right path? Here are a few tips for creating lifelong dental habits.


Start Early

The key to lasting habits is starting as early as possible. Even before your baby's first tooth appears, you can gently clean his gums with a soft cloth or a piece of soft gauze. Once the first tooth appears, generally around six months, you can start brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste.

Speaking of the first tooth appearing, this is also a great time to take your child to the dentist for the first time. Many children are anxious about visiting the dentist, so starting before your child's first birthday can help get him used to it early.


Make It Fun

As your child gets a little older, finding ways to make dental care fun can go a long way toward helping to create lasting habits. Themed toothbrushes, flavored toothpastes, and fun handheld flossers can all help, and you can also create rituals of brushing your teeth together with your child. Be creative and think of some fun games to play, such as seeing who can spit closest to the drain.


Reward Good Habits

It's important to also reinforce good habits with praise and rewards. One way is to have your child show you their clean teeth so that you can tell them they've done a good job. If you want more of a reward system in place, create a chart to hang on the bathroom wall and dole out stickers or gold stars for brushing and flossing on a regular schedule.


Encourage Age-Appropriate Independence

Of course, one of the hallmarks of the Montessori method is encouraging independence in children, so we'd be remiss if we didn't mention how you can encourage children to manage their own dental care. Many preschoolers love to attempt to brush their own teeth, even if you have to finish up the job. Set a timer or buy a lighted toothbrush to help kids know how long they need to brush. Electric toothbrushes and handheld flossers can make the job easier as well. Once kids get old enough to spit, they can graduate to fluoride toothpaste.


How Montessori Teaches Good Habits


Because the Montessori method values children's independence and promotes self-directed behaviors, it provides an excellent framework for learning all kinds of habits, including dental habits. The Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus works with students to encourage hands-on learning, including those skills that are learned both at home and at school.  For more information on our program, please contact us today for a tour of our school.

Monday, September 11, 2017

What is Required to become a Montessori Preschool Teacher?

What is Required to become a Montessori Preschool Teacher?

The Montessori educational model was developed in the hopes of creating a functional and innovative learning process for kids of all ages. Because of its success, many would-be traditional school teachers are flocking to Montessori jobs because of the diversity, freedom, and flexibility they provide to both students and teachers. Here's an overview what is required to become a Montessori preschool teacher.


No. 1 – Earn a College Degree (if possible)

While there are sometimes associate level certificates available in Early Childhood education for people without a college degree, holding a Bachelor's degree (or higher) will allow one to be eligible for a wide variety of Montessori training programs at centers across the country.

The good news is that one does not necessarily need to major in education or any related field. Montessori teachers come from diverse educational backgrounds such as the social sciences, engineering, art and design, the humanities, and more.


No. 2 – Find and Complete the Right Training Program

The first step to finding a suitable training program is knowing which certification one eventually wants to earn. One could specialize in Infant & Toddler education (0 – 3 years old) or Early Childhood (2.5 – 6 years old). The skills and techniques acquired will vary greatly depending on which certificate is pursued.

Also, it's important to budget for the training program one is interested in. Montessori training can vary in final costs with the more expensive programs costing a small fortune. However, the more affordable programs typically cost about $2,000 in total.


No. 3 – Find a Teaching Position in Your Area

Once one has completed a Montessori training program, they will be fully certified and ready to lead your students toward success. While on the job search, they should make sure to utilize any and all tools available.

However, using an online Montessori job finder tends to be the most effective solution these days. New teachers are still encouraged to hit the ground running and exhausting other options such as contacting local schools about possible openings.


No. 4 – Adapt to the Montessori Method

Since most of us grew up attending traditional schools, it might be a bit of a shock to an individual coming into a Montessori teaching position. Luckily, their training will provide a solid foundation to build on while the teacher becomes adjusted to giving children freedom in their learning experience.


A Bright Future


Becoming a preschool teacher in a Montessori program is rewarding, fulfilling, and gives individuals the opportunity to help shape many generations to come. While it might take a lot of hard work and dedication, it will be well worth it to become part of the Montessori teaching family!

At the Montessori Children's House in Fremont, California, our school is an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) with an AMI Director, in additional to all of our head teachers being AMI trained. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our teachers to discuss the Montessori teaching model and how it can benefit your child.


Thursday, August 24, 2017

Montessori Elementary Education: The Valued Difference

Montessori Elementary Education: The Valued Difference

A Montessori elementary education is one of the most valuable types of education you can give a child. Many people are unaware of Montessori education being offered beyond preschool and are pleased to know this is an option. There are some great benefits to Montessori schools that include:
  • A style that encourages active learning experiences
  • A flexible curriculum suited to what each child is ready to learn
  • Projects perfect for the self-paced approach used
  • Group activities and schoolwork


Active Learning Experiences

Most classroom settings involve children learning in a more passive manner. Usually, they are listening while the teacher talks. Student contributions are usually guided by the teacher's approach.

A Montessori classroom involves active discovery that is both self-motivated and hands-on. Because kids take a lead role in discovering the information they're learning, the lessons and activities are more relevant. The overemphasis on testing and memorization that happens in a traditional school is absent from a Montessori setting.


Flexible Curriculum Options

Montessori teachers have more of a coaching or guiding role, as opposed to teaching at an established pace that uses a one-size-fits all approach. Children are able to escape both being left behind by lessons and having lessons they can't keep up with.

In Montessori classrooms, students learn in smaller groups, with lessons guided by the observable needs of the class. The child can learn at his or her pace. Students have both the option of taking as long as they need on a lesson and advancing sooner.


Project-Based Approaches

Because traditional elementary schools focus on benchmarks, many of the lessons are not as intensive as children would prefer. The teachers are also expected to exclusively measure their students' progress. Kids have less involvement in tracking their progress.

In a Montessori setting, students have easy access to hands-on materials. There are also textbooks and other supplemental reading material designed to help increase their understanding of the subject. Children can take a lead in tracking their progress with a form tailored to their individual learning plan.


Group Activities and Schoolwork

Students in a Montessori classroom will perform more of their schoolwork as part of a group than their peers in many traditional school classrooms. Working in groups is the norm, rather than an exception. However, kids can work individually if they prefer, making the experience easily adaptable.

When students are in a Montessori classroom, they learn in a setting that actively encourages learning and caters to individual needs. For many children, this approach is their path to success throughout life.  The Montessori Elementary Program at the Montessori School of Pleasanton is designed for students to work together, being guided by teachers throughout their day and journey of learning as a whole.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and see the Montessori difference first hand.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Which is Right for your Child: Time-Ins or Time-Outs?

Which is Right for your Child: Time-Ins or Time-Outs?

Time-out is an approach that has been used for decades, but discipline can be fairly controversial with all of the research and ever-changing attitudes toward child-rearing. If you like some of the ideas behind time-out but want an approach that improves upon the concept, "time-in" might be worth looking into.


Time-Out and Its Flaws

In the classic idea of time-out, children who misbehave are removed from the situation, usually to a corner, a chair, or a "naughty step" to cool down and think about what they've done. Modifications have been made over the years to make time-out more effective, such as the rule of limiting it to one minute per year of the child's age.

But even with those modifications, time-out has its flaws. Instead of giving children time to cool down and reflect upon their mistakes, time-out can make them feel resentful, confused, and abandoned. They may need help understanding what they did wrong, why it was wrong, and what they can do differently next time. Most importantly, they may need help calming down, rather than sitting by themselves and feeling upset.


What Is "Time-In" and How Can It Help?

"Time-in" has developed as an alternative to a disciplinary method that has good intentions, but not always the best practice. Yes, it's important for children to have an opportunity to calm down, understand what they did wrong, and figure out how to do it differently next time. Time-out just doesn't always achieve those things.

Think of time-in as a guided version of time-out. You still want the child to calm down, understand what they did wrong, and realize how to prevent it next time, but with time-in you help the child achieve these goals.
  • Instead of simply banishing the child to a time-out spot, go with them so the two of you can talk.
  • Discuss what happened and why. If the child is younger, you might tell them what was unacceptable and why. An older child might already know this and be able to tell you with some prompting.
  • Talk about how to prevent it next time. This is the most important part, because it promotes better awareness of their behavior, and helps them to understand how to make changes in a way that sitting on a "naughty step" can't do.
  • Determine whether they need additional time to cool down. Again, younger children might not know the signs that they need some time away, whereas older, more experienced kids will be able to tell you. You might choose to sit with them a little longer, or explain to them that they need to do a quiet activity for a little while.


Finding the Right Approach


Every child is different, and what works well for one might not for another. Likewise, as a parent or a caregiver, it's important to use an approach that feels right to you. Whether you choose time-outs, time-ins, or some combination of both, what's most important is that you are raising a happy, well-adjusted child.

At the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus, our teachers and parents work together to determine the best disciplinary approach for your child.  Montessori education involves the teacher guiding the student, which aligns with the idea of time-ins.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and the Montessori method first hand.