Appropriate, Interactive, and Educational Websites for Preschoolers

Kids all want one thing from their educational experiences, and that is to have fun while learning. When you present your preschooler with an interactive exercise, you'll be able to capture their curious mind and help them learn with enjoyment. These are appropriate and interactive websites your preschooler will enjoy that have educational value.

Educational Websites for Preschoolers that are Appropriate and Interactive

Many worry about children having too much access to computers. When the time is limited and spent on material with an educational purpose, computer time can be beneficial. Choosing a website with high educational content that is both age appropriate and interactive is often offered for free or a small subscription fee. These are some that you and your preschooler can interact with to make learning fun for both of you.

National Geographic for Kids

National Geographic for Kids has the answer to all those questions your preschooler has about animals. On this website, you and your child can watch videos, learn about nature and the animal world, and play games. This site will increase your child's knowledge about their world.

Agnitus.com

Agnitus.com is designed for use on a tablet or other touch-screen device. This website gives your child an actual learning experience as it asks them to "touch" objects. Your child will be invited to trace numbers and letters, learn about colors, consonants, and explore size relationships. There is a reading section included to expand your child's reading interests. Agnitus.com offers a free trial for you to explore its benefits.

PBS Kids

If you remember characters from your early years such as Elmo, Curious George, and others who appeared on PBS TV, you'll appreciate how your preschooler can now interact with these same friends online. A great feature on this website is how you can customize flashcards to your child's age and interest area. Pull down menus make it easy for you to select which subjects you want to explore with your child and includes fun activities you can complete anytime and anywhere.

ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com is an ideal site for children 2 to 7 years of age. This website is one of the most comprehensive learning sites on the web today. You and your preschooler can listen to books, music, color, and play games. It will even allow you to keep track of your child's progress. There is a free month trial after which you pay less than $8 a month to continue.

Montessori Schools and the Internet

Montessori School of Pleasanton teaches the student as a whole.  While the Montessori Method focuses on hands-on and interactive learning, we still believe that technology, and specifically, the internet can be used in a educational way.  Websites are are age appropriate, interactive, and educational, such as PBS Kids and ABC Mouse, are great supplements to a student's classroom learning.  Contact us today to schedule a visit in our Montessori classrooms.

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Montessori Terminology

When considering a Montessori education for your child, there are a variety of terms that may be unfamiliar. Below are some of the most common terms and their meanings.

Montessori Terminology

Montessori: This word describes the founder of the school, the teaching method, and the school itself.

Nido: Nido means “Nest” in Italian. It is the word used to describe the Montessori environment for babies between 2 months and 14 months old.

Casa dei Bambini:  Meaning “Children's House” in Italian. It is also the name of the first school opened by Dr. Montessori.

Children's School: This is the name of the classrooms where student ages 2 ½ to 6 will study. Other schools call these classrooms, preschool or primary school. Some schools call the entire school the Children's School.

Absorbent Mind: From the time a baby is born up until they are 6 years old, their brain allows them to learn from their environment. The knowledge is absorbed, and they don't need to make any conscious effort to learn. It happens naturally.

Planes and Development: There are 4 distinct periods of growth, development, and learning, based on a child's age. The absorbent mind occurs between birth and 6 years old. 

Practical Life and Practical Activities: These are activities that students learn in the school to help them learn to take care of themselves. They would learn hand washing, mopping, and dusting. Older children would participate in more advanced practical activities.

Prepared Environment: This describes how a classroom is designed to meet the needs of the children and focus on their learning. It includes carefully selected materials and child-size furniture. Also, the rooms are prepared so that children have room to work alone or in groups.

Sensorial Exercises: These are exercises that help children develop and refine their fives senses: seeing, touching, tasting, hearing, and smelling. Also, through sensory materials, children build a foundation for math, writing, and speech.

Work: These are purposeful activities that are meant to help children learn through activities that they choose themselves.


Sensitive Period: This is an important time during human development where the child becomes ready to learn a skill or ability. The teachers at the school understand the importance of this period, and they prepare the environment to meet the child's development needs.

Montessori Schools of Fremont have been providing premium education since 1974. We invite you visit one of our locations, schedule a tour and see how a Montessori education may benefit your child and family.

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How to Maximize a Child's Absorbent Mind

Children’s minds are absorbent like sponges, especially at preschool age and below. Children under age six have an extraordinary capacity for learning. This span in a child’s life is called the absorbent mind period. At around age three, children begin to actively explore, whereas up to that point they learn reflexively. It’s in these years that you are able to lay the foundation of how your child acquires knowledge in the coming years.

Provide your child in preschool with a stable environment, good nutrition and a basic structure, such as set bedtime and meal schedules. These basics help your children know preset boundaries and give them a sense of stability and security. Enrich their environment with music, colors, and essential oils as well as different interactive activities they can explore throughout the day. Talk to your children often and read to them. It’s important to stimulate all of the child’s senses, including touch and smell.

A child in preschool benefits from activities that involve building and assembly. Brightly colored puzzles and building blocks are often a favorite. Coloring books, as well as freestyle drawing, is another activity that can keep a child in preschool engaged for long periods of time.

In our Montessori classrooms, children are encouraged to explore and experience different activities at their own pace with the guidance of professional teaching staff. For more in-depth information on the Montessori teaching method in our Fremont school, please contact us for a guided tour.

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