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. 

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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.

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Letting Your Child Use Scissors

By the time a child is between 3 and 4 years old, they should have the skills to start learning to use scissors. If your preschooler begins showing interest in cutting with scissors, there are a few things you can do to help.

Strengthening Your Child’s Hands

In order to cut with scissors properly, you need to be able to use your thumb, index finger, and middle figure separate from the ring finger and the pinkie finger. This can be difficult for children with small hands. You can help your child develop strength by having him or her pinch clothespins or wring out sponges.

Selecting the Best Scissors

Scissors come in a variety of sizes. It is important to choose a pair of scissors that will best fit your child's hands. You want to choose scissors that have a blunt point. You should choose scissors that have blades sharp enough for cutting. If the scissors are too dull, they will only fold the paper rather than cutting it. If your child is left handed, you should give them left handed scissors. The blades on left-handed scissors are on the left side. This will help your child to be able to see the cutting line. There are scissors on the market that are considered to be ambidextrous, however, they are not true left handed scissors.

Teaching Your Child Scissor Safety

Before your child is allowed to handle scissors, you should teach them the following safety tips.

1.     Scissors are for cutting paper only.

2.     Don't walk with scissors: You should discourage your child from ever walking or running with scissors. If your child must walk with their scissors, they should keep the blades closed and hold the scissors with the tip of the blade in their hand, in a fist.

Teaching Your Child to Cut With Scissors

To help your child practice using scissors, you should draw a few straight lines down a piece of paper for your child to cut. After, you can teach your child to cut.

1.     Position your child's wrist so that their thumb is turned upward. Have them rest their thumb in the thumb loop on the scissors.

2.     Some scissors only have room for the middle finger in the opposite loop. If that is the case, have your child rest just their middle finger in the loop. If there is more room the middle and ring finger can be placed in the loop.

3.     Place your child's index finger on the outside of the loop so that it can be a guide while they are cutting.

4.     Curl your child's pinkie and ring finger into their palm.

5.     After you child's hands are in the proper position, they can try cutting.

One of the core foundations of a Montessori education is practical life.  Practical life allows a child to develop skills for academic growth.  Come visit Montessori Children’s Center in Fremont, California for a tour and to learn more about an authentic Montessori education. 

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