4 Excellent Elementary School Montessori Science Activities

It is important for elementary school children to understand the science of the world they live in. Science is everywhere and affects almost every aspect of our lives in some way. To get children started on a discovery of science, these 4 simple experiments are easy, inexpensive, and offer valuable practical experience.

1. Cooking Chemistry

The kitchen is the perfect lab for teaching some basic chemistry concepts to Montessori elementary school students. Measuring and pouring help them learn about fractions, multiplication and division, and even concepts like ratios when the recipe size needs to be adjusted. But the chemistry that takes place in the kitchen is amazing and ranges from simple things like turning water into steam to more involved discoveries about the way chemicals mix to create new substances.

2. Rubberized Chicken Bones

A popular Montessori-inspired science experiment is to tie a knot in a chicken bone. All you need is a well-washed bone and a resealable container of vinegar. Put the bone in the container and let it sit for a few days. The bone will begin to bend a little when pressure is applied to the ends in about 3 days, and will become more supple after 7 to 10 days.

 

3. Salt and Ice

When salt is applied to water ice, it causes the ice to melt. This technique is commonly used in northern parts of the country but children who live in warmer climates may never be presented with an example outside of a classroom. All you need is some ordinary table salt, some ice cubes, and bowls to contain the melted cubes. Experiment with using more or less salt, timing how long the process takes, and explore the science of why it happens.

4. The Winter Solstice

The shortest day of the year is December 21. Before that day on the calendar, the days have been getting a couple of minutes shorter since June, and after it, they will grow longer until June rolls around again. It can be difficult to experiment with exactly when each day ends, but simple observations and making notes in a journal can illustrate how it gets dark earlier and earlier. Another simple device, the sundial, needs to take the solstices into consideration in order to provide a reliable measure of time.

Every child deserves to experience the magic of science, even if it is only for the magic itself.

Science has made every advancement of modern man possible and continues to make our lives better in many ways. The more exposure kids have to scientific theory, the more they can explore the universe.

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Authentic Montessori Schools Can Be Recognized By These Important Traits

Not all private kindergartens are equal. If you are considering a Montessori education for your child, look for these important traits that signify you are signing up for an authentic Montessori education.

Montessori Materials

Authentic Montessori kindergarten materials are typically made of wood or other durable materials and teach one or more important educational concepts. Montessori activities are self-correcting, meaning that the child can readily see whether the activity was completed correctly and make the necessary corrections without the intervention of a teacher or fellow student.

Specially Trained Guides

Montessori teachers are usually referred to as guides because they play a different role in the classroom than you would expect of a public school teacher. Instead of lecturing the entire class on a given lesson, Montessori guides observe how children interact with different workstations, and then guide children in appropriate directions to help them achieve goals or overcome obstacles.

Self-Directed Learning

Montessori children are free to move about the room, interacting with various activities, working alone, in pairs, or as part of a larger group. This is in sharp contrast to traditional schools where all children are working on the same lesson, which has been presented by the teacher and may not have any connection to the specific interests and strengths of the children.

Multi-Age Grouping

Children in traditional school classrooms are almost all the same general age, separated by only a matter of months. In the Montessori classroom, children are grouped in 3-year age ranges. Instead of some children always being among the oldest and others among the youngest, Montessori kids all spend time as both the younger and older children in the room.

Extended Work Periods

Another prominent difference between Montessori and the public school system is that Montessori children do not waste a portion of each day shuffling between classrooms and teachers. In Montessori, children remain with the same teacher all day-- and often for several years. This provides more time in the school day to apply to activities and gives children a better sense of consistency, factors that are beneficial to information retention, academic performance, and more.

Always verify that the Montessori school you are considering is certified by a major Montessori institution. The word Montessori is not trademarked, and many schools claim to be Montessori but do not fully comply with the Montessori principles that are vital to developmental success. Before enrolling, ask the school administration to see the certifications of the school and its staff.

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Montessori Elementary School and Its Influence

In 1907, Maria Montessori opened the first Casa de Bambini, or Children's House. Since then, Montessori education has spread around the planet and is now used in thousands of schools on every continent. From daycare to middle school and beyond, Maria Montessori has left a lasting legacy that is slowly changing how children are taught.

Hands-On Learning

Private middle school uses hands-on activities as the primary form of instruction. These activities are engaging and self-correcting, allowing children to build confidence and self-esteem by correcting their own mistakes. Play-based learning is gaining popularity in more traditional educational systems today, but it has always been a critical aspect of the Montessori Method.

Child Centric Development

The children themselves, not the subject being taught, are always at the forefront of the Montessori Method. From developing fine and gross motor skills to helping children develop strong language and writing skills, the focus is on each child, not on keeping the whole class working on the same lesson at the same time.

Discipline Without Punishment

Montessori does not use threats or physical punishment to maintain discipline. Instead, children learn that appropriate behavior is valued, and straying from that behavior results in unwanted consequences such as going into timeout, being left out of engaging group activities, and more. Children learn to act in preferential ways because they want to be meaningful members of the group, not because they are afraid of being punished.

 

Leadership Through Confidence

At the heart of the Montessori Method is a child who is self-confident, aware of how their actions affect others, and personally invested in their own educational progress. Maria Montessori recognized that children who feel good about themselves are more willing to do good things for others, take risks, and apply themselves to solving problems and reaching goals.

A Dynamic Triad

There are 3 major factors in Montessori education. The first and most important part is the child, but the adults-- generally parents and educators-- form an equally valuable aspect. The triad is rounded out through a carefully prepared environment that regulates activities and guides progress without hampering the individual freedoms of the children it serves. To be successful, the Montessori Method requires all 3 aspects to be present and work in unison for the good of the individual child.

Not every aspect of the Montessori Method is available in traditional schools and the name Montessori is not trademarked. Before you enroll your children in a school that claims to be Montessori, take the time to verify that you are working with an authentic Montessori facility.

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Why Does Montessori Middle School Help Children Become Leaders?

Just as the Montessori Method promotes total child development in early education, it also benefits them in many ways during the middle school years. This is the time when kids are starting to really think about things outside themselves, and putting concepts they were taught in early education to work. Things such as grace and courtesy, elements at the foundation of Montessori's Method, are ready to be put into practice, helping children develop into caring, intelligent adults with the skills necessary for becoming tomorrow's leaders.

Learning Self-Responsibility

In the Montessori classroom, middle school students are already practicing the skills of leaders. Instead of being assigned a specific curriculum, Montessori students make contracts concerning their educational goals and choices. Freedom of choice is an important part of Montessori, but learning to be responsible for their own goals and behaviors is priceless for children entering their third stage of development.

Practicing Empathy

Children first begin to relate to the feelings of others during their second stage of development, or the years between ages 3 and 6. In middle school, they will fine-tune their ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes. Working with other students, taking part in community activities, and playing a more active role at home are all instances where practicing empathy-- and humility-- help children become future leaders.

Developing Critical Thinking

In the simplest terms, critical thinking is the ability to solve problems by considering the options available. Learning to think critically also encourages children to take leading roles because solving a problem requires action to implement. Opportunities to apply critical thinking are found everywhere and develop necessary skills for those who will be taking leading roles in the community and workplace in a few short years.

Self-Esteem and Montessori

When children perform an action successfully-- even abstract lessons gained from empathy, responsibility, and critical thinking-- it makes them feel better about themselves and their abilities. Montessori is intended to benefit all aspects of childhood development, including developing the social skills necessary for future leaders to be able to fill those leading roles.

Middle school is when the concepts learned in the early years can be put into practice. Children are already saying polite things and helping each other by this time, but the social constructs they are using before middle school are only an outline of the behaviors that will mold them into success stories during middle school and beyond.

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What is the Montessori Work Period?

The uninterrupted work cycle is one question asked by many people who are new to Montessori preschool education. The concept is a crucial part of the Montessori Method and can be found in all schools accredited by the American Montessori Society. In fact, the existence of the uninterrupted work block is one of the key ways you can recognize an authentic Montessori school.

Defining the Work Cycle

Maria Montessori recognized that children learn at different paces and that longer work periods-- also known as work cycles-- were necessary for children to progress naturally. In the Montessori elementary school, this period is generally 2 to 3 hours long. The length of the work period will differ somewhat based on the age group in question because the long periods are often inappropriate for younger students. For these children, a 1 to 1 ½ hour work period is typically considered more beneficial.

Value of Uninterrupted Work Periods

Allowing children the opportunity to learn at their own pace is the rationale behind the Montessori work cycle. The idea is to provide each child with enough time to work on their projects and recognizes that some children require more time than others. Because of this difference in learning, the strict divisions of time adhered to by traditional educational systems often leave some children unable to complete their work before moving on to another subject or project.

Special Considerations

The usual work period also needs to be adjusted for some students, such as those with special needs. For these students, the schedule may be shorter or longer than for others and may include other considerations such as more one-to-one interaction between the student and their guides. The Montessori work period is a fundamental part of the Montessori Method. It provides children with ample time to explore concepts and produce more effective and accurate work results. It exists so that children are better able to absorb new information and work through problems at their own pace.

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Elementary Montessori: Successful People who Credit their Achievement to their Montessori Education

For more than a century, Montessori education has played a part in teaching students to think critically, enjoy learning, and to have the courage and curiosity to take on new ideas in creative ways. Several of the most successful men in internet technology attended Montessori schools, along with performers of both genders, and even a Nobel Prize recipient.

The World’s Most Famous Diarist

When her family moved from Germany to the Netherlands in 1938, Anne Frank was enrolled in a Montessori school, where she was encouraged to learn and practice her love for writing. According to a fellow Montessori classmate, Anne enjoyed writing and was possibly headed toward a career in the field of journalism. Unfortunately, World War II erupted, and Jewish families like Anne’s were forced to flee or go underground. Today, that little girl’s diary has become one of the most harrowing descriptions of the terror and mistreatment suffered by people during the short reign of the Third Reich.

Montessori’s Effect on Technology

Quite a few of the people involved in the technology behind today’s internet attended Montessori schools in their youth and attribute at least some of their success to the Montessori method. Here are four famously successful people who have played a hand in modern technology:

·        Jeff Bezos - The founder of Amazon, a major player in online shopping, began his education in a Montessori preschool setting. Today, Jeff is among the most successful men in the world.

·        Will Wright - Will Wright learned the importance of combining play with education from the Montessori method. He would go on to design the popular SimCity games, as well as The Sims, and Spore.

·        Larry Page and Sergey Brin - The founders of Google both attended Montessori schools in their childhood. Today, their creative brainchild, Google, is consider the #1 best company to work for in Canada, and ranks #2 for the same title in the United States. Google’s unique algorithms have transformed how we search for information, use maps, and among other impacts on internet technology.

Creativity and the Montessori Method

Montessori’s focus on creativity and personal application has also led to successful roles in music and acting. Two examples of creativity inspired by the Montessori method are Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs (also known as P. Diddy), and actress Dakota Fanning, who credits Montessori education with learning to read at the early age of 2. Julia Child, a world famous cook, once said that Montessori taught her that it was okay to make mistakes so long as you never stop trying.

Montessori and People With Global Influence

Credited with influencing the direction of modern literature, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s autobiography discusses Montessori education and how “its teachers stimulated the five senses by means of practical exercises, and taught singing.” Montessori is also admired by royalty, such as Princess Diana’s children Princes William and Harry, as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Montessori education has a profound and lasting effect on those who attend its school, specifically starting at a young age.  Maria Montessori believed in education children with skills and lessons used throughout their lifetime, methods still used by the Montessori School of Pleasanton today.  To learn more about Montessori education and our programs, contact us today.

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Elementary Math Lesson: Teaching Fractions

Many elementary students struggle with learning fractions. But with the right information and know-how, you can instill a love of numbers in your child that will help them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. That's why it's so important to take an individual approach when trying to teach them how to calculate fractions.

Consider Their Interests

If you can find the place where your child's interests meet the world of mathematics, they will take to these new concepts like a fish to water.
You can find ways to explain fractions using an activity they have already shown an interest in, and then a seemingly complicated concept like fractions is instantly more familiar and comfortable to them.

1. Legos

Maybe your child loves to create things with Legos. If so, you can use this existing interest to easily explain how fractions work. Use the different colors of their Lego set to give them a visual representation of a fraction. Then, have them draw and label the fraction on a blank sheet of paper.

2. Baseball

If your child has an interest in America's favorite pastime, you can use it to teach them about fractions. For instance, you can play a game of catch as a fun way to demonstrate a real-life example of this skill.
Throw the ball x amount of times – keeping track of the number of times you catch and throw the ball on a sheet of paper. After you're done, help your child write down the fraction that represents how many times they caught it compared to how many times it was thrown.

3. Dominoes

If your family loves game night – dominoes might be the perfect tool to teach your child about fractions. Make up your own domino game to sneak in a math lesson with game night.

4. Pizza

Who doesn't love a hot, cheesy pizza? But you probably didn't realize how easily you can use it to teach your kid about fractions. Next time you order a pie, count how many slices there are and have your child figure out the fractions as it disappears slice by slice.

5. Smartphones

Put the "smart" in smartphone by using it to help your child understand the concept of fractions. There are a lot of great apps designed to make math both fun and easy for young students, such as Squeebles.

Bottom Denominator

Regardless of what subject you're teaching your child, it's important to make it relevant to their everyday experiences. Find something they already enjoy doing, then find a way to teach them about fractions using their unique and pre-existing interests.  Elementary students at the Montessori School of Pleasanton are encouraged to use everyday activities to enhance their learning.  To learn how to incorporate specific Montessori activities into your home life, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our teachers and staff.

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Keeping your Child Healthy during the Cold Weather Season

Staying healthy during the cold weather season may require small changes to your daily routine. At this time of year, paying close attention to your child’s individual needs will help keep your elementary age student happy and healthy.

Keeping Your Child Healthy in Colder Weather
Colder weather brings lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Keeping your elementary student healthy during this time may require some extra effort.

1. Staying Warm
Children lose body heat faster than adults. Keeping your child warm and comfortable is necessary to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. When your child is outdoors, monitor the time. Colder weather may require you to shorten outdoor times. Or you may need to drive your child to school to avoid waiting outdoors for a bus, for example.

Layer clothing items with appropriate-sized coats, hats, gloves, and boots to help keep your child healthy. Keep a close watch on the temperature schedule for the day or week. Changing temperatures may necessitate different clothing choices. For example, frigid temperatures may require extra sweaters or sweatshirts to help ward off the cold.

2. Getting Enough Rest
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, elementary age children should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep. Getting enough rest helps your child stay healthy. Setting a regular bedtime pattern sounds easy, but busy schedules often get in the way of a good night's sleep.

3. Eating Healthy
Eating healthy meals and snacks provides the proper nutrition to fight off germs.

• Encourage healthy lunch or snack choices at school.
• Minimize fast food or takeout meals.
• Prepare well-balanced meals with food items from the recommended food groups.

Along with proper meals, staying hydrated is necessary to stay healthy during the cold season. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, milk, or juice throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks or sodas with little nutritional value. Building up your child’s immune system is critical for fighting off infections.

4. Encourage Hand Washing
Sitting next to a sick classmate increases your child’s risk of being exposed to germs, viruses, and other bacteria. Practicing proper hand washing techniques decreases the chance of getting ill. Washing hands should occur:

• Prior to eating meals or snacks
• After using a restroom
• After sneezing, coughing, or wiping one's nose

5. Regular Checkups
Make and keep regular doctor appointments. Seeing a doctor provides you a chance to learn about any health issues you may not notice. During the visit, you can address any of your concerns regarding your child’s well-being. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor if your child needs vitamins or other nutritional supplements to help stay healthy during the colder weather.

As a parent or guardian, you know your child better than anyone. Keeping track of your elementary student's daily needs will help you focus on specific areas. Getting plenty of sleep, eating properly, and avoiding the spread of germs will help increase the chances of your child staying healthy during the cold season.  At the Montessori School of Pleasanton, we care about your elementary child as a whole, including their health.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and meet with our elementary teachers and staff.

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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!

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What Nature can Teach your Elementary Student

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.

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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.

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The Influence of the Montessori Elementary School

The Montessori classroom is a truly unique learning environment where children are encouraged to think outside of the box. Approaching the learning process with enthusiasm and providing real-life activities to supplement the classroom, children tend to thrive and reach new levels of understanding when attending a Montessori school. But that's just the beginning of the differences and influences found in a Montessori elementary school.

The Montessori Influence

Learning isn't something you do for good grades - it is a way of life at Montessori schools. With many students going on to become life long seekers of knowledge, this educational system proudly provides students with the learning abilities they need to be successful in their adult life.

Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and style, which is what gives them the time to discover their own interests while still being guided by an instructor. It also gives the student a sense of autonomy that eventually translates into valuable time management skills, accountability, and so much more. Here are some ways Montessori elementary schools influence students, parents, and the community as a whole.

Respect and Understanding: Every student is treated like the unique individual they are at a Montessori school. And at the same time, they are taught – through a variety of activities – how to respect and value other people's differences.

Increased Creativity: When children are given free-access to explore the limits of their learning potential, they start to understand how beneficial and fun learning can be. This opens up their minds to new ideas and possibilities on a daily basis which nourishes both the intellectual and creative side of their personality.

Freedom within Limits: With classrooms, curriculum, and daily routines all built to support the emergence of self-discipline, restraint, and independence, Montessori students are taught to think for themselves and regulate their own time, with some guidance along the way.

The Montessori Difference

Montessori elementary schools help children develop skills that last a life time. Through independent learning, flexible schedules, and self-discipline, the child learns how to adapt and grow in response to a wide variety of real-life situations.

Social Development

Montessori schools also go to great lengths to build strong, small communities in every classroom. Social development is just as important as any other skill in life, but the student cannot explore this aspect of themselves unless they have an environment where they feel comfortable and welcome at all times. This kind of support increases a child's self esteem and builds the confidence they need to face the world as an adult.


Every moment in a child's life is precious. Montessori recognizes this by creating learning programs that focus on the big picture of life, rather than simply memorizing facts from a textbook. The goal is to help children become self-sufficient and self-actualized in all areas of their life.

The elementary school program at the Montessori School of Pleasanton embraces students' individuality and encourages them to work at their own pace, while being guided by teachers and peers.  Our students learn independence as they freely move about the classroom and explore on their own.  Contact us today to meet our teachers and schedule a tour.

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Incorporating the Montessori Method at Home

Walking into a Montessori classroom surprises many parents and caregivers - the environment is clean, calm, completely organized, and promotes child-centered learning. The Montessori Method encourages independent learning through a well-maintained, prepared environment. Incorporating the basic principles of the Montessori Method at home will provide you and your child with numerous benefits for learning.

Use Child-Friendly Furniture

Creating a child-friendly space allows your child to be responsible. Promoting accessibility, age-appropriate furniture and storage areas will create an order to your child's room and other areas of the home.

• Low shelving, drawers, and closet rods with child size hangers provides the perfect opportunity for your child to put away clothes.
• Low shelves with storage baskets for toys, educational materials, trays, and other essentials promote cleanliness in your child’s bedroom or play area.
• Use small chairs and a table. Encourage your child to sit the trays or baskets on the table for play. When finished, remind your child to place items back in the proper space. After some time, the ritual will be part of the daily routine.
• Use step stools with one or two steps in the bathroom area. By using the steps, your child may use the sink for handwashing.
• In the kitchen, place healthy snacks, waters, and juices at your child’s level.

Promote Independence

Allow your child plenty of time to accomplish different tasks without interruption. After completing the task, your child will gain a sense of independence, accomplishment, and confidence. As time progresses, the completion of basic tasks will enhance further learning.

Teach Basic Skills

In the Montessori learning environment, children learn basic life skills. Implementing organization techniques, assisting younger children, and participating in everyday cleaning rituals are part of the daily routine. At home, use the learning techniques to help build your child’s self-esteem and confidence

• Allow your child to wash up prior to a meal or snack.
• Encourage your child to put away clothes, toys, and other materials after use.
• Allow your child to wash off the table before and after use.
• Place dishes in the sink.
• Help with basic household chores.
• Encourage your child to discard items in the proper place. Discarding trash and recyclable materials into proper bins provides your child a sense of accomplishment.

Incorporate Nature

Montessori teaching believes nature plays a major role in learning. Spending time outdoors promotes curiosity, imagination, and desire to learn about the immediate surroundings. When at home, create a nature space.

• Set up different nature items for exploration.
• Go for walks.
• Allow your child to explore the outdoors without interruption.
• Provide nature books.
• Plant flowers.
• Search for nature materials including acorns and rocks.

Incorporating different aspects of the Montessori Method at home provides your child with a chance to learn and explore. The small changes in your child’s environment provide a larger impact. As your child learns, a basic foundation develops for further exploration.

At our private elementary school in Pleasanton, CA, Montessori School of Pleasanton works with its parents to incorporate the Montessori Method at home, in order to supplement the learning environment their child is experiencing at school.  Contact us today to see our elementary school students working together as they learn through exploration and hands-on activities.

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Science Activities for Elementary Students

Presented in the correct perspective, science is a fun and entertaining subject. It also gives instructors the opportunity to get the students involved, inside the classroom as well as at home or in the great outdoors. Montessori learning is well-suited for science activities that give your child a hands-on, exciting look at science and how it affects our everyday lives.

Biology: Frogs and Butterflies

Life is a fragile thing, both beautiful and sometimes tragic as it begins. Classroom activities could include an aquarium of tadpoles maturing into frogs (and transitioning from aquatic creatures to land-based organisms), or a collection of butterfly, moth, and other insect larvae that matures into majestic flying creatures. Introducing the early stages of life makes a great starting point for deeper investigations into life and the world around us.

Climate: Linking Weather and Biology

The success of every living thing depends on its ability to adapt to the surroundings in which it lives. A classic activity uses sealed containers with frogs or insects and the presence or absence of living plants to demonstrate the importance of oxygen. The converse is true as well, so plants require a steady supply of carbon dioxide. From there, students can experiment with variables such as heat, light, and the availability of water - factors that can be easily tested using mushrooms, bread mold, or ordinary pond water.

Learning the States of Matter

Three of the four states of matter can be easily demonstrated in the classroom using only water, a beaker, and fire. Start with ice cubes for the solid state, then allow it to melt into a liquid state. Once the ice cubes have completely melted, transform the water into a gas by applying heat. To demonstrate the plasma state of matter, the fire used to heat the water is a great example of plasma, which can only exist under constant conditions of energy transfer. Fluorescent and neon lights are other examples of this elusive state of matter.

The Joys of Chemical and Elemental Magic

Learning about the basic states of matter allows a transition into the atoms, molecules, and elements that comprise them. While the science is very complex, it is easy to experiment with the basic concepts. Household chemicals and other ingredients can be used to demonstrate many facets of chemical and elemental reactions and interactions, including such ideas as:

·        Specific gravity (solids and oils in water)

·        Natural separation of fluids (oil, water, and alcohol)

·        Sedimentary properties (sand and water)

·        Chemical reactions (vinegar and baking soda)

·        Erosion (dripping fluids on soft clay)

Maximizing Montessori Method

Keeping children immersed and active is a basic tenet of the Montessori Method. The field of science is an ideal subject because indoor and outdoor activities can show real-world examples of how science affects our lives, right down to explaining how the environment is impacted by the things we do.  The Montessori School of Flagstaff Switzer Mesa Campus teaches students ages 6-12 the importance of learning science, especially in today's society. Starting students off with a solid foundation using the activities above will only help our students as they continue throughout their education and adult lives.

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