Preschool Classroom: Use of Technology

The process of Montessori education has been compared to the process of playing computer games. In order for either one to hold any interest for a child, they have to contain elements that combine involvement, excitement, and discovery. If the game is too difficult or the classroom materials too advanced, then children will lose interest and stop participating.

But how about the use of technology in a Montessori classroom? Is that a conflict of interest, with technology competing for real-world, hands-on activity? Not as much as you might think, and technology is improving by leaps and bounds.

Technology is the Real World

There is no longer a dividing line between communications technology and daily life. Because our smart technology has become so pervasive in our lives, including it in a well-rounded education is more important than ever. Yes, there is a tremendous amount of adult guidance involved, but hi-tech devices are here to stay, and preparing our children to use them responsibly will help them later. Obviously, your preschooler isn’t using social media, but they could be using any of a variety of apps designed expressly for teaching young children. On a computer at home, Gcompris is a well-rounded educational tool, with puzzles and games designed for a range of age groups, and a huge variety of learning tools and more.

Expanding on the Original Concept

Technology can be useful in the Montessori classroom as well. It allows greater customization of computerized materials to individual students, including adjusting the difficulty levels, and allowing easier manipulation of information from outside sources. For example, the former scenario might including learning to use math in incremental stages, while the latter could be something like keeping a database of images of leaves or bugs. Both would progress along with the child and interact with physical activities in a number of ways. The idea is not to separate technology from Montessori, but weld the two together.

Montessori Education is Immersive Education

When the Montessori method was being developed, technology like we have today didn’t exist. If it had, Maria Montessori would have had to include it into her materials and learning stations. Technology is too much a part of our lives for it to continue to be ignored. Instead, young children need to learn about the possibilities and dangers involved with technology. They need to be prepared for a world where calling a taxi and learning how to make a simple volcano are only a few clicks away. This does not mean that physical, real-world activities have to be shunned – only that the activities and the technologies need to be used together for the best results.

Technology has a place in a Montessori classroom. We live in a world which relies on technology, so including it in a well-rounded education makes practical sense. If we teach children to use safe technology practices from early childhood, they will be more responsible technology users as they get older.  To learn how the teachers and staff at the Montessori Children’s Center incorporate technology into the classroom and students’ overall learning experience, contact us today to schedule a tour.

Preschool STEM Activities

STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math, a broad term used to describe a specific type of curriculum. STEM activities tend to be hands-on, which makes them a perfect fit for the Montessori preschool and children’s early education. Additionally, learning about science and engineering at an early age gives children the foundation for being a more productive student and citizen as they get older.

Edible Erector Sets

Pretzel sticks, marshmallows, and other finger snacks are an excellent way to learn basic building practices. Children can use the items to create bridges, buildings, and even vehicles which roll. And while they are enjoying this delicious fun, they will be learning the fundamentals of engineering and design, including the importance of common design principles such as arches and suspension bridges.

Aquarium Biome

Students are encouraged to find and capture the plants, insects, and animal life needed to create a functioning habitat in an aquarium. Each new find is an opportunity to learn about that type of life, what kind of environment it prefers, and what other living things it needs to stay healthy and grow. Variations on this project include building an ant farm or creating an aquatic biome with fish, frogs, and water plants. A simple observation project is to catch tadpoles and watch them turn into frogs over time.

Volcano in a Pan

Place a paper towel roll or other cylinder upright in a deep pan, and build a mud volcano (or use a mixture of flour, salt, and water) around the tube. Children will enjoy getting their hands in the dirt, and the hillsides can even be decorated with small plants and grass. Once complete, allow the mud to dry until the volcano is firm. Next, pour a tablespoon of baking powder into the top of the tube, add about on ounce of vinegar, and watch the volcano erupt! Add food coloring to the vinegar before pouring it in the tube for colorful results.

Measuring Things

Using a large measuring cup with amounts labeled on it, small children can learn to read measurements and absorb the principles behind fractions. A good project to use for this would be something like no-bake oatmeal cookies, instant puddings, and things of that nature. On the surface, this activity is about learning to measure items, but underneath that is the fact that cooking is a type of household chemistry, turning individual ingredients into tasty treats.

Children are never too young to learn about science, technology, and engineering. In Montessori environment, which is already based on play and hands-on activity, STEM activities are custom made to encourage interest and give children a fun way to learn.  STEM activities are incorporated into the curriculum at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Westside Campus, even at the preschool age.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about the Montessori Method.

February: Celebrating Black History Month

In the United States and Canada, February is African American History, or Black History Month. Throughout the month, schools are teaching about important African American people and how they have helped to shape the nation we live in. This year is themed around blacks who fought in American conflicts, from the Revolution to Syria and Afghanistan.

African American History Month Themes

Each year, Black History Month covers a new theme. A recent previous year saw African American women being celebrated, and 2018’s theme is “African Americans in Times of War.” African Americans have fought in every war our nation has participated in, from the Revolutionary War to recent wars in the Middle East, but they rarely receive the recognition that is due. This year, African American History Month hopes to correct that by paying homage to those brave men and women of uniform.

African Americans in the Revolutionary War

The very first person to die in the Revolutionary war was an African American named Crispus Attucks. He died during the Boston Massacre and a monument was erected for him in 1888. Another famous first was the first black minuteman, Lemuel Haynes, who fought in the Battle of Lexington in 1775.

Famous Military Firsts

African Americans have achieved many things while serving in the military. The U.S. Army’s first field officer was a black man, for example, fighting alongside Union troops in the Civil War. And an African American was the first black man to be honored for going above and beyond the call of duty in 1918. The Montford Point Marines were the first black platoon in the U.S. Marine Corps., many of whom were recently given posthumous gold medals of honor by Congress.

African Americans in Vietnam

Vietnam marked the first war in which blacks were enlisted in high numbers. In some ways, this marked an acceptance of black men in society, but it was also used unfairly, as blacks were more likely to see front line combat than their white counterparts. The war did, however, bring African Americans to realize their rightful place as citizens, and black enlistment continued to soar even after Vietnam and conscription came to an end.

The list of famous African Americans goes on, including the first black man to earn the rank of 4-star general, and the well-known Colin Powell, who rose as high as Chairman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During the rest of the month of February, introduce your students to some of these fine men and women who have served our nation so well.  The Montessori School of Fremont believes in educating its students about diversity – celebrating different races, cultures, and traditions.  Contact us today to see how our teachers incorporate history into this celebration.

Learning about Martin Luther King, Jr.

February is Black History Month, and Martin Luther King, Jr. is a central part of those lessons. Additionally, the third Monday of January is a holiday named in his honor. Even though there was a lot of racial violence during his lifetime, Dr. King insisted that violence was not the way to achieve equality for black people, but that they should instead use their rights to assemble and peaceful protests to bring about the changes that were needed.

A Modern American Hero

Martin Luther King, Jr. earned a place in the history books by standing up for the rights of African Americans. He believed that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of the color of their skin. He saw how racial prejudice was harming the country and taught that peaceful protest was the best way for African Americans to attain a better life.

Understanding Civil Rights

Civil rights are the everyday rights of people and are the cornerstone of American freedom. When Martin Luther King, Jr. became famous, black people were treated unfairly in many ways, such as not being allowed to sit where they wanted on public buses or eat in the same restaurants as white people. Dr. King is famous for saying, “I have a dream,” and his dream was that everyone would someday be allowed to enjoy the same protections under the law.

Peace and Kindness for All Americans

Martin Luther King, Jr., a baptist pastor, wanted a revolution in civil rights, but he did not want people to fight. Instead, he believed that peaceful solutions were vital to our country. His form of revolution was to hold peaceful protests that pointed out how African Americans were being discriminated against and demanded that the government take steps which guaranteed the rights and freedoms of everyone equally. He did not want people to fight, but he knew that these changes were the only way to avoid a racial violence.

The Dream of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In his famous speech, delivered in August of 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. laid out his dream for the future. He said that he dreamed of African Americans rising above protests involving violence and crime. He said that “all men are created equal,” just as it had been written into the Declaration of Independence. He dreamed of a world where his children would not be treated unfairly based on the color of their skin. He dreamed of black people having the same rights as Caucasians, including the ability to vote, travel freely, use public services, and eat in the same establishments.

Even though he only spoke of peace, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in April of 1968, by James Earl Ray, who was a confirmed racist. That action gave credence to the Civil Rights movement. In some ways, that 1963 speech led to the first African American President, Barack Obama, being elected 45 years later, in 2008.

Montessori education treats and teaches every student equally, regardless of the color of their skin.  At the Montessori School of Fremont, our teachers use the past to teach students about the present, using hands-on lessons and encouraging open discussions.  We invite you and your child to tour our school today and see the Montessori Method first hand.

Teaching your child about December Holidays

December Holidays Present Wonderful Teaching Opportunities for Your Child

The Montessori method focuses on your child’s needs and allows for him or her to explore their world and the environment around them. December is an important month where opportunities to share with those in their world are approached. Children in this school setting receive the wonderful gift of time all year long, and in December, this time is used to embrace the celebrations of sharing, caring, and giving practiced by various cultures throughout their world.

December Holidays

December is the perfect month for learning about new cultures. This month is often focused on remembering others, fulfilling wishes, and celebrating. Children can learn about various cultural observances throughout December and come to appreciate there are people of all religions and cultures who come together in worship to rejoice and to feast with those they love. There are the well-known holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years and also lesser known holidays such as Bodhi Day, Dongzhi, and Yalda. Each celebration is important to those who recognize it, and your child will enjoy the experience of learning new traditions.

Well-Known Holidays

Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday, celebrating their devotion to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There are activities, books and the creating of the traditional Menorah to explain to your child the importance of this celebration and help them understand the meaning behind lighting the Menorah and what it represents.

Christmas is perhaps the most notable celebration, but it also has different traditions for various cultures. In the Philippines, their celebration of Christmas goes through all the ‘ber’ months – October, November, and December. With colorful lights and Christmas music, the entire country prepares for the much awaited season in a different version of the one celebrated in the United States.

New Year’s Eve is also a common celebration which many of your friends and family partake in festivities. Your child can learn more about this holiday through the New Year’s Eve Advent Celebration. They see how the Good Shepherd practiced and taught his faith and can even share a meal together where the kids serve each other.

Lesser-Known Holidays

Though we don’t hear about these holidays as often, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as important. Your child can learn about Bodhi Day, which is the Buddhist Holiday celebrating the day Buddha experienced enlighten. There is also the Donghzi Festival celebrated by the Chinese and other Asian cultures during the winter solstice around December 22nd. Another lesser-known holiday is the Yalda Festival, which Iranians celebrate on the longest and darkest night of the year. These are all important festivities, relevant to each culture and ones your child will enjoy hearing and learning. Learning about other cultures and respecting other’s customs will help your child grown into a more well-rounded adult.

The Montessori School of Fremont teaches it student about diversity and different cultural celebrations throughout the year.  Just as the Montessori Method believes, students learn to embrace and celebrate each other as unique individuals.  Contact us today if you would like your child to experience the gift of receiving an education that places their needs and interests first.

Age-Appropriate Apps for your Preschooler

Getting your child used to technology early is a great way to help him or her succeed academically. A child who is used to using software, including mobile apps, will find trying new things less of a challenge. Apps like the ones summarized below can also make learning experiences more engaging, and your child will be more likely to look forward to school.

Alpha Tots

This app helps children learn their phonics and letters through the use of action verbs, such as “B for building”. Other features include an ABC’s-based sing-along song, mini-games with fun interactive features, and puzzles. One of the things you’ll appreciate is that the app works perfectly fine without ads or in-app purchases that could otherwise be a major distraction.

Reading Rainbow

This app features a lot of the appeal that has helped the show remain popular over the years. Some of the features include themed islands to explore, video field trips featuring host Lavar Burton, and easy access to hundreds of book titles. Helpful tools for parents include tips and the ability to track how much time your child spends reading.

Elmo Loves 123s

This Sesame Street favorite is perfect for teaching the youngest preschoolers how to count up to 20. Games and videos help provide even more of an interactive feel to get toddlers and young preschoolers fully engaged. Parents have a section where they can check their child’s progress very easily.

Animatch

Matching is an important skill for toddlers to learn, and using colorful animals is a good way to make things more interesting. Animal sounds and movements help keep kid’s attention throughout the game. With 30 different animals, kids will learn great memory and concentration skills easily.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox

This app offers a little bit of everything for preschoolers, including pattern recognition, counting, shapes, colors, and letters. Each activity follows a goal of filling the monkey character’s lunchbox. The child’s reward for completing the activity is a colorful sticker on a virtual bulletin board.

Preschool Arcade

This fun little app has four arcade-style games to entice preschoolers: Whack-a-Mole, Claw-Crane Matching, Pinball 123, and ABC Invasion. Some of the cognitive development features include counting and alphabet recognition. Kids will enjoy the sound effects and animation that mimic real arcade games.

All of these apps will help make learning a more exciting experience for your preschooler. He or she will have more have more of an advantage once they start school.  At the Montessori School of Flagstaff Westside Campus, we understand how technology plays a vital role in today’s environment.  While we don’t believe in focusing solely on electronic devices, they do provide another educational opportunity for time spent outside of your school and especially when preparing your preschooler to begin school in the first place.  To schedule a meeting with our teachers and staff, contact us today!

How to Keep and Preserve your Child’s Artwork

Every piece of art your child creates is worth preserving. But when your little Picasso is creating more art than your fridge can handle, it might be time to get creative when keeping and saving their timeless masterpieces.

Here are some fun and innovative ideas on how to keep, enjoy, and preserve your child’s artwork for many years to come.

No. 1 – Have a Filing System

In order to curate and preserve your child’s artwork, you should first have a filing system in place. Choose a storage container where you can keep all of your child’s artwork and separate it by using the following categories:

  • Use for Crafting Projects
  • Frame and Hang
  • Save for Later Use
  • Mail to Loved Ones

You can add your own categories depending on what you plan to do with your child’s artwork. But the important thing is having a system in place to deal with the onslaught of colorful rainbows and smiling stick-men your child joyfully brings you every day.

No. 2 – Download Keepy

Take your child’s artwork into the digital world by downloading Keepy – an awesome app that allows you to upload pictures of your child’s art which you can then save, share, and print until your heart is content. This will also help you de-clutter your current collection.

No. 3 – Make a Mini-Gallery

One of the best ways to celebrate your child’s talents is by creating their very own art gallery in your home. You can start by picking a specific wall, painting it with magnetic paint, and then hang up your child’s favorite pieces. You can then rotate the art once a month so you’re always keeping it fresh and interesting.

No. 4 – Use it for Wrapping Paper

As long as you don’t mind parting with some physical copies of your child’s artwork, you can use it to wrap presents on special occasions and holidays. Not only will you save some money on wrapping paper, but it will make your gifts even more unique and thoughtful than before.

No. 5 – Start an Annual Tradition

If you want to keep as much of your child’s artwork as possible while also documenting their progress as they grow up – you can make an annual tradition of sorting, filing, and comparing their work at the end of each year.

Get some three-ring binders and label each one with a different year. Then, you and your child can sit down to go through their artwork, comparing them to previous years and preserving the best ones in labeled page protectors.

Getting Creative

Saving your child’s artwork can be a bonding experience for the whole family while also teaching them important lessons in organization, preservation, and creativity. And by turning their doodles and drawings into lifelong memories, you are helping to give them the confidence and skills they need to succeed later in life.

At the Montessori Children’s Center in Fremont, California, we encourage creativity throughout our curriculum and specifically use hands-on learning techniques that allow children to explore on their own.  We treat each child as an individual and can help you come up with a plan for working to preserve all your child’s work, including their artwork.  Contact us today and schedule a tour of our school.

Tools used to Assess your Montessori Student

In traditional public schools, testing is the required norm. Some classes test the children every week, and all kids must take standardized assessment tests periodically to determine their progress. Everything is different in a Montessori classroom. While each child is being continuously monitored and assessed, the methods used are far more subtle, and often subjective, focusing on the skills of the individual child rather than trying to fit the child into age-specific standardization.

Standardized Tests

Some Montessori schools use standardized testing as well as other methods. This practice is more common in public Montessori schools, or privately operated schools which transition children into public education as they get older. Some of the data collected in these tests can be used to improve the Montessori system, but individual progress carries more weight than standardized questions.

Daily Assessment

Assessment takes place continuously in the Montessori classroom. Guides observe the activities of children and offer assistance or suggest other methods as children require it. Teachers also speak with children regularly, allowing the guide and student to look at the individual’s progress and plan future activities accordingly. Where a public school teacher may know that the class is on page 247 of a textbook, the Montessori guide knows that your child is learning to master a particular concept or skill. The key is that the children in the class are working at their own paces, and they are not all on the same page.

Self-Paced Learning

Montessori learning encourages the children’s natural inquisitiveness. Because the kids are allowed to learn at their own paces, each student may move about the Montessori classroom and various activity centers as they learn new skills. Since this follows a more natural pattern of learning, many children are able to absorb subject material faster.

All Children are Special

Maria Montessori believed that all children are special. Each one has unique talents and is able to grasp different concepts more quickly than others. In the Montessori classroom, this allows gifted children and challenged learners to work together in the classroom, advancing at their own pace, without becoming separated from their peer group. In addition to allowing individual advancement within the classroom, this also allows interaction between children, benefiting those who are having more trouble and creating a sense of self-worth for the children as a group.

Montessori schools teach the same kind of information, in approximately the same age-groups, as traditional schools. But the methods used to do that are much different, focusing more on personal achievement, hands-on learning, and social responsibility. Both methods attempt to provide children with a well-rounded education, but the approaches used by each are like comparing apples to oranges.  Schedule a visit at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Westside Campus today to learn more about the tools we use to assess students.

Teaching your Child about Being Thankful through fall Crafts

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is an excellent time to teach little ones the importance of giving thanks and being grateful for what they have in their lives.

Learning how to be grateful, for things both big and small, is a teachable skill that can last children a lifetime. All you need are some scissors, paper, glue and a little bit of creativity to make giving thanks fun for the whole family.

Here are some ideas for fall crafts you can do with your child that will remind them what Thanksgiving is really all about:

No. 1 – A Sharing Plate

The Sharing Plate is a fun project for kids of all ages. Find a blank plate and either paint or draw a poem about gratitude on it. The plate then travels from home to home with your friends and family – reminding everyone to be grateful for every day.

Here’s an example of a sharing plate poem:

“The sharing plate does not have a home, and its adventure never ends. But it never gets lonely because it travels around from friend to friend. The food upon it was made with love and care, so remember to pass this special plate along so everybody can share.”

No. 2 – The Tree of Gratitude

All you need for this craft is some fall-colored construction paper, scissors, and tape. Help your kids draw an outline of a tree, along with some leaves. Then cut the shapes out of the paper and tape it all together.

Then, hang the tree on your wall before having your child write down what they’re most thankful for on each leaf. As the days of fall continue to pass, remind your child to take a leaf off the tree each time they are feeling extra grateful for something and encourage them to share it with the family.

No. 3 – A Giving Thanks Quilt

A Giving Thanks Quilt can be a great annual tradition to hang on your wall and remember all of your fondest memories of the holidays.

But if you don’t have the time or resources to make a cloth quilt, you can make a paper quilt in a fraction of the time. And if you want it to last through the years, you could even get it laminated after it’s finished.

Either way, you’ll want to cut out your quilt pattern and then have your children write what they are thankful for on different squares. Have fun stitching it together as a family, all while teaching everybody the importance of gratitude and appreciation.

Practicing Gratitude

Whether it’s the big things or life’s little pleasures you are feeling grateful for, finding and creating holiday crafts as a family can be fun and educational at the same time. It’s also an excellent bonding opportunity that will give your children memories and lessons that last a lifetime.

At the Montessori School of Fremont, we teach our students about holidays in hands-on and interactive ways.  Showing gratitude during Thanksgiving is an excellent way to teach your children about being thankful and appreciative.  To see the Montessori Method in person, contact us today.

Preschoolers and the Lesson of Friendship

The preschool years are a perfect time for children to learn about the importance of friendship. Your child will form friendships that could last throughout their childhood and beyond at this time. Helping your child learn about the importance of friendships from such a young age will get them ready to make new friends at school.

Read Books About Friends With Your Child

Preschoolers can take away a lot of information from reading books, making reading a perfect activity to help explain the importance of friendship to your child. After reading these books, take some time for you and your child to discuss how their friends are like those they read about in the stories and how they’re different.

A few books that your child will enjoy include:

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister – A story of a fish with shiny scales who gives one away to a sad friend, then gives away more when he sees the happiness they bring. You’ll be able to introduce your child to the idea of giving to those less fortunate than they are.

Just My Friend and Me by Mercer Mayer – This Little Critter classic shows how the signature character learns it’s okay to play alone after a difficult playdate. Your child will learn a little more about coping with conflicts.

Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni – When Blue and Yellow come together after being apart, they turn green and all accept them. This book is a cute lesson in tolerance.

Make Friendship Necklaces

A friendship necklace is a great activity for preschoolers, under adult supervision. In place of beads that could present a choking hazard, you can use pasta dyed to bright colors using a food coloring and vinegar mixture. Thread them on to pieces of string with a knot at one end, tying the ends off to close.

Host a Tea or Lunch

Enjoying a tea or a lunch together is a great way for kids to appreciate the value of friendship. They’ll learn how to share with each other, as well as some other basic manners that will help them when they reach school age. One of the fun things about this type of setting with preschoolers is that they will often play pretend, inviting their stuffed toys or even imaginary friends to the table.

The lesson of friendship is a very important one that your child will benefit from learning as early as possible. These engaging activities will help get your child excited about making new friends as they prepare to start school.  The teachers and staff at Montessori Children’s Center encourage students to be friends with all, embracing the differences that make each child unique and special.  Contact us today to schedule a visit of one of our preschool Montessori classes.