Raising Leaders and Thought Provokers: The Montessori Way

The distinctive approach behind the Montessori Method is to encourage individuality and creative thinking.  This design was constructed by an Italian doctor by the name of Maria Montessori, who set out to observe children of all ages and discover their particular learning styles.

Here are just a few things a Montessori classroom has to offer its students:

The classroom is devised for children of different ages.  For example, in a Primary class, you will find children ages 3 years – 6 years.  The younger children learn from the older children, while the older children aid the younger with the concepts that they have already grasped.  According to the American Montessori Society (AMS) “This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.”

The child’s mind during the first six years of life is like a sponge.  They absorb everything around them much easier than us adults.  Languages are especially encouraged during this time frame.  It is their greatest window of opportunity.  Just think how hard it is for you to learn another language at your current age.  A young child can learn several!

Every Montessori classroom you visit has its own unique construction.  Teachers love to add their special touch, but you will see it is done in such a way that the end result is the same.  That being said you have four core areas of the class.  Those include Language, Math, Sensorial, and Practical Life.  Art, Science, and Geography have their places as well.

Every activity has a built in control of error which encourages critical thinking at every level.  Students will recognize, correct, and learn from their mistakes.  This will also instill that self confidence that we all want for our future generations.

Another unique feature in the Montessori community is the emphasis on conflict resolution.  The children are encouraged to resolve their issues in a more diplomatic and peaceful manner.  This will plant the roots needed to carry them throughout life and develop into the great leaders we are sure they will become.

Pre-Writing Activities ~ The Montessori Way

Learning to write can be a frustrating exercise for many young children.  Especially when they haven't mastered the art of holding the pencil properly.  Once they conquer this monumental task, the skies the limit.  <=== I know.  Sounds a bit dramatic, but ask any 2 or 3 year old who is learning and they'll tell you that it isn't easy.  Ask a 4 year old and don't be surprised if they snap that pencil right in half with a growl.

But over time, with a little practice and determination they will see results.

Handwriting will improve greatly.
Coloring in the lines will become easier.
Buttoning their own jacket will be a snap ((See what I did there?))

Here are some great ways for you to help your child at home.  They will thank you later :)

1 - Sand tray

All you need is a shallow tray and sand.  That's it. This activity is a great sensorial exercise which will keep your child busy for a while.  I highly recommend changing it up from time to time.  You can use sand, salt, or sugar.  Another way is using rice.  In the past, I dyed the rice different colors to add to the sensory experience.

Check out this video and see how the sand tray can be a valuable tool in the writing process.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvJuRgj7pbA

2 - Pinwork

This is one of my absolute favorite activities for young preschoolers.  It will aid in small muscle control, concentration, and pencil grip.  I like to use stencils of different shapes or animals (sometimes holiday oriented images) in black marker or black pencil on construction paper.  You will need a push pin which, if you will notice how your child holds it, is EXACTLY how they should be holding a pencil. 😲

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I bet some of you are wondering why you didn't think of that.  I know I did. Walk them through the process of tracing the black line with their push pin.

Watch this video to see exactly how this activity can be effective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_z2J2ijG1E

3 - Tracing

Use a yellow highlighter on a white piece of lined paper.  Draw the letters A - Z and allow your child to trace with a pencil. Another preference in the classroom is their name.  Children love to see their name on paper.

One thing I highly recommend is teaching your child lowercase letters before upper case. Remember that those are the letters you see most when reading.  They are also the letters they see most in their names.  Everything they are learning above is a preparation for reading 😄

They're well on their way!

Ten Books To Read Over The Thanksgiving Break

Are you looking for some great books for that evening story time with your child over the Thanksgiving Holiday? Well, have I got a list for you!

With the holidays right around the corner--there is plenty of opportunities for you and your children to spend some quality story time together.  We went around the school and compiled a list of fantastic reads from our teachers, that are sure to leave your children raving to all of their friends how they have the coolest parents....EVER!  It doesn't take much at this young age ;)

1)  Turkey Trouble by Wendy Silvano.

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble.  The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving....and you're the main course.  But Turkey has an idea-what if he doesn't look like a turkey?  What if he looks like another animal instead?  After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!

***Rating 5 Hilarious Gobbles***

2)  Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston.

This silly rhyming story about ten turkeys teaches children how to count backwards.

"Looky!"says a silly turkey swinging from a vine.
Gobble gobble wibble wobble
Whoops!  Now there are nine.

Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious story about ten goofy turkeys and their silly antics: swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noddle dance, and more.

3)  Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

The incomparable Dav Pilkey adapts Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem to tell this wacky Thanksgiving tale.

The day before Thanksgiving, eight boys and girls take a field trip to a turkey farm.  They have fun playing with eight exuberant turkeys , but are shocked to learn that Farmer Mack Nuggent plans to kill all of the turkey for Thanksgiving dinners. So the children decide to smuggle all the turkeys home, and all their Thanksgiving dinner become vegetarian this year.

4)  I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie by Alison Jackson

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry.

And with that, the fest begins!  After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey!  As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter.  And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the Thanksgiving festivities.

5)  The Thankful Book by Todd Par

I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance
I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play
I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved

Todd Par's books have taught kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, facing fears, and more, all with this signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity.  Now, The Thankful book celebrates all the things children can give thanks for.  For everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together, and special alone time between parent and child.  Todd Par inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments.

6)  The Magic Treehouse's Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborn
((Recommended for First Grade and up))

Jack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the best-selling series--The Magic Treehouse.

It's a time for giving thanks...

When the Magic Treehouse whisks Jack and Annie back to 1621 on the first Thanksgiving day.  The pilgrims ask them to help get things ready.  But, whether it's cooking or clamming, Jack and Annie don't know how to do anything the Pilgrim way.

Will they ruin the holiday forever?  Or will the feast go on?

7)  A Plump And Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman

Turkeys around Squawk Valley just don't jump into pots anymore.  They are way too smart for that. So the townspeople hatch a clever plan.  They host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair and lure a vain bird into town by advertising for an artist's model.  Peter the turkey, proud of his well-stuffed form, takes the bait, but doesn't fall for the trap.

8)  Junie B. Jones Turkeys We Have Loved And Eaten by Barbara Park

Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast.  There's even a contest to see which room writes the best Thankful list.  The winners will get a pumpkin pie!  Only it turns out, being thankful is harder than it looks.  Because Junie B. isn't actually thankful for Tattletale May.  Or scratchy pilgrim costumes.  And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway.  Will Room One win the disgusting pie?  Can May and Junie B. find common ground?  Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a turkey day disaster?

9)  Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks--The questions is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to the warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures.  But what is most important is being able to share them with the family.

And last but not least, and old familiar story

10)  The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan Berenstain

The Bear family might not win the blue ribbon for their entry in the pumpkin contest during the annual Bear County Thanksgiving Festival, but they do gain a new appreciation of the true spirit of the holiday and all they have to be thankful for.

A Virtual Tour of The Montessori School of Herndon

Come in and visit one of the happiest schools in Herndon, Virginia. A place where children are excited to return every morning.

When you first enter the Montessori School of Herndon from Dranesville and Old Hunt Way, you will notice our beautiful landscaping.

But, be careful. Students and Teachers at Play :)

The field offers plenty of room for our annual Fun Fair where you'll see it transformed into a carnival full of rides and games.  Isn't our PTA the best?

When you take that trip through the parking lot, you will notice our playground where we spend a lot of time running, sliding, and kicking the ball around.

At the top of the hill, is where you can park and enter the office.

Once you make it inside, we will answer any and all of your questions while showing you around the school. You'll get to meet the teachers and see our students in action. We know how important it is to find a school that fits your child's needs, and where you can feel comfortable knowing that they are safe and loved.

We take pride in our 32 years of success in educating the youth in Fairfax County.  Our program is ability based and all materials have a built in control of error to encourage self-correction which in turn establishes a true sense of accomplishment.

They will make friends.
They will be challenged.
They will learn new life skills.
They will speak new languages.
They will participate in extracurricular activities.
They will use their imagination for play.
Chess anyone?  Yes, we learn that here too!



So schedule your tour today.  We would love to have your family become a part of ours. Visit www.montessori-va.com and click on the Visit tab, or call us at 703-437-8229

Potty Training...Dun Dun Duuuuuuun!

So, it's that time of year again.  All of the parents are getting ready to send their littles back to school, or in some cases this is the first time for many. They're out buying uniforms, lunch boxes, and school supplies.

Then, there are the OTHERS.  You know who you are.  The ones who are desperately trying to get their preschooler potty trained before the new school year begins.  You take your child to the bathroom fifty thousand times a day in hopes that once, just ONCE they'll actually go this time.  Only for them to pull up their pants, walk into the living room and have an accident all over your brand new carpet.

You went shopping for all of the Princess or Spider Man underwear you could find, but NOTHING works. You threw away just as many, because who wants to clean all that?

Here are a few tips to getting your child on the right track to potty training success!

Start early

I know it sounds crazy, but give them some credit.  They are capable of far more than it seems. Buy a child sized potty. Introduce the two of them and get acquainted.  They'll be spending a lot of time together over the next few months. Some parents favor the potty ring that fits over the toilet accompanied with a stool for easier seating.

Consistency is key

Make regular trips to the restroom. Don't get discouraged if they already had an accident.  Go. Keep trying.  Allow them to be independent by undressing on their own before mounting that intimidating potty. This is a major life event for them.  It's a pretty big deal.

Rewards

I'm not a huge fan of rewards, but I made an exception with my child in this department.  He loved hot wheels cars and thank goodness those were cheap. Lets face it though, I would have spent every last dime if he would just...use...the...potty. With all of the bribes made, pleading for him to use the potty as opposed to the floor, he had enough cars to cover his entire bedroom floor. Ok, well close enough.

Take a trip to the dollar store for one toy of their choice. What child doesn't love the dollar store?

So, if we're perfectly honest here, we all know that potty training is tough. Take these opportunities to bond. I know, I know.  Bonding in the bathroom during their "business" sounds strange, but what else are you going to do?  Talk together, sing their favorite songs, read a book. Whatever it takes to make it a better experience for all of you.

Good luck!

Famous Montessori Students

Did you know that the founders of Google and Amazon were all Montessori kids?  How about P. Diddy or Julia Child?  Yes!  They are all a product of Montessori Education.

I know, right? If you ever considered sending your child to a Montessori School, don't disregard them just yet.

Check out this post by Daily Montessori and hear from some of the most successful.

http://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-questions-answers/famous-montessori-educated-people/

Develop longer focus and attention through Practical Life activities

Do you get tired of seeing your child always gravitating to the Practical Life (PL) area?  Well, I'm here to tell you, that it is not necessarily a bad thing for them.  Did you know that activities such as transferring, spooning, scooping, and washing dishes are beneficial to their learning process? <---Yes! I said washing dishes.

Practical Life.  The area of the classroom that not many understand.

This isn't about "playing" as so many would like to think.  PL offers many interesting ways for children to develop necessary skills like hand-eye coordination, longer focus, and attention span.

WHAAAAAAT???  "They do all of that?"

Why yes. They do, actually. Every activity in PL has an important function.  Tweezers?  Excellent for pincer grip, which inevitably aids in proper handling of a pencil. Table washing? Focus, focus, focus! (Sorry, I didn't mean to shout) You know that child in the classroom that spends fifteen minutes a day washing the table? When have you ever seen a 3 and 4 year old focus on ANYTHING for that long?

"Whoa!  I never thought of it that way."

That's OK.  Not many do.  PL is the foundation of the Montessori classroom.  These exercises provide a host of other valuable assets to the child.  Besides improving focus, attention span, and hand-eye coordination, they help in developing control, independence, care for self and environment, as well as order.

Activities are also developed to work left to right. Orderly thought patterns, perhaps?  Maybe.

You too, can do these activities at home with your child. Let them help you in the kitchen.  Hand them a broom. Guess what?  They can even assist in setting the table.  Children want to imitate what we adults can do.  Allow for extra time in the morning and let them dress themselves.  You will be surprised what your little one can accomplish.

Make and Take One Hundred Chain

That is what we call it in our classroom.  This is a number sequencing work that the children love mainly for the fact that they get to take it home and share with their families.

There are a few layers to this activity which include different areas of curriculum in a Primary Montessori classroom.  We're talking Practical Life, Art, and Math, all wrapped into one beautiful package. Let us not forget hand/eye coordination and an activity that encourages focus.

I mix the numbers for them so that when cutting them out they have to think about number placement as opposed  to simply cutting and gluing.  Here is a link to the pattern I use, http://www.math.kent.edu/~white/graphpaper/one-bold.pdf

Next, we bring out the glue!  Aren't you glad I didn't say glitter?  :) To reduce the mess level from Def Con 20 to more of a 5 we put glue in these cute little plastic jars (tiny bubble bottles that you find as Birthday party gifts in goodie bags) and supply them with Q-tips. I have experienced a less sticky classroom.

I make strips for the children to glue their squares in numerical order.  Eventually, each child will have ten strips with ten numbers up to one hundred. What?  Yes, counting by tens! I don't know about you, but growing up, counting by tens was the BEST.
Each set of ten numbers is in a different color.

This is an on-going project that I discovered online years ago, and it has been a hit ever since. Before I send the children home with their new One Hundred chain, I decorate our windows with them for a couple of weeks.  This allows for them to admire their hard work when entering the classroom.

Ideas for using this chain at home are a wonderful added extension.

You can give your child a marker.  This is where I encourage parents to keep it fun and interesting. Make your markers creative such as M&M's, Goldfish, Cheerios, or other snacks that they love to eat. Have them place the marker on the number you say between 1 - 100.

How about some addition and subtraction?  For example, ask them to cover numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 with markers. Add three more markers, which will put them at 7. Now, eat two. How many do you have left?  Show them that their marker rests on the answer after they count the remains.

How cool is that?  Have fun with your children and be supportive during their educational journey.  It is one of the most important things you can do for them as they grow.

Enjoy!