Does a Montessori Infant Care Program Benefit My Child's Development?

It is not unusual to enter an average daycare and witness a certain amount of pandemonium, but that is rarely a situation in Montessori schools. Montessori was expressly created in a way that allows children more freedom of movement, interaction with older and younger peers, and a sense of self-value to make them confident students. Unlike traditional schools that are only interested in teaching a limited and rigorously enforced set of information, Montessori schools provide a whole-child developmental process that produces a well-rounded education and the social and emotional skills needed for everyday life.

Motor Skills

Children are encouraged to work on their fine and gross motor skills in Montessori daycare. Each day is spent on various authentic activities that require children to use their fingers for detailed work like lifting, touching, gripping, and more. The muscle tone and physical coordination they build at this age will be immensely valuable when they begin using pencils, crayons, scissors, and other small educational tools.

Academic Skills

Academic studies combine with physical activities to teach children a variety of useful concepts while they play. Montessori schools have been teaching STEM subjects to small children for over a hundred years-- long before such a term even existed. In fact, Maria Montessori considered interacting with nature to be a vital aspect of early development, to the point that it became one of the fundamental aspects of authentic Montessori education.  

Social Skills

Because children aren't restricted to a single location in the classroom, Montessori children are able to work on important social skills throughout the day. As they freely move between activities, children learn to take turns, work in pairs and groups, and develop the critical thinking skills to negotiate outcomes rather than displaying emotional outbursts.

Emotional Development

Emotional development is important in an environment where children are able to make their own choices and take responsibility for their own actions. To guide emotional development, Montessori guides help children become more empathetic, considering the reactions of others, and making decisions based on avoiding infringing on the feelings of others.

Montessori is a different sort of education because it is focused on more than academic instruction. Without external rewards or punishments, the Montessori environment is focused on providing real development in areas that make children stronger, help them communicate better, and leave them more accepting of the differences-- physical, emotional, academic, racial, and cultural-- of the world they live in.

4 Simple Montessori-Inspired Activities For Teaching Children About Thanksgiving

In a private kindergarten, every day is a good day to express gratitude and thankfulness. With Thanksgiving approaching, opportunities to learn about the holiday and the importance of being grateful for what we have will be everywhere you look, and children will enjoy participating in various activities centered around the season.

1. Inclusion in Holiday Activities

The Thanksgiving season is a busy time for most of us, and Montessori kindergarten children may feel left out at times. It is fine to enjoy the company of relatives and visitors, but make sure your children get to be part of the experience. For many children, the holidays are the only time of year when they see some relatives, and children need to interact with them, learn about them, and get to know the diversity of the family. 

2. Grace and Courtesy Activities

Social interaction is an important part of childhood development, and this time of year is perfect for practicing social skills. Grace and courtesy activities are central to the Montessori Method, including learning to address elders appropriately, ask politely, and show gratitude when it is deserved. Every day has opportunities for thankfulness, and thanksgiving is an excellent time to look for them.

3. Fall Crafts

Engaging in fall crafting activities will keep your children entertained for hours. Making things to decorate for the holidays also helps children feel more like a part of the celebration, helps them work on fine motor skills, and helps them develop a broader vocabulary. Remember that your children want to see their work admired, and hang artwork and decorations at a level that makes it available to children as well as adults.

4. Practical Life Experience

Helping with tasks such as setting the table, helping cut or measure, and serving refreshments teach vital practical skills that will benefit children throughout their lives. It may be a treat to lick the mixing spoon, but it is an honor to be allowed to participate in preparing the recipe. Given the opportunity, kindergartners will be thrilled to measure and pour and mix ingredients along with you.

You do not have to wait for a holiday to practice the tenets of grace and courtesy. Try helping your children keep a daily journal of events and reasons to be grateful, and discuss them regularly. When your child sees that her experiences are important to you, she will be more willing to share them with you, and eager to receive the praise that comes from great behavior.