|
The essence of every Montessori preschool student is independence. Most parents think children must become independent at 18, but autonomy is more than just living alone. Independence is the ability to do things by yourself and make decisions for yourself without the influence of other people. Children are capable of being independent; in fact, as Dr. Maria Montessori believed, it is in their nature. Montessori education fosters that independence.  Child-Centered Learning Traditional classrooms would have teachers discussing lessons in front of the students and telling them the activities they should do. At a Montessori daycare, children have the freedom to choose what they want to learn. Not all children are the same, so they must have the awareness to pick a material that they are comfortable with. There are many educational objects and materials inside the classroom, which is why Blossoms Montessori School has ample space and plenty of shelves to store them. Everything is within reach so that children can have access to all materials. Teachers are there to facilitate learning and guide the children through the process. They do not dictate what specific lessons children should devour since each individual has different pacing. Therein lies the advantage of Montessori education- children are not forced to learn something they are not ready for.  Creativity The more children are encouraged to choose their path, the more they become creative. This is highly encouraged as children enjoy the learning process and the result is not the focus in Montessori childcare. In traditional classrooms, students compete for high grades. With Montessori, it’s about perfecting the process and completing tasks. By doing so, it becomes a natural path for creativity among students.
Building Relationships Being independent doesn’t mean being alone. Autonomy is more about self-awareness and self-discipline. Montessori encourages collaboration among students through mentorship and cooperative play. It is common at Blossoms for older children to help the younger ones with more difficult activities since they share one space. The students also play together, which prompts camaraderie and teamwork. Social relationships are vital to one’s independence. There is a balance of academic work, practical life, and play at Blossoms Montessori School in Spring, Texas. Visit us and check out our exceptional facility.
0 Comments
According to Harvard University, healthy development during the first three years of a child’s life are instrumental in educational attainment, economic productivity, and the successful parenting of the next generation. Undeniably, early childhood education is vital for healthy development. It equips children with the social and mental skills they need to succeed in the next phase of growth.  Montessori Preschool The first few years of school are vital in the development of children. Montessori teaching provides a framework for children’s developmental milestones in various aspects of life be it in cognitive or linguistic skills or their physical, emotional, and social interactions. At Blossoms Montessori School, we have various Montessori childcare programs for children between 12 months and six years old. The programs are tailored to fit their developmental phase. At three years old, children are still honing their motor and language skills. Montessori programs ensure that adequate focus on these aspects prepares children for the next step. At four, they are ready to complete tasks and Blossoms has enjoyable activities like culinary as well as arts and crafts to serve this purpose. As children get older, our Montessori daycare strives to continuously give children new experiences from inside the school, through special events, and trips.
Holistic Development UNESCO refers to early childhood care and education as an “investment in well-being and lifelong learning.” This means that any educational program must stretch beyond academic pursuits. Montessori principles support this idea by promoting independence and cooperative play. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace. There are various educational materials that students can choose from while the teachers are there to guide and encourage the process. This is wonderful preparation for children who inevitably have to make their own decisions when they are older. They learn practical responsibilities too. They are taught how to clean up after themselves and to take care of the environment. Since life is also about relationships, cooperative play is encouraged to develop children’s social skills and sense of community.
Blossoms Montessori School in Spring Texas is the perfect place for early childhood education with its holistic curriculum that prepares children for the real world.
We live in a big world, and learning about it may be daunting. But a Montessori preschool is about sensorial learning- where children experience the lessons in a fun and exciting way. Geography- the Montessori Way At Blossoms Montessori School, children have a more tactile understanding of geography. The school provides Montessori geographic materials that students can manipulate to better understand the world, including globes, continents’ puzzle maps, and other land formation materials. The main advantage of sensorial learning is that it helps build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways. Sensory play also encourages brain development and makes it easier for students to remember their lessons. They can remember geography well because they can visualize it and remember how it feels to touch it.  Culture An integral part of geography is culture. Cultural studies are also an essential part of Montessori daycare learning. Children are taught about diversity and exposed to the different colors and languages of the world. At Blossoms in Spring, Texas, the students enjoy Culture Awareness Activities and Presentations to make cultural lessons memorable. Through these activities and presentations, they learn not just about where specific countries are but what distinct cultures offer to the world in terms of food, music, clothing, and other products. Multicultural students are also encouraged to embrace their ethnicity. Multilingual students are supported; Blossoms has bilingual teachers as Spanish, the second most widely spoken language in the U.S., is part of the curriculum.
History History is also elemental to geography. The concept of how the world was created and the origin of mankind are introduced to children through fascinating materials. Then, there is a gradual introduction to some of the most significant historical events that took place in our country and in the world at large. In Montessori childcare, History is all about learning a sequence of events- essentially. Montessori lessons are about interrelation and order, so students are encouraged to complete tasks rather than get high grades. Completion of responsibilities is also about one’s pace and not speed. Montessori is a purposeful academic practice that benefits children in their formative age. Visit Blossoms Montessori School in Spring, Texas now, or click here to learn more about it.  In many instances, people are indifferent to major achievements but are quick to notice minor failures. It follows that achievements are often ignored while missteps are punished. But many studies including a publication on Behavior Modification state that “positive reinforcement works exceedingly better and faster than punishment.” What Is Positive Reinforcement? Positive reinforcement is behavior modification that introduces a positive stimulus to encourage good behavior. It is a technique that is often recommended for parents as opposed to punishing children who have done bad things. The positive stimulus can be simple praise like, “good job,” to children who did their assignments or completed their chores. It can also come in the form of rewards which is common when children visit the doctor — most pediatricians give children goodies at the end of the consultation. Positive reinforcement works because it makes the child feel loved and it develops self-esteem. It can also mold their character because they are taught good behavior through positive words and rewards at an early age. The following are some examples of positive reinforcement: ● Clapping ● Cheering ● Giving high fives ● Giving a thumbs-up ● Praising children ● Rewarding children with special privileges, treats, etc. ● Hugging ● Patting their backs ● Telling people how proud you are of your child
The Montessori Way
Our Montessori preschool follows the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. She emphasized autonomy and self-motivation in children’s learning. Her techniques are based on personal observations that children teach themselves through what they see in their environments. The approach entails trusting children so that they can grow up to become independent learners. Throughout the process, Montessori childcare teachers are there to guide them. The lesson is to develop self-confidence and the Montessori way is designed to cultivate it from an early age. When you cheer them on or give them a thumbs-up for doing something good — even if it’s for something simple like keeping their coloring materials or brushing their teeth properly — they become excited. Knowing how proud you become when they do something well will make them strive to do even better. At our Montessori daycare, children confidently go about their day and select the materials they want to work on. Teachers motivate them to complete their tasks and encourage them to move on to more challenging endeavors. See how we use positive reinforcement and encouragement by booking a tour of our facilities and meeting with us personally. Executive functioning skills are a set of brain functions that allows a person to organize and complete tasks. People are not born with them; they are learned. This is why Blossoms Montessori School makes it part of its learning experience for children. To understand the importance of these cognitive processes, let us go through eight essential ways it affects our daily functioning. 1. Self-Control Self-control refers to a child’s ability to pause and think before doing something. Children who have self-control are more organized with their tasks, which means responsibilities and assignments are done correctly. They are not disruptive in class and teachers do not have to tell them twice to do or stop doing something.  2. Self-Monitoring Self-monitoring allows a child to evaluate one’s actions. Through self-monitoring, children can gauge if they need help with an activity. They know their strengths and weaknesses.  3. Flexibility Flexibility refers to children’s ability to adapt to changes and thrive despite ambiguity. Children must not be coddled so they can learn how to adjust to different situations on their own.  4. Task Initiation Children with this skill can complete their tasks independently and without procrastination. These students are never late with school projects. An inability to initiate tasks can result in anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and leaving chores unfinished.  5. Working Memory Working memory is being able to retain necessary information and follow directions. Children with working memory are attentive and not easily distracted. At our Montessori daycare, children are free to select their activities so they can hone their working memory.  6. Emotional Control Managing one’s feelings is vital. Children with emotional control can bounce back more quickly when disappointed. They spend less time sulking and enjoy more meaningful and long-lasting relationships.  7. Time Management When given assignments, children with time-management skills do not meander. They plan and organize their thoughts and tasks to complete their projects on time.  8. Organization Organization refers to the ability to maintain a system that allows a person to keep track of the things he or she needs to achieve a goal. The learning materials and projects at our Montessori childcare encourage students to learn and be organized. Organized students know where things are stored and know how to put items back in their original places.   It is challenging to say "No" to a preschooler without a meltdown. But this is an essential part of child’s learning and self-development. The teacher or the mentor has to be careful while dealing with the children in a Montessori school. Following are some tips which can help you handle a situation effectively.
Be firm but kind:. While setting the limits, you have to be firm and kind in an understanding manner. It makes the child feel respected and validated. Use clear language: You need to use simple and clear language with the child while saying "No" to a certain thing. Try not to use the words that are vague and confusing for the child. Give a reason: While saying "No," you have to explain the child why he is not supposed to do certain things so he understands that he is not being controlled but is being protected. Offer alternatives: When you say "No" to the child, offer an alternative activity to him so that he can satisfy his needs with an alternative that is being offered to him. Use positive reinforcement: When the child does not show any meltdown and accepts your "No," then you should reinforce his behavior with positive words and actions. Be consistent: You have to be consistent when it comes to setting the limits with the Montessori preschoolers. All the children have to follow the same rules and regulations and should not be changed for any child even if he insists or has a meltdown. Be consistent with setting rules and boundaries. Give choices: When you say "No" to a child, you should give the child two acceptable options to choose from. When he will choose an option, he will be satisfied and will feel empowered and you can meet your expectations as well. Avoid arguments: Stay away from the debates and arguments with the kid. The arguments and debates make the situation difficult. State your points very clearly to explain the child why certain things are unacceptable. Stay calm: You have to stay calm when a child is throwing a tantrum. If you react in the same way, the situation will get worse. Staying calm yourself will help you use different tips and approaches to make the child calm and handle the situation appropriately. By following these tips, you can help preschoolers learn how to handle disappointments and respect limits while avoiding meltdowns. Remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Visit us at Blossoms Montessori School Preschool Childcare Daycare in Spring Texas https://www.blossomsmontessorischool.com  False Fatigue
Let us first understand the phenomenon of false fatigue. False fatigue is a term used for the work cycle in which the focus is lost. It happens after an interval of working hours. With the passage of each minute, the classroom might get louder, and you will notice the kids are getting distracted from their work. In Montessori Childcare, the teachers completely understand the meaning of false fatigue. They notice how children enter the class, their interaction with other kids and the class environment. They greet each other and start settling down. They start their work from the familiar task, which is comparatively easier for them than other tasks. Why Does False Fatigue Occur? In the work cycle, the first third part of the cycle is where kids are most engaged because they are fresh and can perform the task easily, but after an hour, their attention divides because of boredom and fatigue. The work they were taking an interest in seemed tedious to them now. The children being distracted from their work does not mean they need adult assistance and direction from them. All they require in false fatigue is space and time for self-direction. When the kid has time to himself, he can utilize that time by going out of the class, drinking water, going to the restroom, or simply taking a break. During that time, he can gain the energy to work again. Now he will be paying more attention to the task he craved intellectually. How can false fatigue be managed? While in Montessori Childcare, when the period of false fatigue strikes, the first thing to do is to put your trust in the children, do not assume that they might not be able to perform their tasks with concentration if they take their minds off of the task that they are performing. After taking a break from their work cycle, the children actually focus longer. The teachers need to put their trust in their children as letting them work through the false fatigue will help them learn how to expand their attention span, develop self-reliance and work with determination. It is suggested not to interfere with this natural phenomenon of false fatigue. Let the children find their way through this fatigue by taking the help of the Montessori Daycare environment set by you. Visit us at Blossoms Montessori School Preschool Childcare Daycare in Spring Texas https://www.blossomsmontessorischool.com  Sensitive Period When we hear the phrase sensitive period, it often gives rise to a thought about moody teenagers. Still, the term sensitive period refers to that time period of a child in which his interest is focused on developing a definite skill and a certain knowledge area. The sensitive period is a period of interest in creative activities and a transitory state. In sensitive periods, there are different physical attitudes of children can be seen. The kids enjoy exploring their environment without facing any kind of boredom. It is an intense and prolonged period in which the kids do not experience any kind of fatigue. In Montessori Childcare, teachers are well aware of this transitory age of the kids, and they should be aware of what to do and how to deal with the kids during this period. When does a sensitive period occur? The Sensitive Period occurs between birth and the age of six. In the six years of their life, children go through five main categories, which include order, language, sensory skills, movement, and social skills. The sensitive period does not persist for long, and this period is temporary. Once the children complete that particular stage, the sensitive period fades away. This period cannot be relived. Significance of Sensitive Period In Montessori Daycare, you will notice that the kids may repeat the same song or the same line, or they may repeat the same story a million times. This may get annoying, but these are the symptoms of sensitivity.  During this period, you may notice obsessive or compulsive behaviors, and this needs to be addressed. When the kids are in their sensitive period, and you interrupt them or force something on them, this can result in a powerful emotional response such as tantrums.
What do to in Sensitive Period Even though the Sensitive period lasts for six years, Montessori believes that the very first two years of a child's life are the most important as they learn more in those two years than the rest of the Sensitive period. In Montessori Preschool, the teachers should provide a stimulus during a sensitive period as it will help the child flourish in his later years. It is certain we learn more from our environment and experiences, so a supportive environment can play a vital role in nurturing the child. Visit us at Blossoms Montessori School Preschool Childcare Daycare in Spring Texas https://www.blossomsmontessorischool.com  In Montessori Childcare, the guide or the teacher deals with kids with different temperaments, but when they misbehave, it can be frustrating and annoying. It can happen when you ask them to complete their task, and they are being reluctant to finish them. When they are not listening to you, their misbehavior can elicit a response like "why are you not listening to me? Stop doing it." When children misbehave in the classroom, having emotions of anger and frustration is natural. But it is important to understand why they explicitly such behavior and also what you feel about their behavior. Before confronting them about their misbehavior, it is important to understand how you feel about their behavior. Once you realize your emotions too, now you need to learn how to react in the best way. How to respond to children's misbehavior? When children explicit misbehavior in Montessori Daycare, the first thing a teacher needs to do is take pause and evaluate the situation. The teacher should try to find out why the child behaves in a certain way and what his needs are. If a child shows anger towards something, some of his needs are not being met. And it is also possible that the environment is not according to his needs. Sometimes the kids are being bullied or just need a simple break from their work. When the teacher is in a certain situation, what he needs to say to himself is, "the child's certain behavior is causing these emotions, but I need to take into consideration the reasons behind such behavior and respond to the child's true needs." Try to understand what your kids want from you. Try to take their needs into consideration. Making Appropriate Choices and Clear Rules  In the classroom, the kids may make some wrong choices or right choices. And they should be made well aware if any misbehavior occurs which leads to any wrong choice they make will lead to certain consequences. In the Montessori preschool, the teacher should give positive reinforcement for showing good conduct. Their behavior should be appreciated, and if they make any wrong decision, they should be treated with negative reinforcement so that they may behave well the next time. Every classroom should be clearly posted with the rules and the expectations the teacher has for the children in the classroom.
Visit us at Blossoms Montessori School Preschool Childcare Daycare in Spring Texas https://www.blossomsmontessorischool.com  Taking care of children is a responsible task, and when it comes to their well-being and emotions, it becomes even more challenging. Every child is born with emotions. These emotions are inbuilt, but children are unaware of how to name these emotions and how to manage and interpret them once they encounter these emotions in certain situations.
In Montessori Daycare, the children learn about emotions and they are encouraged to explore, learn and deal with their emotions as they go through them. There are a few suggestions that are applicable in different situations and help your children with their emotional well-being. 1. Talk about Emotions When we see a child going through certain emotions, we can always make an intelligent guess but it is hard to completely understand a child’s state of mind. So the first task we need to do is to talk about his emotions and assure him that we completely understand his feelings. For example If one child’s toy is snatched away by another child and the first one shows anger and retaliation towards the second child. Talk to the child first and explain to him that you understand, "I know the other child took your toy away, which is making you upset and sad and I would feel the same if I were in your position." And then try to resolve the situation in a friendly manner. This will make the child feel that his emotion is being understood, rather than telling the child that he is showing anger just because his toy has been taken away and his anger is not an acceptable behavior. In this case the child will feel that his emotions are not important and are being neglected. We as adults need to normalize the experience of these emotions in the children. 2. Walk the Talk about Emotions Before helping the child with his emotions, we need to first help ourselves with our emotions. This means we need to first address the emotions we are experiencing at that moment. For example If the child is throwing away his toys and we say, “John, I am feeling really frustrated because you keep throwing your toys away and instead of playing with them you are making the place messy." Rather showing our frustration and using frustrating words with the child, we need to first calm ourselves down, take a deep breath and then communicate so that we can clearly address the problem and give the solution to the child. 3. Exertion Another support for emotional well-being in the Montessori environment is through exertion. This does not demand physical labor but it is the structured way children move in a Montessori environment to perform tasks and activities to satisfy their internal urges. These purposeful movements to carry out activities are the most integral part of the Montessori environment and help children develop their order and concentration which consequently enhances their emotional stability.  A child learns a lot in his sensitive period through his observation. The child has the ability to absorb the knowledge around him and teach himself through the observed knowledge. A little observation by the teachers can improve a child's path towards his learning and development.
Children are skilled observers. In a Montessori Childcare, if you take a step back and observe the children as they work and explore their environment, you will realize that kids learn by observing. They do not need to be taught how to play, walk, talk or do certain tasks.. They simply observe and repeat what they observe. What is Observation There are three kinds of observation,
In the direct observation of one self, we do self-observation consciously. We focus on our own thoughts and feelings and how we react in certain scenarios. In the direct observation of a child, we just focus on watching him attentively and observe all his activities with keen interest. Whereas in the indirect observation of the child, we observe him while being engaged with him in different tasks. For example, when we work, play or get engaged in some projects with kids, we observe closely all their actions and reactions. All of these observations are very important and helpful in the Montessori School environment.. Why is Observation necessary? The children’s psychological characteristics are important to be understood by the teachers in Montessori childcare as it builds a positive relationship among students and teachers. When the children's behavior and characteristics are well observed and understood their needs can be met in a Montessori prepared environment. This observation is carried out on a daily basis. A daily evaluation of the child's progress is being made. Observation of child's interaction with the teacher and fellow mates in the classroom. This observation is not only confined to the classroom but the teacher observes the child outside the classroom because his reaction within the classroom and outside will vary, and that should also be taken into consideration. The teacher notices the social and psychological development of all her children. The daily observation includes emotional, physical, academic and social development of the children. The more the teacher or Montessori guide observes the child, the more she is able to determine and meet the needs of the child in order to help him progress in his self-building process.  Normalization is a term that is used for children in Montessori schools who work freely and can concentrate on their work in the Montessori environment. But this in no way means that children who cannot concentrate and work freely are not normal. This phenomenon means that children are in different stages of their development and the journey of their personal growth. Stages of Normalization There are three stages of normalization. In the first stage of normalization, the children do something because they want to do it. This type of behavior is depicted by toddlers and children who are at the age of two. In the second stage of normalization, as the children mature, they do the thing they are asked to do. In the third stage of normalization, the child does something because they know about the pros and cons of that particular thing and what the right thing to do is. In Montessori Childcare, the environment is built in such a way that it leads the kid to move through different stages of normalization gracefully and naturally. Every child has a different time frame of development. They grow according to that particular time period. Children are unique in their learning skills. The same age as a kid can be in different stages of normalization. It can not be forced or coerced. The gentle and loving support of the teachers can help the children grow through these normalization stages. The kid presents the learning challenges incrementally with the help of the materials developed by the Montessori school. How long does normalization take?  While being a guide or a teacher in a Montessori preschool, the questions often go through the mind why is the kid not listening to you? Why are they not focusing on the task? What is taking them so long to complete the task? When will they be normalized?
In this certain situation, the teacher or the guide needs to be patient because normalization is like a three-period lesson. It occurs gradually according to the learning ability of each kid. The children build their personality and character by following a work cycle that is
we'll share 10 hacks to help get your child to love learning. These tips are tried and true, so feel free to put them into practice and see for yourself how much they can help.
 With many different options of getting your child educated in the best system possible, it is often discussed whether the Montessori education is a better path or the traditional one. Well, to make your decision easy, we have decided to list all the differences between the two so that you can make the best decision. 1. Children as Unique Individuals In the Montessori education system, every child is treated differently according to his personality and unique abilities. On the other hand, the traditional education system educates children to learn new things and concepts in the same way. 2. Nurturing Independence Montessori education teaches children to be independent learners, and they are encouraged to reach their highest potential. However, in traditional education, the children are required to follow the same curriculum or read the same books, which leaves some of the children behind as not all children are equal and of the same caliber.  3. New Variety of Learning Techniques
While the traditional education system can have some interesting learning techniques such as having quizzes and having to write down things so that they could easily be memorized, it is not always interesting and can sometimes frustrate the child and pressurize him. This is certainly not the case with the Montessori system. The concept of Montessori is to believe that each child is intelligent and just has a unique learning capability, therefore this system is carefully designed, and Montessori teachers are specifically trained to develop the child’s skills and encourage independence and freedom of expression. 4. Mistakes and Failures We all believe that mistakes make us a better person, and this is how it should be. However, this is not the case with the traditional system. If you have made a mistake or have failed an exam, you are required to retake it or not be promoted at all, which crushes the child's morale, and the child also feels embarrassed. However, in the case of the Montessori system, the children are taught that mistakes are not something to be embarrassed of, but they are to be embraced and the errors should be resolved through the assistance of their teachers. As we mentioned, mistakes are a part of the learning process, and the Montessori system accepts this idea. 5. Thinking Outside the Box The Montessori system takes the "thinking outside the box" approach for their children as well as their teachers. It is not only learning for the children but also for the teachers. The Montessori learning is hands-on, experimental and investigative to help children blossom. Whereas, in traditional learning, it is all repetitive and uses memorization with seated arrangement only. Montessori Theory: Reasons Why Your Child Embraces Repetition & Develops Will in Montessori10/3/2022  Montessori methods used in daycare these days are among the most used methods of child development, and it is based on the idea that a child leads the development of himself. Montessori methods focus on giving respect to a child. A Montessori environment is carefully planned and designed to fulfill the demands of a child. Montessori theory is focused on the autonomy of the children and gives them an environment that helps them grow and make them valuable members of the society. Montessori methods are child-centered development methods. Dr. Maria Montessori, who introduced the method in childcare, divided the period of birth to 6 years old into the subconscious and conscious periods. These periods were also subdivided into sensitive periods of math, order, refinement of the sense, language, manners, and movements. The Montessori approach used in preschools is mainly based on how children learn through modeling and imitation. Children usually imitate almost anything adults do because children enjoy watching the routine activities of an adult. This is the main reason for introducing children to practical tasks first as they are familiar and can imitate better. A child becomes a productive and effective adult when he masters practical life activities. Montessori methods are based on a holistic approach that helps the child develop the whole self by sharpening the fine motor skills, concentration, groomed manners, autonomy, self-regulation, and self-esteem.  The Montessori methods sharpen a child's motor skills and manners and help the child master daily living essentials such as dining table manners, opening and closing containers, and folding napkins.
The child also learns to take care of himself by washing his own hands, putting on a coat, dressing himself or preparing simple food. The child is also taught to be courteous and well-mannered with his peers. You can also expect your child to care for his environment, such as watering plants, dusting, or any simple household chores. Montessori methods in childcare also teach a child to be at peace not only with himself but also with the world. The child is also taught to accept his own mistakes and correct them by self-correcting and self-learning. This teaches the child to have an internal locus of control and correct his errors even in his later adulthood years. All these activities being used in preschools contribute to the child's learning and a sense of autonomy. The child learns about his will and understands that repeating a behavior will help him learn better.  What is consent? Depending on nature, consent basically refers to permission and choice, where the subject initiates and decides on her/his level what is good for him /her. It is basically an acceptance sign towards interventions, activities, behaviors or any kind of implementation based on behavior or learning. Everyone has a right to know what is being implemented or chosen for them, no matter where they are. It has no age, gender or any specification limits. Every person of every age has a right to it. If a basic issue, like if the person we are talking about is not mature enough, arises then we go with his/her very trusty attendant, that mostly are parents. From a Montessori perspective, consent is very important as the complete personality of the child that will develop in Montessori will be there with them all along their life. Consent and Montessori perspective for Parents Everything, including all factors, environment, freedom, content, and techniques the teachers will be implementing in Montessori, must be shared with the parents. The parents should permit all the rules and methods before they are on implemented. Consent and Montessori perspective for Children  A child on a Montessori level or daycare totally relies on others, and if we go with research and perspective, all scholars state that the first years of every person's life have a lot of importance. Things taught here and behaviors implemented in Montessori will be part of a child's personality forever. This is why it is very important for both parents and teachers to tell the child their opinion matters and how to say no to anything they do not want to do.
Consent always starts at home, and the parents can implement it by offering the child choices or asking them questions. You can ask the child if they want a snack or provide options and ask them to choose from a few options what they would like to have for a snack. This can be practiced where ever possible. Things might get frustrating when the child says no to important tasks like putting on shoes, eating food etc. But both teachers and parents need to stay calm and accept and explain why performing the task now is important, and the child should only do it with his/her consent. This is when the child needs to be persuaded and not forced so that they know that their consent matters.  What are Mix-Aged Class Rooms?
Now when everything is of progressing nature, educational systems are also being reconsidered to ensure positive and advanced results worldwide. There are many Montessori schools and classroom setups working around with new and more activities and a wider range of strategies just to ensure the learning will last longer. Major Including When We Go with Mixed-Age Classrooms Criteria In Montessori Montessori uses mixed-aged classrooms because, in mixed-aged classrooms, the children learn many different ways to attempt the same task, as we have a variety of ideas and solutions depending on different age groups. Students then learn through observation, practice, and teaching. Having around different age groups initiates a person's urge to stop and observe. How do Mix Aged Classrooms work? There are fewer chances to grow while staying in the same class with the same age group and same set up minds for years and years. It also does not call for creativity too. Older students age out of the program, and new ones are introduced, but the continuity of the classroom more or less remains the same. Depending on this consistency, confidence is initiated. Older children work like leaders and initiate their roles with positivity and cheer and that delight factor maintains a positive environment. Children who are last born in their family work as leaders in Montessori, and being an elder and responsible one states a condition of excitement in them. In a mixed-age classroom, children in natural work atmosphere work on their own with fewer restrictions and more creativity encouraged, which strengthens their personality. Observation is the key to learning, and learning based on self-observation leaves an impression with change. Secondly, it calls for practicing the difference of ideas and support. Along with this, a try to advance the skill in competition with the better one helps them to step up. Third, teaching works as a role model, and older students deepen their own understanding of the lesson. Mix Aged Class Rooms and instructors The teachers their work with them, help them, guide them, and ensure a feeling of security. There they are taught how to deal with a variety of ideas and opportunities when you have a variety of age groups and, of course, expertise available. As time moves on, he or she will have the chance to observe children writing and reading and will want to work on mastering their sounds so that they, too, can write and read. That is why mixed-age classrooms are used, it invites a new atmosphere, and at the same time, it is helpful for the teacher too. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori methods to raise children in a better way and help parents develop habits that will be beneficial for them in the long run. If you have children that are attending Montessori, you need to develop the following habits.
 You need to know that Montessori classrooms are inclusive of all ages, and you need to accept the decorum of the classroom. Some parents can be apprehensive but let me tell you that it could be the best thing that happens to your children. The reasoning is that children learn to model, and to watch older children do things makes your younger one develops those skills as well. Older children also use leadership and communication skills which can be helpful in your child’s growth.
 Communication is very important, especially if you have a child attending Montessori. However, effective communication requires a few skills which you need to master. First, develop a habit of always communicating with your child at an eye level. If you want to say something to your child with authority, you need to bend down on your knees and then state what it is you want him to do. A child having to look up to you to communicate while you are standing can never be an effective communication technique. Always talk to your children by lowering yourself down to their eye level.
 You need to observe your child for a few minutes during the day as it can be the most effective habit for a parent to develop. You do not have to intervene with your child as you just need to observe him/her, observe the routine, and get an idea of how to deal with the child. Once you start doing it during the day, you will realize it can be one of the most insightful techniques for you as a parent.
 Your child's autonomy or freedom should never be compromised. You need to learn how to give your child freedom within limits. Set boundaries and see what your child needs the most, and then give him autonomy to reach out for his goals and help him become a useful member of society.
We understand that a huge responsibility lies on the parents but believe in yourself, and you will get there.  Montessori daycares these days have some of the best techniques to offer your children a bright future. You can go around your neighborhood and look for Montessori preschool, which gives your children a way to live a successful and independent life.
However, there are some people who are still confused about the terms used in Montessori childcare. We have made it easier for you to understand Montessori daycare by providing a list of a few terms commonly used in a Montessori preschool. 1. Planes of Development There are four development planes in childhood, each remaining for six years. These planes are distinct from each other, and a child's needs are different in each plane of development. 2. Control of Error A child somehow assesses his own progress in different activities in the Montessori daycare. Control of error is the way of providing instant feedback to the child. It protects a child's self-esteem by giving control in the hands of the learner. 3. Absorbent Mind A child from birth to six years is known to have an absorbent mind. An absorbent mind is able to absorb knowledge easily and effortlessly. 4. Independence Different developmental milestones, including talking, walking, and weaning, help the child achieve autonomy, self-regulation and individuation. Independence means not depending on another, and it is a vast term in meaning. 5. Sensitive Periods Sensitive periods are the time intervals where a child is drawn to a certain skill. In this duration of time, children learn relatively easily and with joy. It takes much more effort to teach the child than sensitive periods. 6. Practical Life Practical life activities in a Montessori daycare resemble work of the home, including brushing teeth, getting dressed and cooking. These activities teach the child to be independent in his coming life. 7. Prepared Environment In a Montessori daycare, the classroom is an environment prepared by adult teachers for children. A prepared environment has attributes like simplicity, order, beauty and reality. Everything is provided at child size to give the children a sense of independent functioning. A group of children child with a trained adult is an essential part of a prepared environment. 8. Sensorial Material A child develops clear ideas of abstraction using sensorial material, and it is provided in different colors, sizes and shapes. Children can create and organize their intelligence using this sensorial material. 9. Socialization Socialization is a child's learning to interact effectively with a social group. Verbal and non-verbal communications both are part of the socialization process. One of the most important human characteristics is empathy. Empathy is one great gift you can give to your children. If you are considering getting your child admitted into a Montessori preschool, you should look for the one working on building empathy in the children. There are many ways to build empathy, and one must need to know these methods if they want children to learn empathy as well. A Montessori daycare needs to work on the following things if they want to develop empathetic nature in the children. 1.Lead with Example  Children learn the best through modeling. If you want to teach your children empathy, you need to make them see that you are empathetic yourself. Try to set a good example for the children of Montessori. Treat them with kindness if they make any mistakes. Be thoughtful about their problems. 2.Prioritize Empathy  Keep empathy at the top of your priority list. According to some studies, a strong focus on a child's happiness does not always guarantee a happy child. The real secret to happiness is to make your children care about the people around them. Teach your children to be kind to all the living things around them. Prioritize empathy over any other form of happiness. 3.Apologize if Necessary  In a Montessori daycare, teaching children the real meaning of compassion and understanding is of paramount importance. You can become the role model which you want your children to follow. Nobody's perfect, and there are times when many of us lack empathy; you can just accept your fault and be the first one to apologize. Talk to your children about other less-accepted human emotions like jealousy, anger, and frustration. In the end, we are all human and need safe spaces. 4.Respect  Being respectful is probably the best gift you could give to anyone. Never miss a chance to show the kids that you can respect even the people who do not play a significant role in your life, like a barista or a store clerk. 5.Be Kind  One of the best things taught in Montessori is to "be kind to everyone". Kindness wouldn't cost you anything, but it will definitely give you a better outlook. Moreover, children model what they see, and kindness is the best thing they can imitate from their elders. Teach them to be kind to everyone around them, from relatives and pets to stray animals and even the waiters.
These are some of the ways to develop an empathetic child in Montessori childcare. Children learn the best when they are given hands-on experiences for learning. It is almost impossible to forget the things which you have learned from the hands-on experiences such as sewing or even auto-mechanics. Hands-on learning is not limited to cooking, painting, or sewing, in fact you can make any subject hands-on learning experience. If you are looking for a daycare or a Montessori for your child, you need to find the one where hands-on learning is the priority so your child can have the best learning experience.  Experiential and Hands-On Learning Hands-on learning is also known as Experiential Learning, and the name is self-explanatory. Many daycares and preschools are using hands-on learning or experiential learning to help children learn better and faster. Aristotle laid emphasis on Experiential Learning when he said, "for the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." It is also found that if a child uses their hands to discover, their learning becomes more meaningful to them. The concepts acquired from hands-on learning are deeply rooted in a child's brain than any other rote learning ever could be. They are active participants in this learning process, and they not only enjoy themselves but also learn better. Hands-on Learning and Practical Approach The kinesthetic part of learning is the most important aspect of hands-on learning, and it has been known to be the most popular form of learning among students as well as instructors. Students learn from their trial and error methods, and they learn the difference between theory and practical approaches. Instructors also have an opportunity to engage with their students and try the unique way of learning along with the students.  Benefits of Hands-On Learning
There are multiple benefits of hands-on learning as it engages different brain areas and improves coordination in children. It also builds the fine motor skills of children. The child is going to learn by using all of the five senses, which make the learning useful and interactive for the child. Hands-On Learning in Montessori Preschools Today, parents are more concerned about their children’s learning and how they will learn. Many preschools that follow Maria Montessori's methods are working on hands-on learning. They try to help the child learn about his surroundings with the help of a practical learning experience. If you are a parent looking for a children’s daycare, it is recommended to always look for the one using the hands-on learning methods. A Montessori daycare that focuses on teaching problem-solving skills to children is considered the best possible Montessori for your child. It is important that your child learns about problem-solving skills during his time in Montessori. There are certain steps that can be taken to teach children problem-solving skills. A child will turn into an independent and useful member of society by acquiring these useful problem-solving skills. Here are a few techniques that are used in Montessori childcare to promote problem-solving in kids. Brainstorm  A child has an inquisitive mind, and he is going to ask you dozens of questions in a day. You need to give the answer in a way that is not completely straightforward. This will help your child to brainstorm about his own question, and he might get the answer while thinking about it. Self-Correction We learn the best from our mistakes. If you look back at your past, you will see that you don't forget the lessons learned from your mistakes. Try this approach with your children as well. Ask them to learn by themselves. Trial and error learning is probably one of the best techniques to teach your child self-correction and problem-solving. Autonomy Another technique widely used and appreciated in a Montessori preschool is letting the child be independent. Freedom in limits and a little independence given to your child go a long way in making your child good at problem-solving. You should not always offer immediate help to your toddler when taking a difficult step as it can be a learning curve, and it can improve their problem-solving habits on their own. Discuss  Just like adults, discussions also make the child learn better. Try to discuss the things your children ask from you. You can ask the child open-ended questions so he can think more about the question he has asked. Children's developing mind needs more thinking and brainstorming exercises than any other age group. Promote healthy discussions at your home or a Montessori daycare.
Puzzles It may sound a little clichéd, but giving your child puzzle can actually improve their problem-solving skills. You don't have to give them complicated puzzles; you can just give them puzzles with only two pieces. These were some of the techniques usually used in a Montessori daycare to promote problem-solving skills in kids, and you can also use these in your house. Parten’s stages of play have made us know the child's method of playing so educators and parents can make the most of the playing experience. According to Mildred Parten, there are six stages of play, and we will learn about the 5th stage of play in this article. Let us get to know more about this 5th stage of play.  The 5th Stage of Play Among the six stages of play explained by Parten, the fifth stage is considered to be the most important one when it comes to Montessori childcare. The fifth stage of the play shows the interaction of a child with its peers. The fifth stage of play is known to be “associative play”. Associative Play The child learns to engage in associative play when he joins Montessori preschool. Children's interaction with their peers would be the same as your interaction with your associates in your office. The child learns to play while focusing on his own activities as well as playing with the playmates.  Features of Associative Play
If a child is in the fifth stage of play, then he must be going through some of these steps to achieve this stage.
 A child in Montessori daycare is not necessarily motivated enough to carry out different activities. An ideal Montessori daycare will build intrinsic motivation in your child rather than extrinsic motivation 42 Ways to Build Intrinsic Motivation in Montessori Children  Here are some of the ways to build intrinsic motivation in a child.
 In the fast-growing and changing world, every parent wants the child to be brought up in the best possible way. Montessori daycare is one way to raise your child and is equally good for working and stay-at-home mothers. You need to find Montessori childcare, which works on the following guiding principles, to know if it is the best one for your child. i. Organized Environment A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment that is prepared carefully and organized while keeping in mind a child’s need and the purpose of that place. Children are free to do their tasks in the given environment. ii. Auto Education The concept of auto education is rather new for many people. It is usually based on the idea that children are willing to teach themselves if given a learning stimulus interesting enough for them. iii. Independence The children in an ideal Montessori preschool are given the freedom to explore independently and be on their own. It is different than letting the child do whatever he wants. iv. Modeling Children learn best through modeling and have to face the real world once they leave their fantasy world behind. A Montessori environment gives them a glimpse of the real world so they can learn about what's coming their way.  i. Individualized Learning
In the early stages of life, children learn the best with individualized learning plans, and the ideal Montessori classroom focuses on individualized learning plans. ii. Knowing More about Your Child Once you have entered the child into a Montessori preschool, you start knowing more about your child by observing the child in his classroom. iii. Internal Motivation Montessori childcare teaches the child to be his own motivator and learn as learning is its own reward as the child gets a sense of accomplishment by completing the given tasks. iv. Periods of Learning According to Maria Montessori, a child goes through sensitive periods where he is most capable of learning, and a Montessori classroom uses these periods to teach more. v. A Complete Package Montessori childcare focuses on every aspect of learning, including a child's emotional, intellectual, physical and social development so they can become useful members of society. vi. Multi-Age Groups Montessori daycare preschools divide their classrooms into multi-age groupings so children can learn from different age groups providing them with different experiences at a young age. An ideal Montessori preschool uses these principles. One such Montessori is Blossoms Montessori School, located at 3700 Louetta Road, Spring, TX, 77388. |
