Thursday, August 24, 2017

Montessori Elementary Education: The Valued Difference

Montessori Elementary Education: The Valued Difference

A Montessori elementary education is one of the most valuable types of education you can give a child. Many people are unaware of Montessori education being offered beyond preschool and are pleased to know this is an option. There are some great benefits to Montessori schools that include:
  • A style that encourages active learning experiences
  • A flexible curriculum suited to what each child is ready to learn
  • Projects perfect for the self-paced approach used
  • Group activities and schoolwork


Active Learning Experiences

Most classroom settings involve children learning in a more passive manner. Usually, they are listening while the teacher talks. Student contributions are usually guided by the teacher's approach.

A Montessori classroom involves active discovery that is both self-motivated and hands-on. Because kids take a lead role in discovering the information they're learning, the lessons and activities are more relevant. The overemphasis on testing and memorization that happens in a traditional school is absent from a Montessori setting.


Flexible Curriculum Options

Montessori teachers have more of a coaching or guiding role, as opposed to teaching at an established pace that uses a one-size-fits all approach. Children are able to escape both being left behind by lessons and having lessons they can't keep up with.

In Montessori classrooms, students learn in smaller groups, with lessons guided by the observable needs of the class. The child can learn at his or her pace. Students have both the option of taking as long as they need on a lesson and advancing sooner.


Project-Based Approaches

Because traditional elementary schools focus on benchmarks, many of the lessons are not as intensive as children would prefer. The teachers are also expected to exclusively measure their students' progress. Kids have less involvement in tracking their progress.

In a Montessori setting, students have easy access to hands-on materials. There are also textbooks and other supplemental reading material designed to help increase their understanding of the subject. Children can take a lead in tracking their progress with a form tailored to their individual learning plan.


Group Activities and Schoolwork

Students in a Montessori classroom will perform more of their schoolwork as part of a group than their peers in many traditional school classrooms. Working in groups is the norm, rather than an exception. However, kids can work individually if they prefer, making the experience easily adaptable.

When students are in a Montessori classroom, they learn in a setting that actively encourages learning and caters to individual needs. For many children, this approach is their path to success throughout life.  The Montessori Elementary Program at the Montessori School of Pleasanton is designed for students to work together, being guided by teachers throughout their day and journey of learning as a whole.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and see the Montessori difference first hand.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Which is Right for your Child: Time-Ins or Time-Outs?

Which is Right for your Child: Time-Ins or Time-Outs?

Time-out is an approach that has been used for decades, but discipline can be fairly controversial with all of the research and ever-changing attitudes toward child-rearing. If you like some of the ideas behind time-out but want an approach that improves upon the concept, "time-in" might be worth looking into.


Time-Out and Its Flaws

In the classic idea of time-out, children who misbehave are removed from the situation, usually to a corner, a chair, or a "naughty step" to cool down and think about what they've done. Modifications have been made over the years to make time-out more effective, such as the rule of limiting it to one minute per year of the child's age.

But even with those modifications, time-out has its flaws. Instead of giving children time to cool down and reflect upon their mistakes, time-out can make them feel resentful, confused, and abandoned. They may need help understanding what they did wrong, why it was wrong, and what they can do differently next time. Most importantly, they may need help calming down, rather than sitting by themselves and feeling upset.


What Is "Time-In" and How Can It Help?

"Time-in" has developed as an alternative to a disciplinary method that has good intentions, but not always the best practice. Yes, it's important for children to have an opportunity to calm down, understand what they did wrong, and figure out how to do it differently next time. Time-out just doesn't always achieve those things.

Think of time-in as a guided version of time-out. You still want the child to calm down, understand what they did wrong, and realize how to prevent it next time, but with time-in you help the child achieve these goals.
  • Instead of simply banishing the child to a time-out spot, go with them so the two of you can talk.
  • Discuss what happened and why. If the child is younger, you might tell them what was unacceptable and why. An older child might already know this and be able to tell you with some prompting.
  • Talk about how to prevent it next time. This is the most important part, because it promotes better awareness of their behavior, and helps them to understand how to make changes in a way that sitting on a "naughty step" can't do.
  • Determine whether they need additional time to cool down. Again, younger children might not know the signs that they need some time away, whereas older, more experienced kids will be able to tell you. You might choose to sit with them a little longer, or explain to them that they need to do a quiet activity for a little while.


Finding the Right Approach


Every child is different, and what works well for one might not for another. Likewise, as a parent or a caregiver, it's important to use an approach that feels right to you. Whether you choose time-outs, time-ins, or some combination of both, what's most important is that you are raising a happy, well-adjusted child.

At the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus, our teachers and parents work together to determine the best disciplinary approach for your child.  Montessori education involves the teacher guiding the student, which aligns with the idea of time-ins.  Contact us today to schedule a tour and the Montessori method first hand.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Tips for Preparing your Shy Child for Kindergarten

Tips for Preparing your Shy Child for Kindergarten

Tips for Preparing your Shy Child for Kindergarten-Montessori West

Kindergarten is the state of a fun time for your child. He or she will make friends and get into the school experience quickly. However, if your child is shy, you might need to do a bit of planning to better prepare them for the experience.


Set Up Play Dates

There's a good chance there may be at least one other child nearby headed to the same school. Getting a chance to play with soon-to-be classmates helps alleviate many of the jitters children might feel. If your child has a friend in the class, they are more likely to be willing participants in classroom fun.


Read Books About Kindergarten Together

Searching the children's section at your library will likely yield some fun books about kindergarten. While reading them with your child, talk about the activities depicted. Kids will gain perspectives on everything from finding new friends to learning what may go on during the school day.


Do Some Role Playing

Playing school can be a good way to help introduce your child to what kindergarten is like. You can use this as a way to introduce your child to the school environment, such as working from a table area and interacting with the teacher. You can also practice introductions to other children.


Be Reassuring

Your child should accept their own personality traits and realize it's okay if they aren't as outspoken as their classmates. This can also be a good way to teach tolerance of differences. One takeaway could be your child accepting their more extroverted friends' differences and treasuring them.


Get Involved

Set aside some time after school each day to ask your child about what he or she learned and a little about their friends. Show genuine interest in any classroom activities your child gets excited about. If the activity is something that fascinates him or her, you may want to try to bring the activity home by getting books or toys that relate to your child's new fascination.


Give Your Child Some Quiet Time

The first few days or even months of school might be overwhelming for an introverted child. Allowing some quiet time after school is a good way to help your child make the transition from school life back to home life. Let him or her talk about what they did at school when they're ready, and don't push before they're ready to talk. You want to make sure you hear about your child's actual day, not what they might think you want to hear.


A shy child will succeed as much as an extroverted child in school if allowed to adjust in a way that meets their needs. Given time, they will come to enjoy school and eagerly await their next school day.  At Montessori Children's House, we understand the challenges students face when attending school for the first time. Our teachers work with both students and parents to ensure the transition is smooth and enjoyable for all parties.  With the start of school approaching, contact us today to learn how to prepare your child for kindergarten.