Last updated 7 days ago
Physical activity isn’t just beneficial for the body, but also for the mind. Children can learn and express themselves through movement—a philosophy that is shared by Montessori schools. Montessori schools often incorporate physical activity with academic instruction. Once your child gets home from school, encourage him or her to stay active to promote strong muscles and bones, weight control, and a positive attitude. Keep reading for some afterschool tips on encouraging exercise for your child.
Explore Various Activities
Montessori schools adhere to the philosophy that children learn best when they are self-motivated, and to that end, child-led activities are encouraged. The same principle can be applied to physical activity. Your child is more likely to enjoy a sport or activity if he or she chooses it. Encourage your child to explore a range of activities until a preference emerges. If your child isn’t interested in organized sports like baseball or basketball, introduce rock climbing, martial arts, or dancing classes.
Make Fitness a Family Affair
Use physical activity as an excuse to grow closer as a family. Between school and work, it can be challenging to find time to enjoy activities together. Make a habit of going for a walk after dinner or throw a Frisbee in the park on the weekends. By making fitness a family activity, you can lead by example. Kids learn from role models, and you can reinforce the importance of daily movement by letting your child see how much you enjoy sports.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Physical activity should never be seen as a punishment or a chore. Use positive reinforcement to instill a healthy attitude toward movement and motivate your child. Praise your child for learning how to do a somersault, for example.
At Starwood Montessori School, we encourage children to learn to love physical activity. Learn more about our physical activity program and our fully equipped children’s gymnasium at our private school in Frisco by calling (972) 464-2597. You could also visit our website to learn more about the Montessori approach to education.
Last updated 13 days ago
The Montessori method of teaching is a unique approach to learning for all ages of children that relies upon techniques developed by Italy’s Dr. Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori was a physician who believed that children have the capacity to develop their own unique intellectual and creative qualities based upon what they find in their immediate surroundings. As such, she developed a specially prepared, well-organized environment that nurtured independence and emphasized spontaneity. Modern private preschools and grade schools have further developed this innovative teaching method to underscore language development and arithmetic skills while continuing to encourage children to develop at their own pace.
Starwood Montessori School is proud to continue Dr. Montessori’s mission of helping to bring forth each and every child’s creative genius. To learn more about our education programs and curriculum, visit us on the Web today or call our Frisco private school directly at (972) 464-2597.
Last updated 19 days ago
Montessori private education emphasizes children’s capacity to absorb new materials from their surroundings and develop creatively at their own pace. The Montessori method also emphasizes structure, framework, and purpose. Here is why a Montessori school may be the best choice for your toddler, preschooler, or elementary student.
Key Developmental Stages
In a Montessori classroom, each object has a precise place and every activity has a specific location. As young children begin to make sense of the world and build their learning experiences, they need an orderly environment to reinforce a sense of structure. By providing neat work and play areas, Montessori schools allow children to individually reach key developmental milestones. For example, younger children dedicate much of their time to honing language skills, while four year-olds engage in more complex tasks such as cooking and arts and crafts. These milestones ensure that each child is developing her intellectual abilities and social skills at a pace on par with her classmates while still nurturing her independence.
Engaging Cooperative Play
A teacher does not “command” a Montessori classroom, and students participate in selecting the activities that they do throughout the school day. As children move throughout different play areas and learning stations, they naturally learn self-discipline and important life skills such as cooperation and sharing. Learning is child-centered, so all games, numbers, maps, and objects are within easy reach. Children quickly learn to replace these classroom tools exactly where they found them so the next child can also participate.
Gentle Learning Guidance
Although a Montessori classroom is child-centered, teachers facilitate the learning experience by acting as guides and ensuring the ground rules are followed. Students learn to respect one another even as they refine such individual skills as concentration and self-control.
At Starwood Montessori School, our educators believe that a Montessori education is truly a holistic preparation for life, and the students at our private preschool and primary school are equipped with the skills that will enable them to flourish in higher education. If you live in Carrollton, Plano, McKinney, or Frisco, call us today at (972) 464-2597.
Last updated 27 days ago
Are you looking for an innovative free iPhone app to complement your child’s Montessori education? Download the Numbers HD Free Lite app today to help your son or daughter brush up on his or her basic counting skills.
The Numbers HD app offers six creative apps in one designed to help young children learn the basics of numbers. The tracing guide relies on validation guides to teach children how to properly write the numbers 1 through 50, while other apps teach number counting, writing, and listening skills. Together, these fun games reinforce associative learning, a keystone of Montessori education.
To find out more about the Montessori approach to teaching preschoolers math basics, call Frisco’s Starwood Montessori School today at (972) 464-2597. Our dedicated teachers rely on Montessori principles to teach Texas area students the magic of learning for its own sake.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/approach-to-montessori-numbers/id396822400?mt=8
Last updated 1 month ago
If you are like most parents, you are constantly searching for innovative education tools and new teaching methods so your children will grow to love learning for its own sake. Starwood Montessori School is firmly committed to the principle that each child’s intelligence and creativity is best nurtured through gentle guidance and support. Keep reading to learn how to help your child choose the best books.
Early Introduction
As your preschooler learns and grows into a young reader, the most important thing to remember is to emphasize reading for a purpose, even if that purpose is simply enjoyment. At an early age, a child will begin to grasp both the utility and the pleasure of reading as a means to absorb new information. When your child begins to select her own materials, as her to explain her preferences so you can help her develop her unique talents and areas of interest.
Creative Expression
Help your child express herself by browsing a selection of books at the bookstore or even choosing from a pre-sorted collection at home. Always give your child the chance to select a book for herself, even if you will be reading aloud to her, and try not to read too much into her picks. If a book is below her reading level or has pictures, she may be exploring visual expression.
Shared Project
Try to gently guide your child into more advanced books with bigger words by making reading a fun activity that you do together or as a family. That way, you can take turns reading and help sound out or define unfamiliar words as you go. Rather than skip over difficult concepts or syllables, encourage your child to sound each word and discuss the meaning of tricky plots.
Are you looking for a private preschool in Carrollton, Plano, McKinney, or The Colony? Call Starwood Montessori School’s convenient Frisco location today at (972) 464-2597. Our experienced educators are devoted to instilling children of all ages with the academic and social skills they need to learn and thrive.
