4 Questions Every Parent Should Ask About Montessori School (And the Answers You Need to Read)
As a parent, it is understandable that you want the absolute best for your children – especially when it comes to their education. While traditional schooling might work for some families, the Montessori method of education is a child-centered educational approach that many parents have found to be ideal for their young learner. At Kids Village Montessori, we strive to provide your children with an outstanding learning experience and trustworthy childcare services in McAllen. Your child will not only learn how to be an exceptional student but will also come to love learning in the stimulating environment we provide. Finding the right school for your child can be nerve-racking and you are likely to have various questions about the type of educational approach that would best benefit your learner. Because of that, we’d like to offer you some guidance and information about Montessori schooling so that you can make the best decision for your family. 4 Important Questions Parents Should Ask About Montessori Education 1. How is Montessori education beneficial for my child? Montessori education is beneficial for those who want their children to experience a more progressive, child-centered approach to education. Montessori education provides a unique learning environment where children begin to form a love for learning through active learning experiences. In the classroom, teachers frequently work with students on a one-on-one basis and teach a curriculum that is intended to engage your child’s inherent desire for knowledge. This fluid, yet highly effective philosophy of teaching, can differ significantly from traditional schooling. 2. How does Montessori differ from traditional schooling? In traditional schooling, teachers are required to create the same lesson plan for all students, instead of meeting the needs of each individual student. Montessori classrooms, however, are based on the teacher’s observations of students’ specific needs so that they can succeed academically. Furthermore, while most traditional schools are inclined to produce children who listen passively, take tests, and memorize concepts, the Montessori system instead focuses on active participation and explorative learning. In Montessori schools, children discover new information on their own and take learning into their own hands with the help of experienced teachers. Children work on lessons for as long as they need to and have limited interruptions in order to learn how to be self-sufficient but also how to grasp concepts with a firm understanding. 3. Are the age groups and grade-levels different from traditional schools? In traditional schooling, grade levels are typically defined by age. In Montessori schools, however, grade levels are divided into multi-age classrooms determined by your child’s developmental range instead of their age. Montessori schools have a population of children anywhere from 18-months to 12-years-old. 4. What is the curriculum like in a Montessori school? How Students Are Grouped In Montessori School 1. Toddlers (18 months – 3-years-old) These students work and play in order to acquire physical independence. As they are now ready to move about and effectively communicate with others, they are interested in the world around them and are introduced to good learning habits, social development, respect for others, and developing a love for school. 2. Children (3 – 6-years-old) Children in this range work at their own pace while teachers observe them to better understand what they need to learn more about. Children at this age start to work independently but also in small groups so that they may explore different languages, cultures, and other sensible aspects of communication with other children. 3. Elementary Programs (6 – 12-years-old) From six to twelve years old, this is the time when your child is encouraged to be an active, independent thinker. Being involved in larger projects, research, and even academic discussions all allow your child to explore various aspects of a particular lesson plan at their own pace. If you are ready to feed your child’s curious nature, let our knowledgeable team at Kids Village Montessori turn learning into a personalized, next-level experience! Contact us today at (956) 686-8602 for more information on how to get your child into our invigorating learning space.
What Is Differentiated Instruction and How Can It Help My Child Learn?
Educators understand that every child learns in their own unique way. Unfortunately, the American education system tends to teach all children the same way. Montessori education does it differently, however. We believe in the value of differentiated instruction. This is an alternative way of learning by which students develop their understanding through observation and a supportive learning environment. At Kids Village Montessori in McAllen, we know that you want the best education possible for your child, and we are committed to providing the highest quality instruction. If you are looking for a school that will meet your child’s needs without sacrificing the quality of education, look no further than Kids Village Montessori. The Fundamentals of Differentiated Instruction Differentiated instruction is a form of education that focuses on maximizing education by monitoring and meeting children’s needs. There are a few principles that are integral to differentiated instruction: How Is Differentiated Instruction Implemented in the Classroom? There are definitely many in-the-moment ways that differentiated instruction is implemented in the classroom, but there are also some techniques common across most Montessori education classrooms. The following differentiated instruction practices give your child their best chance to succeed: Kids Village Montessori in McAllen At Kids Village Montessori, we will help your child feel supported and empowered in their own education. We will meet your child where they are at to ensure they maximize their learning opportunities and meet their full potential. We recognize and appreciate the unique strengths of each of our students, and we are committed to helping them hone those strengths. Call Kids Village Montessori in McAllen today at (956) 686-8602 to learn more about our program and what we can offer you and your child.
How Do I Know If Montessori School Is Right for My Child?
With everyone stuck indoors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, your child’s education has likely been on your mind more than usual lately. For parents with kids at home, finding things to occupy them has become something of a national pastime. Because your child may not be going back to school for a while, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of your free time to consider what sort of learning works best for them. If you’ve been considering sending your child to Montessori school but weren’t too sure if it fit their needs, then consider the following information. While your Kids Village Montessori may be closed for now, our instructors will be back and raring to teach in no time. Make It a Group Decision You may be hesitant to listen too much on your child’s input when deciding if Montessori school is right for them, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Deciding what school is best for your child involves not only listening to their needs, but also to the needs of your family. When making this decision, it’s important to get input from all parents, as well as the child. That being said, don’t overlook your child’s feelings. Including them in the decision making will help them take ownership of their own education. About the Montessori Method When deciding if Montessori school is right for your child, it’s important to understand what a Montessori classroom looks like. There are a few basic tenets of Montessori that will be the building blocks for your child’s education. You should consider whether these values are in line with what you’re looking for when it comes to your child’s education and whether you feel they will help your child reach their full potential. The Montessori method: Consider Your Child’s Specific Needs The importance of early-childhood education can’t be overstated. Now that you know a little bit about what Montessori classrooms are like, you can consider how your child might thrive in one of our classrooms. If you believe your children are intelligent in their own way and that they should take ownership of their own education, Montessori school might be right for them and you. If you have questions about how Kids Village Montessori can help your child reach their full potential, contact us today at (956) 686-8602.
Make It a Super Summer: Three Fantastic Summer Activities Inspired by Montessori
One of the main tenets of Montessori teaching is independence. Right now, many parents are facing a problem they’ve never dealt with before – there’s no school, no summer school activities, and many kids are spending long periods of time indoors. All this with many parents having to work from home while trying to balance child care. There’s never been a better time to instill a little independence in your child’s play and learning than now. In Montessori programming, the role of the parent during summer vacation is simply to set up an environment and let the child entertain themselves. It may seem anti-intuitive, but a great way to cut out summer boredom is to put away toys your child hasn’t played with in some time. The key to a successful Montessori-style summer play area is simplicity and organization. Sometimes, an overabundance of choice can make kids bored whereas a smaller selection can work. Activities for a Fun Summer 1. Create an Art Area Independence starts with access. Your child will have a much easier time concentrating on their art and creativity if they have all of their supplies within arms reach. Setting up a desk or small shelf for your child to use for their art projects can help them focus and also increase their appreciation for their own work. Your job in this case is merely to set out the supplies your child will need to get creative. You can set up a tray with oil pastels, paper, a paintbrush, an apron, a water cup, and other creative tools. You can switch out the supplies your child uses throughout the summer to keep things fresh. The first time your child uses their art area, make sure to show them the steps they should take to play and clean up after themselves. Show them how to clean up and what to do with their work when it’s finished. 2. Make a Nature and Science Center Similar to the art area, a nature and science center can give your child the power to choose their own activities and play independently. Choose a desk or shelf where you can set up books about animals, geography, plants, and any other subjects your child expresses an interest in. You can include a box or basket for your child to use to store a nature collection of things like feathers and rocks. Consider giving your child a magnifying glass so they can explore their treasures. Magnets and other science kits can also be a bunch of fun. 3. Set up a Food Prep Drawer Making food is a favorite activity amongst kids of all ages. You may not think that your child should be left to their own devices in the kitchen, but there are food prep activities your child can do with some supervision. Again, this activity starts with setting up a designated food prep area for your child. Choose a drawer or shelf that your child can use to store their kitchen tools and activities. A few good activities you could show your child include peeling oranges, cherry pitting, slicing carrots and cucumbers using a wavy slicer, egg peeling, banana peeling and slicing. As your child grows, they can move onto things like making guacamole or using a toaster oven to bake their own bread. Make sure that your child always knows how to clean up after themselves. Teaching independence at this level will help to make them feel empowered to choose their own activities and be responsible for their own actions. Changing the Lives of Children in McAllen School may be out of session, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Setting up independent learning and play areas for your child is a great way to let them play in a structured setting despite the uncertainty and chaos caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Every child has their own way of learning and allowing them to choose their own activities ensures that they will be able to fully explore their interests. If you’re considering whether or not the Montessori learning style may be best for your child, don’t hesitate to contact Kids Village Montessori in McAllen. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to getting to know you and your child. We believe that each child should have a chance to learn independently and fulfill their potential. Contact Kids Village Montessori at (956) 686-8602.
Preparing for a Fantastic Fall Semester: Tips to Help Your Child Get Ready for Montessori
Going to school in the fall can be a bit scary, whether it’s for the tenth time or the first. The good news is, there are things that you can do at home with your child to help them— and you— prepare for the first day of school. Preparing for the big day can help everything go smoothly and ensure that your child starts off the new school year on the right foot. If your child is starting their first year of school at Kids Village Montessori, there’s nothing to feel anxious about. However, if you want to know the best ways to prepare yourself and your child for their first day, check out these fabulous tips below. Getting Ready for the First Day of School 1. Talk About It For kids, starting school can be an experience full of unknowns. A lot of the things that adults take for granted about going to school just aren’t obvious to kids. Let your child know what they can expect at school and how the school day will fit into their schedule. Regularly explaining what they will be doing at school can help relieve a lot of the anxiety that comes with the unknown. Before the big day, walk your child through a normal school day: saying good morning to their teacher, being quiet in class, going to lunch, and what time they should expect to get picked up. Even if your child is returning to school, rehearsing a normal day ahead of time can help relieve some nerves and smooth the transition back to school. You’ll also want to discuss the current pandemic and how this might affect your child’s first (or last) year in school. Make sure to get plenty of information from administrators and read up on how you can help to prepare them for school during COVID-19, as well as how you can help to keep them safe. 2. Get in the School Rhythm In the summertime, schedules can be non-existent. From impromptu playdates to family visits and vacations, lots of things work together to make our schedules a little more relaxed in the summer. Unfortunately, the sudden flip from a relaxed summer schedule to the more structured days of school can be jarring for adults—much less kids! Believe it or not, kids really love structure and routine. This makes the rhythmic consistency of Montessori schools the perfect learning environment. To help your child prepare, start including a bit of school-time regularity in your child’s schedule. Serve lunch at lunchtime, let your child know when the school day would end, and make sure they get to sleep in time for a normal school-day schedule. 3. Go to Meet-and-Greets Most schools will try to help parents ease the transition of back-to-school life by holding meet-and-greets, open houses, or school tours. These events are usually held at the school itself, allowing your child the opportunity to demystify their upcoming first day of school. Currently, many of these events are moving online. Virtual tours and video-calls can be a great way to let your child see where they’ll be learning, who they’ll be learning from, and that there’s no need to be afraid of either. 4. Plan for the Big Day Before the first day, work with your child to plan out their morning routine. Having a clear idea of the amount of time needed to prep for the day ahead can help you and your child feel more confident the morning of. Beyond a plan, make sure that you have everything your child will need for their first day of school. Put their shoes, bookbag, sweater, and lunch bag all in one place where your child can easily access them. Letting them get themselves ready might take a bit longer, but it’s a great way to prepare them for the independence of Montessori learning. 5. Get Enough to Eat and Sleep One of the most important factors for a stress-free first day of school is just making sure everyone gets enough sleep the night before. A child who’s gotten enough rest will be much more able to manage a full schedule. Kids between the ages of 3 and 6 need between 10 ¾ and 12 hours of sleep per night. Another key component of a successful school day is a healthy breakfast. Hungry children tend to have a harder time focusing at school and also tend to be more anxious. Make sure that your child has a complete breakfast and plenty of time to eat it. 6. Stay Positive! One key tip parents should take away is that taking care of themselves can help their child’s day go better. In some ways, each of these tips is as true for you as it is for your child. Never is this tip more important than on the first day itself. Letting your child know that you’re excited and confident for them to go to school can help them feel more relaxed. The best way to show your child that they’re ready is to show them that you’re ready. Long, tearful goodbyes can create separation anxiety, confusion, and general stress for a child. Keep your goodbyes relatively brief, and stay positive! If you have any questions about the preparation or benefits of Montessori, do not hesitate to reach out to Kids Village Montessori in McAllen. Contact Kids Village Montessori
Creating a Social Bubble for Your Child During COVID-19
This year has been challenging for all of us, and not just us adults! The restrictions and confusion surrounding COVID-19 have affected our children, who may be facing school closures and plenty of days cooped up indoors. Now, with schools back in session in many places, you might find that your kids still aren’t seeing as many people or being as social as you might like. While Kids Village is doing all we can to keep your children safe and follow health and safety guidelines within our doors, creating a social bubble of two or three families can help your family stay safe while letting your kids play and meet new friends. The Benefits of Social Bubbles According to Hackensack Meridian Health, creating a social bubble can go a long way in helping both your family and your community stay safe. Many of us have been doing our part by social distancing to slow the spread, but that extended isolation is hard on everyone, especially kids. Creating a social bubble, or “quaranteam,” can help you reconnect with friends or family while staying confident that you’re being safe. Creating a social bubble with loved ones who are also taking precautions can help reduce the spread of the virus. By limiting the number of people you and your family interact with closely, you can limit your opportunities for exposure. Generally, social bubbles should be 10 people or smaller. Finally, a social bubble is a great way to support your child’s social development in a time when social interaction is difficult. Even if your child is attending school, distancing guidelines and a lack of after-school activities, due to restrictions, can keep them feeling isolated. A social bubble can create times during which your child can simply be a kid again. Who to Include in Your Child’s Bubble In order to ensure the safety of yourself and your kids, you will need to check that everyone in your quaranteam is taking the necessary COVID-19 precautions in their daily lives. This means asking a few tough questions: There are many aspects to virus protections that you may want to look for in your potential teammates. You can check if they buy their groceries in-person or have them delivered. You can check if they’re in the habit of showering and changing clothes when going out. When with your quaranteammates, is hugging ok? Can you meet with non-teammates if the get-together is outdoors? What will you do if someone in the social bubble gets COVID-19? All of these factors and possibly many more should be agreed upon by all members of your bubble. You may also want to have all members quarantine for two weeks to make sure that no one is sick. Keep Your Child Safe with Kids Village Montessori With winter right around the corner, it’s likely only going to get harder to safely have playdates and social gatherings. Going to school can be a great way for kids to try to make up for some of that lost socializing, but they may still feel lonely or bored. Social development is also an essential part of growing up well. Creating a social bubble can help you find ways for your kids to be kids once school lets out for the day. To learn more about how Kids Village is working to keep children safe during this pandemic, contact us at (956) 686-8602. Contact Us