An advocate for outdoor learning, Dr. Montessori would say that with Spring right around the corner and Summer immediately following, there is no better time than now to open the outdoor classrooms and children’s gardens. “There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.” Maria Montessori Children should have a place and ample time to learn about nature, or to simply enjoy their usual Montessori activities in an outdoor environment and be a part of the

When I drafted the initial version of this blog in late September, I set out to provide visibility to the data being reported by the State of California in regards to the actual number of confirmed cases of COVID19 in Childcare centers across the state. Based on the response and the subsequent wave of articles being published in various media that spans both sides of the political spectrum, I am more resolute than ever in my assertion that schools are safe, posing negligible risk to exposure of COVID, not to mention

An Italian educator and scientist known for developing the Montessori Method currently used all around the world for teaching children of all ages, Dr. Maria Montessori wrote that the period between birth to age 3 is when your child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time, and more learning takes place than at any other stage of development. 5 differences between the MSOSV Nido (Infant) and traditional Daycare/Home Daycare 1. The Environment – Calm and Orderly vs. Controlled Chaos The Montessori Nido Environment is designed with open spaces that incorporates high

The “At-School Mindset While Attending School at Home” School is for education, but it is also for childcare so that parents can work. We understand that parents have not had a break from parenting responsibilities since mid-March. As much as online learning allows, we want to foster the culture of “at school”, with the goal being a time to cultivate independence and a true, uninterrupted work period for you and your child. From the beginning of your child’s morning lesson to the end of their afternoon lesson, and for the time in between, they

When is it safe for my child to return to preschool? When talking with parents about their readiness to return their child to school, by far the most common response I hear is “we’re watching the numbers to decide when it’s safe to return…”. Being located in the Silicon Valley, the parents in our school community are well educated professionals so this comment confounds me. As an owner of multiple Montessori preschools I assure you that no one has been watching the numbers more closely since early March than our leadership team. What I have

Now Your 5 year-old is a Leader By the third year of their cycle, Montessori Kindergarten children have been waiting two years to become one the older, students in the class – they are now the “Leaders”. The Montessori Kinders naturally help the younger children do their work, even giving them lessons. Time and time again, research has shown that when one person is teaching another, the “teacher” often learns just as much, if not more, than the other student. Every day in the Montessori classroom we see it: Teaching reinforces learning. Beyond Academic Achievement Kinders

Year Round Outside Play Occasionally parents express their concern that outdoor time takes away from “learning”.  But children learn a tremendous amount through the type of physical activity they get from year round outside play. Living in California – particularly here in the Bay Area – the weather is generally mild, not too hot, not too cold. It is just right. Even so, parents are always concerned about the weather and their child playing outside. Short periods of outdoor activity in weather-appropriate clothing provides fresh air to a child’s lungs that increases oxygen flow to the

What do Montessori Guides mean when they talk about intrinsic vs extrinsic rewards? When a child accomplishes a task or finally figure something out, we want to hear: “I did it!” Children are born with an innate curiosity to learn.  The early years are crucial for establishing intrinsic motivations.  In the Montessori environment, guides focus on strengthening this motivation in children. Many times, this is used by parents and educators for compliance.  Achieving compliance is easier than getting engagement.  Compliance however, is short lived. Extrinsic Motivators Extrinsic motivators are influences from the outside:  rewards like stickers, stars and M&M’s. 

In Part 1 of our “All Day Montessori: Enrichment Studios” series, we provided an overview of our All Day Montessori programs and the role of Enrichment Studios within those programs. In Part 2, we reviewed the individual Studio Enrichment Programs that are part of the curriculum at the Montessori School of Silicon Valley: Art, Cooking & Gardening. In Part 3, we will focus on the Studio Opening event where the children are able to showcase their projects for their family and friends. The Enrichment Studio Opening After every 12-week session, the children prepare for the “Opening”. 

In Part 1 of our “All Day Montessori: Enrichment Studios” series, we provided an overview of our All Day Montessori programs and the role of Enrichment Studios within those programs. In Part 2, we will provide an overview of each of the individual Studio Enrichment Programs: Art, Cooking & Gardening. The Enrichment Studio Cart First off, each studio lead has a mobile “Studio Cart”.  This allows the Studio Guide to have all supplies ready that are necessary for the studio. “Cart Work” This is the studio work that is only available during “studio time”.  For the