Botany is a rewarding interest for children—it not only piques their natural curiosity, which encourages cognitive development, but it gives them a fundamental understanding of biology and connects them to the natural world. The Montessori School, we have activities that focus on the wonders of botany, but there are also activities to do at home with your children to foster an interest in botany and a love of learning as well. Try these following activities, for example.
Work in the garden together. Spend time in the garden weeding and planting with your child. Planting flowers, vegetables, and other plants will show your child the fruits of his or her labor and give her a hands-on understanding of the basics of plants and how they grow. Studies have shown that seeing the physical results of work, such as a growing garden, boost self-esteem and confidence too.
Go on nature walks. Take a simple field guide to the flora of your area with you when you and your child go on nature walks and try to spot and identify plants, especially useful and interesting ones. If there are local botanical gardens near you, visit them with your child and read the plaques that accompany the plants and flowers. Knowing what a certain plant is and where it grows can be exciting for a child.
Give your child a starter plant to take care of. Having and caring for his or her very own plant is a great way to foster a love of botany. Give your child a plant with an age-appropriate level of care—air plants, for example, are fascinating but need to be misted every day. Cactuses, on the other hand, require minimal care. Other plants, such as philodendrons, fall somewhere in the middle and are quite hearty.
For more information on our programs and enrollment, please call The Montessori School Dallas Area campuses located in Starcreek: (972) 727-2800, North Dallas: (972) 985-8844, and West Plano: (972) 618-8824.
The Director is truly a great person who has family friendly partnerships with all the parents. She is a passionate person who makes coming to her schools a great delight!! She has been in the business for many, many years and can give wonderful direction and advice to bring out the best in every child. Ms. Monica has such a friendly open door...
Montessori schools are vastly different from regular public schools and other private schools, both in philosophy and practice. If you’re interested in learning how a Montessori education can make a positive difference in your child’s life, peruse these informative resources. If you still have questions or would like to enroll your child, please give us a call at our Texas campuses in Starcreek bay calling (972) 727-2800, North Dallas by calling (972) 985-8844, and West Plano by calling (972) 618-8824. We will be more than happy to tell you about our programs and activities.
The Guardianoffers this article on research showing the benefits of Montessori education.
The National Institutes of Health provides information on toddler development.
The toddler phase of a child’s life is full of new experiences and development. 80% of a child’s personality is developed during this period, and many important functions are learned as well. A nurturing, patient, and supportive environment is essential for a child to grow up to be happy and healthy, and the Montessori Toddler Program aims to provide that for each and every child. What does the Montessori Toddler Program involve? Read on to learn more.
Individualized care and nurturing. The Montessori philosophy embraces the uniqueness of each child and focuses on individual progress and development.
An environment that fosters independence. Children are encouraged to explore their interests in a safe, supervised setting that is full of materials to explore and learn from. If a child is tired, he or she can take a nap. Teachers do not continually interfere with a child’s actions, but rather observe and verbally interact with the child in non-judgmental ways. Children also learn practical skills that are useful at home, such as brushing their hair and putting away toys, which helps them develop coordination and a sense of responsibility.
Rich educational opportunities. Each day presents new ways for children to develop their fine and gross motor skills, strengthen language skills, and lean about themselves. Art and music are encouraged daily, as are food preparation skills and courtesy lessons. Montessori students also get plenty of fresh air and exercise, with lots of outdoor activities that help them not only develop coordination and fine-tune their motor skills but also gain an appreciation for the natural world.
Call our Montessori campuses located in Starcreek at (972) 727-2800, North Dallas at (972) 985-8844, and West Plano at (972) 618-8824. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have on our programs, methods, and philosophy.
A large part of any education is the acquisition of reading and writing skills. But before your child learns to read or write, he or she must become familiar with the alphabet.
To help your child learn the alphabet and have fun on the go, download Intro to Letters, by Montessorium. Using colorful, fun games in this iPhone and iPad app, your child can learn to trace, read, write and record letter names and sounds wherever you go!
For more information on the Montessori educational experience, contact our campuses in Starcreek by dialing (972) 727-2800, North Dallas by dialing (972) 985-8844, and West Plano at (972) 618-8824. We will answer any questions you may have about our programs, activities, and enrollment.
