Learning Through play It is so important for our young children to have playtime. It could be indoors or outdoors. It does not only help with the gross motor development but so much more! While playing the children get a chance to communicate with others which gives them the opportunity to enhance all the following skills: Social skills  Problem solving skills Leadership qualities Being a team player Develops cognitive skills Physical development  Developing Emotional skills Fine and gross motor skills Getting physical strength Control of self Self confidence Grace & Courtesy S ..read more

It means to show appreciation to someone’s kindness, generosity, and love. It is a state of mind that has desire to do more for others. It is being “Thankful”!! Being Thankful is important. Practicing Gratitude is important.  Inner peace: Being able to have the appropriate balance of mind, body and emotions and showing gratitude to ourselves. Experiencing the good within us when we are polite and humble. Giving back to the community is being grateful for the respect we receive.  Parents show appreciation to teachers for teaching and guiding their children. For being there when they ..read more

In the previous Blog article, we talked about how Grace and Courtesy is an important and essential part of our lives.  At the beginning of the school year, we focus on Grace and Courtesy because these activities help the children self-regulate, use the prepared environment in a respectful manner, and function. Grace and Courtesy activities are important for establishing respect for self and others, an important aspect of the path to normalization.This also helps the older children be prepared for peer teaching. They are the guides and the role models for the younger children in the class ..read more

What does it mean? It is a way to speak to someone kindly and politely. To show others respect and empathy. Grace and Courtesy is a lesson in the Practical life area. During the training, the adult learners are taught this lesson. In the classroom, it is first modeled by a teacher, but some lessons are taught. The teachers will often invite groups of 3-4 students to engage with them to learn something new. During this time, the teacher will show a step-by-step explanation of Grace and Courtesy first and then have the children role-play.  Grace & Courtesy are a part of Practical life a ..read more

Joining the new school Or going back to school is an exciting time but at the same time, feeling nervous is normal for the children and parents. Here are a few tips to help you and your child to get ready for school in August. Talk about it: A few weeks before school starts, share your excitement about school with your child. Discuss about meeting the teacher, any new friends she will be making, the new lessons she will be learning, the different fun things she will be enjoying such as, singing songs, doing art-work, painting, playing outside, eating snacks and lunch with friends etc.  ..read more

Fun-educational activities for Summer Summertime is the time when a lot of children are off from school. But it is important for them to continue to learn. The children need to be occupied and engaged in fun learning activities. This will help children with: Good practice – Reinforcing the skills they have learned at school. Language – Keep enhancing their vocabulary. Science/Cultural studies – Learning about a new animal, plant, place etc. Fine and Gross motor skills – Outdoor fun. Creative thinking – Reading books and telling stories, Arts & Crafts. Cooking – Food prep at home. Practica ..read more

Each year we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. This day is to show how much we care for our planet Earth and the lives that survive on this planet. To raise awareness on how to protect the atmosphere of our beautiful planet. People from around the world share ideas for saving the environment by using more healthy choices. Such as: Planting trees which make our Earth greener and gives fresh air to breathe. Having more trees help with more food and help the animals take shelter. Use of trash cans to keep the community clean. Use of Recycling bins. No burning the firecrackers on some special h ..read more

What is Practical life? It is the most important part of a child’s development from infant to all the way up… The purpose of Practical life activities is to help with the following: Control of movement Hand eye Coordination Concentration Order Independence Grace & Courtesy   In an infant classroom, the children learn via exploring sensorially, manipulating the materials and develop basic life skills. Practical life lessons such as, toys, books, hanging mobiles, blocks, mirror etc. are kept within their reach for them to access easily which helps them with physical development. Hold ..read more

Infants; These sweet little ones have been busy playing more and more each day. Below you see them enjoying their sense of touch and sight with these fun sensory Christmas trees Ms. Caila made for their enjoyment.       ..read more

We wish each and every one of you, a wonderful winter holiday filled with joy, hope, kindness, respect, and gratitude.   Happy Holidays, from our family to yours!   … The post Holiday Wishes and Happy New Year from SSMS first appeared on Stepping Stone Montessori School ..read more