In today’s digital age, it seems counterintuitive to keep technology away from your children, but there is good reason for doing so. Early childhood development is stunted by digital distractions. In fact, your toddler or infant will learn and retain information primarily through their senses. Computers inhibit the natural use of the senses, and do not provide the natural and positive stimulation your young child requires.

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we provide your child with the tools that foster creative and critical thinking. We also aim to instill a love of learning that will transcend the need for electronic distractions.

We are proud to offer far more than traditional childcare, basing our practices in the wonderful Montessori method. Read on, to learn more about our educational techniques.

Early Childhood Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory exploration is a vital process in how children learn. For example, babies learn how to speak through observation: seeing and hearing. From this point they begin mimicking sounds, and eventually formulate words.

Sensory learning uses a combination of all the senses. That’s an important definition; too often, the phrase has become synonymous learning through touch. Although touch is undoubtedly a big part of how a child learns, it is only one piece of the puzzle. With all the senses stimulated and engaged in the learning process, children come away with better observational and critical thinking skills.

That’s why Maria Montessori International Academy uses didactic materials to help your small child learn and grow. These specially designed instructional materials serve the sole function of stimulating learning. Interacting with didactic materials will help your child develop a more intuitive understanding of the subject matter. Each child learns at their own pace, and we pride ourselves on helping each child reach individual milestones.

Put simply, the subjects, skills, and behaviors developed through sensory pla cannot be duplicated by a computer. Imagine, for example, the ability to learn about trees based on how they smell, how their bark feels, and how they look compared to one another. Using multiple senses, your child will understand these differences on a deeper level while also learning in a more natural way.

The Role of Computers

Contrary to sensory learning, computers in an early childhood classroom are not as beneficial as one might think. Technology is forced upon young children because of its prominence despite the fact that it can negatively impact development. Whenever phones, tablets, or computers are used as distractions rather than learning tools, your little one’s development can be affected.

Using computers in early childhood education also inhibits your child’s ability to interact with their peers. Interaction as an integral part of early childhood, becoming a communal activity that socializes and stimulates.

Of course, you will find digital educational content, but there is nothing like a child learning through their own exploration, experimentation, and discovery. You can’t learn how to build something on a computer. Computers cannot recreate real experiences.

The Montessori Advantage

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we understand the necessity and benefits of sensory learning for your child. As a parent, you strive to provide a great foundation to nurture your child’s knowledge. You won’t find a better environment than MMIA.

Here, your children can use their senses to explore and learn in a way that utilizes their natural abilities. We encourage play, exploration, and discovery, opening the doors to lasting curiosity and knowledge.

If you would like more information about Maria Montessori International Academy, please click here. We would be glad to set up a tour, answer questions, and meet with you and your family.