Make room when your child says, “I can do it myself!”

July 2nd, 2017|Education|

By Vivian Cain

Young children are naturally interested in doing the things they see others do. Sometimes it’s challenging to be patient with your toddler or preschooler as they learn the everyday skills they need to become independent.

Children want to pour their own drinks, but the cups are stored out of reach. They want to dress before they completely understand how to dress for the weather. They want to zip their own coats, but you’re in a rush and want to get out the door quickly.

However, enabling your toddler or preschooler to do these things on their own has incredible short- and long-term benefits. When children feel more independent and able to do things on their own, they no longer feel the need to fight for control. You also may find that emotional meltdowns become less frequent.

The Montessori education philosophy includes a strong

How a multi-age classroom provides multiple learning benefits

July 2nd, 2017|Uncategorized|

By Vivian Cain

One of the most striking differences between a Montessori school and a traditional school format is the multi-age classroom setting. For those unfamiliar with the Montessori environment, it can be a bit perplexing to envision your child in a classroom with younger and older students.

One of the core beliefs behind the Montessori philosophy is that learning isn’t restricted by age but rather your child’s learning pace, interests, and personal development. This means that not only will your child learn social skills and unique perspectives they wouldn’t normally be exposed to in a traditional classroom, they will benefit from the following advantages of a multi-age classroom.

Leadership skills. If your child is older, you may worry that younger children in the classroom will distract your child or that the younger children will receive more attention and assistance. If your child is younger, you may

Bring the Montessori philosophy home in 5 key ways

July 2nd, 2017|Montessori philosophy|

By Vivian Cain

Every parent knows that learning doesn’t start and stop at the classroom door. Your involvement in your child’s education is critical to their success. You can broaden your child’s learning experiences by setting up a small Montessori-inspired space in your home where your child can practice the concepts learned at school.

While incorporating a Montessori environment into your home is especially helpful for toddlers and preschoolers, it can be helpful at any level.

  1. Start with a small space. For many families or frequent visits to grandmother’s house, a small space would be ideal. Set up a child-sized table and chairs and make sure materials are easily accessible with low wood shelving and storage. Perhaps, even designate one cabinet or drawer for your child’s own real dishes and supplies.

Low shelving is important in helping your child operate independently. If your space only

How a Montessori education helps your child learn to concentrate

July 2nd, 2017|Uncategorized|

By Vivian Cain

You may have noticed that both children and adults tend to move from one activity to another quickly. In the digital age, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus.

A study by Microsoft Corporation recently revealed that many of us struggle to concentrate on any given activity for more than 8 seconds. Just 10 years ago, our ability to focus was rated at an average of about 12 seconds. Obviously, the situation is getting a bit worse.

However, studies also show that focus and concentration are essential to succeeding in life, whether you’re engaging in conversation, performing well in school and work, or excelling in sports.

Jumping from one thing to the next can hinder your child’s ability to retain what she’s learned.

Concentration can be a difficult concept for a child to grasp at any age. At

4 reasons why music is critical to your child’s development

July 2nd, 2017|Childhood skills, Music|

By Vivian Cain

Music is essential to your child’s development, as Dr. Maria Montessori discovered many years ago when developing the Montessori curriculum.

Music helps children develop skills in communication and self-expression. It brings joy to the Montessori classroom and is instrumental in developing a child’s basic math and literacy performance. Best of all, children of any age and at any level can benefit from music in the classroom.

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we offer musical education for every age for those and many more reasons. Here are a few ways music education plays a part in MMIA’s programs for any age.

Music enhances a child’s brain development. Dr. Maria Montessori’s approach begins with recognizing your child’s sensation development periods and introducing experiences that coincide with them. During your child’s first three years, music helps build connections between brain cells that boost

July 17 – 28: Spanish Immersion:

June 28th, 2017|Calendar|

By Vivian Cain

Enjoy summertime fun through a two-week Spanish-filled cultural excursion. Lango campers spend each week immersed in an exciting part of the Latin American world. They include:

Welcome to the Latin Kitchen: the Delectable recipe! YUM!  Students will learn to make Hispanic dishes from scratch where the student will perform all the food prep from dicing, blending, grating and mixing to create delectable eats from Latin America to create tropical salads to Yucca Chip with homemade avocado dressing for dipping to Morir Sonando Tropical drinks, Lucy Lime Fizz and Coconut Lime Pie Shake. Delectable treats indeed!

Language:  Students will learn the Montessori Curriculum in Spanish along with Spanish books, music, and puppets to enhance the curriculum.

Dance:  Students will dress in authentic costumes to learn the Meringue Dance of the Dominican Republic, which will culminate in a dance performance for the parents.

Cultural Outing: After a