Young children in preschool are in a brilliant stage of rapid brain development. These quick changes pave the way for the growth of self-regulation skills. Working on self-regulation skills in preschool is an investment for the student in the long run since self-regulation is proven to lead to success in later stages. A child's ability to self-regulate is an indicator of many things down the road, like fewer behavioral difficulties, better performance in school, and better relationships with those around them.

Self-regulation is how we manage our thoughts and feelings to allow for goal-directed actions. Self-regulation looks like finding ways to cope with strong feelings and, in turn, not feeling overwhelmed by emotion. It also looks like practicing focus, the ability to shift attention, and successfully managing behaviors required to work well with others and move in the direction of our goals.

The kindergarten classroom is a world of firsts for many children. From new friends, to new routines and lessons, these young learners are growing fast and adapting to tremendous changes every day. Whether your child attended preschool in a Montessori program or a more standard program, they most likely have been given some tools to help make their transition to kindergarten easier. These tools involve practice in listening, identifying colors and some letters, or sharing with classmates. 

Undoubtedly, your young learner has a number of skills that will help them navigate and succeed in their private kindergarten. In addition, there are things that you can do at home or over the summer as a parent to help your child prepare for their transition to kindergarten and encourage their love for learning.

Dr. Maria Montessori said, "Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."

Dr. Montessori acted on this sentiment by developing an educational philosophy based on a model of human development. In Montessori elementary school, students work at their own speed and their own level, on an interrelated curriculum that permits students to gain more profound knowledge in any subject they choose.

The foundation of Dr. Montessori's teaching method is based on the belief that the child is born into this world full of potential. The unique philosophy she developed was developed to harness the child's innate possibility and allow the child to take accountability for their learning.

When determining where to send your preschooler to school, it is important to know what your options are. There are several preschool types with varying philosophies, from traditional preschool programs or religious programs to parent co-ops or Montessori. 

Montessori education is based on an Italian-inspired schooling approach. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this philosophy allows students to choose which activities express their interests and move at their own learning pace. Aligned with the Montessori philosophy, the Montessori preschool teaching method is based on the belief that the child is born into this world full of potential.

So, what makes a Montessori preschool different from a more traditional preschool?

7 Fresh Book Picks for Preschoolers 

Reading with your children at home supports and implements the learning they are doing at school and also aids in cultivating their love of reading. Building this positive attitude and association with reading is helpful when it comes to advancing and solidifying your children's literacy skills. 

In alignment with the Montessori Method, it is believed that reading for fun with your children promotes their budding literacy, cognitive development, language, imagination and enriches your relationship with them.

Spring brings warmer weather and, with that, new growth. Encourage your preschooler's reading growth with these fresh picks! 

Whether your children are home due to spring vacation, or you are simply looking to keep your preschooler entertained after school, it is no easy task to find activities that implement the Montessori Method, both encouraging their learning and engaging their attention. That is why we have put together a list of springtime activities to help with that task!

Some of these activities call for a prepared environment, while others can be done at a moment’s notice with materials you have around the house. All the activities listed, though, are guaranteed to be enjoyable and enriching for your preschooler no matter the time of year.

Whether or not you should enroll your child in preschool is a topic that is often debated. As parents, we feel that we just want to make the best decision for our child and at this age our main concern is quite often our child's happiness.

Preschool education can be a part of your child's happiness and it can also help your child grow in independence. It can also help your child gain social skills. The key is finding the right preschool for your child.

The Skills for Future Success

When it comes to finding the right preschool for your child, finding one that will help them grow as an individual is important. For your child to succeed in school it is good for them to learn a few key skills including:

Preschool is an important part of your child's life experience. As parents, there are so many choices when it comes to early education that it can be hard to choose the right preschool for your child. A Montessori school is one of the many options so it is important to know what Montessori is all about when it comes to choosing a preschool for your child.

The Montessori style of education came from Maria Montessori's idea that children learn at their own pace by having the freedom to choose and be independent. This philosophy focuses on the whole child, including development in all areas of life, physical, social, emotional and academic. Engaging and encouraging children to work, communicate and explore the world around them helps them find that balance.

Montessori education believes in using materials and activities that don’t differentiate between play and work. Therefore children learn joyfully from age-appropriate, hands-on materials.