The Long and Short Chains

Getting the first lesson on the "chains" is an exciting time for an Early Childhood student. It means that they have a beginning knowledge and symbol and quantity and are beginning to count into the double digit numbers and beyond.

Take a look at this quick video we put together to demonstrate just how this material is completed.

The 4-Chain Work from The Westmont Montessori School on Vimeo.

Kindergarten Year Video

Choosing Montessori for the Kindergarten year is a big decision! We have seen the amazing transformations of hundreds of children, including our own, who have gone through this beautiful metamorphosis, and we cannot say enough about its value. 

Check out this video to learn more about the amazing Kindergarten year in a Montessori classroom.

Guiding Children without Punishment

Today in America, the debate continues regarding how best to discipline children. We watch skeptically the parental styles of others, read articles and books, and talk with our friends about their opinions. But what if the best method of discipline is not to punish children at all? 

This is a topic that often comes up on parent tours at our Montessori school. Parents see classrooms full of toddlers and 3-6 year olds all working diligently side by side on various tasks and they turn to me and ask, "What do you do when they misbehave or don't want to share?" The answer is that the children have learned that they are respected members of the class; They know that if there is a problem, we can work together to find a solution. Conflict resolution is modeled and children are taught how to respectfully speak up for themselves when they feel they have been wronged. 

I recently came across the article, 10 Ways to Guide Children Without Punishment, which does a fantastic job outlining just how we create these peaceful Montessori environments. 

Enjoy!

For more information about Montessori education and The Westmont Montessori School, visit our website at www.westmontmontessori.org.

Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Children

Research has continued to show that oral health plays a large part in overall health. Here are some FAQs from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on taking care of your child's oral health.

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child 2 years of age and younger. For the 3-6 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.  Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

How can parents help prevent tooth decay?

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

For more information or to find a pediatric dentist near you, visit the AAPD parent website at: http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/ 


The Westmont Montessori School
www.westmontmontessori.org