Montessori & 2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten Philosophies:
You Can Have It All

 

Some of the families that come to our daycare school in Calgary come from a Montessori program. They always ask what the difference is and if one is better. A lot of our families have looked at Montessori programs and then find our child care center. They love our philosophy and academics mixed with play. Many Montessori children come to 2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten and thrive. We love Montessori and incorporate the style into our program. Let’s take a closer look at both.

 

2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten

 

A curriculum that is built on tried and true methods from all over the world. Not bogged down by one teaching method of philosophy. Teacher led and child-centric educational approach with a scaffold to guide children to learning. By using children’s interests we plan their week and guide them to learning and fun. A special Plan-Do-Review part of the day (usually an hour) gets children thinking and in charge of their day. 2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten has many extra curricular activities like yoga, dance, sports. Even our daycare teachers get 6-9 months of extra training on observation and our teaching methods. For more information on our philosophy and methods, click here

Any Montessori

 

A well developed, 100 year old teaching style for children created by Maria Montessori that is a child-centric, educational approach that gives children choice and options. Also Montessori incorporates a discovery approach to learning where children are guided and not instructed. Montessori uses special materials created by Maria Montessori. For more information on the Montessori philosophy and methods, click here

As you can see, our methods are similar in many ways. Both our philosophies teach and let the child lead while our teachers are the guides. But if you asked us directly what are the main differences we would have to say the following:

• More learning while playing. We train our teachers to find learning moments throughout the day. We like to say we “trick” your child into learning
• More teachers and less students. That gives our teachers more time to teach and care for your child 2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten just has more
• Montessori is a method 100 years old. We are improving our program and adding fun and de-stressing activities like yoga, dance, sports and cooking
• We are family run with your child always on top of mind
• 2000 Days Pre-Kindergarten can make changes that benefit your family and we are not swayed by any one philosophy 
• We pick the best teaching methods and use them

Those are just a few of the highlights that stick out. Our daycare school uses Montessori methods in our daily activities and teaching. You don’t have to choose one or the other. Your child can have it all. Come for an open house or book a private tour. We would love to talk to you and answer all your questions.

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Teaching Kids to Apologize

Learning how to apologize is very important to the healthy development of a child. Those who have children know that this can be rather difficult to get children to learn. After all, in their minds, they don’t understand why their behavior or their actions deem an apology. Rememberdeemis going to take time in order for a child to learn that an apology is a must in certain situations. However, there are a few a few things that you, as a parent, should watch out for and correct as soon as possible.

The Apology: I’m Sorry, but…

Many kids will say that they are sorry, but then following this up with a reason for why they got angry. With this type of apology, it really isn’t an apology. For example, a child who has kicked their toys all over their room because they are mad at you, may say, “I’m sorry, but you made me mad.” When a parent accepts this, then they are reinforcing the behavior that it is ok to act out when you get mad. Instead, point out that this was an excuse, and ask them to tell you why it was wrong and what they would do next time they get mad at you.

Make I’m Sorry Part of a Consequence

With toddlers, it can be rather hard to do this, but doing so can mean that they learn how to apologize appropriately later. For example, if your toddler smacks his sibling, you may suggest a time out. However, then you will want to make your toddler also apologize to his/her sibling as part of the consequence. It allows a child to see that they are wrong, and that they should be stating that they are sorry when they do something that hurts someone else.

Remember: It Will Take Time

There may be times that you feel as though your child is never going to apologize and actually mean it. You want to ensure that your child is being responsible as they grow older. However, it simply takes time. It takes a lot of correction and patience to teach a child to apologize in a way that truly shows they are sorry rather than just being something that they say. It is possible though, so don’t give up!

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Summer Activities for Kids

With summer here, what can you do with your kids to get them involved in more than the television? For kids who are attending 2000Days Daycare, they are still going to be on the same schedule in terms of what they are learning and doing. However, for parents who have older children or maybe they are keeping their kids home for the summer, you do not want to make these few months a time in which they do not learn or grow at all!

There are several activities that you can do at home, and if you were to look in your community, you are going to find that there are several programs that you can enroll your children into! We have come up with a few things that you can encourage your children to get involved in this summer that will not only keep them physically active, but this could also stimulate their desire to learn!

A Few Ideas for this Summer

1. Consider having your kids play ball over the summer. There are numerous programs that are found throughout the community that kids are going to love! This is going to teach these kids teamwork, keep them physically active and give them a chance to make new friends.
2. Why not turn your home into a science laboratory for the day? Let your kids mix food coloring into water and create new colors. While kids may enjoy making a mess, they are learning something in the process!
3. Get to be one with nature, take hikes and walks a few times per week through your local park. Kids are going to love getting out and this also gives them exercise!

Safety Tips to Remember

Since you may be outdoors during the summer quite a bit, also consider a few safety tips to ensure that everyone is always safe!

1. Always have on sunscreen and ensure that kids keep sunscreen on them as they play outside.
2. Ensure that everyone drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
3. Encourage kids to wear sunglasses and hats to protect their eyes and head from the sun.
4. Consider insect repellent if you are having a hard time with these critters bothering you while outdoors.

This summer is not a time to let kids simply be lazy around the house. Instead, encourage them to be physically and mentally active!

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