The Montessori Group

  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

(321) 779-0031

  • Home
  • Montessori Overview
    • Why Montessori?
    • The Montessori Method
    • Origin of Montessori
    • What Makes Montessori Unique?
    • How Does Montessori Work?
    • How is Creativity Encouraged?
    • How Can a “Real” Montessori Classroom Be Identified?
  • Inside the Classroom
    • Practical Life Skills
    • Sensory Development
    • Language
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Geography
    • Art
    • Outside the Classroom
  • Programs
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Our Schools
  • Admissions
  • News
You are here: Home / Montessori at Home / Suggestions of How You Can Help Your Child at Home This Summer

Suggestions of How You Can Help Your Child at Home This Summer

June 17, 2013 By Cindy Thomas Leave a Comment

Provide for Activities that Encourage lots of Physical Exercise

Current research suggests that there is a direct link to physical exercise and academic excellence. It has been noted that “physical activity may reduce boredom and increase attention span and concentration,” according to a study done by assistant professor of exercise science, Dawn Cole, at Grand Valley State University. In addition, “increased activity levels may also lead to higher self-esteem, which then eventually relates to overall academic performance.” Some of the recommended activities include swimming, tennis, gymnastics/tumbling, dance and creative movement, all of which help to increase vigorous activity levels.

summer_activities_at_home_montessori

Minimize Time in Front of the Television/DVD Player and Computer

When we allow our children to spend an excessive amount of time watching television/videos or playing games at the computer, we will begin to see an obvious alteration of behavior, attitude and mood in them. A young child, who sits in front of a television or computer for long periods of time, appears almost fixated on the screen and somewhat oblivious to his/her surroundings. As the impressions on the screen enter the sensitive mind of the child, they begin to form all sorts of perceptions, some of which are incomprehensible, but nevertheless they are there “incarnating themselves in him.” Soon thereafter those models of behavior and social interactions become what the child understands as “normal”, and therefore he/she now acts accordingly. Certainly, parents do not want this for their child.

How about limiting your child’s TV time or computer time to 1/2 hour per day at most? It may sound revolutionary, but try it for two weeks and see if your child isn’t more peaceful, contained and relaxed, possibly thinking more himself that he has, more interested in family social interactions, exhibiting more positive characteristics, and displaying more developmentally appropriate behavior.

Provide Opportunities for Exposure to the Arts

Experiences centered around the arts have proven to increase both student academic achievement, as well as social development. When a child is given the opportunity to take part in a well-crafted program, where the arts are the focus, “the skill and craft gained from the experience will help the student to understand that they can work toward their own self-improvement, and that their heightened skill can give pleasure to themselves and to others.” Research also supports a “direct link between the role of the arts in assisting academic skills, including basic literacy, both verbally and with numbers.” Lastly, the positive social effects gained from an arts program, where the children learn to work together as a cooperative community, are evident when the experience involves developmentally appropriate activities which are more child-centered, rather than adult-directed.

montessori_summer_arts

Respect the Rhythm of the Child

Remember to always create a balance, so that the child’s summer is NOT over-structured with activities. Respect the rhythm of the child, who needs lots of time to grow in a supportive “self-paced” environment.

Have a great summer!

About Cindy Thomas

Google+ Cindy Thomas : Cynthia started her first school 30 years ago in Brevard County, FL. She is the Head of Schools for 6 Montessori Schools throughout Brevard and Leon Counties, Florida; she holds AMS certification, as well as, degrees from the following: Florida State University in Child Development; California State in Child Development; Chaminade University, HI, Montessori Specialization 5th Year Program, 3-6; Chaminade University, HI, Master of Science in Teaching; Montessori Teacher Education Center, CA, Infant/Toddler Training 03, Elementary Training, 6-9, 9-12.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Montessori Overview

Join our mailing list

Admissions

The Montessori Group encourages applications from all students. We look for children and parents who share our goal of a nurturing, cooperative atmosphere in which to challenge students to reach their full potential in their intellectual, physical, and artistic pursuits.


Montessori Links

  • American Montessori Society
  • Michael Olaf
  • Montessori Foundation
  • Nienhuis Montessori

Recent Posts

  • Curious how we are different?
  • Finding the Right Preschool
  • International “Sing Peace Around the World” Event
  • What Types of Sound Experiences Enable Children to Learn Best?
  • Cynthia Thomas builds The Montessori Group into a thriving enterprise

Accreditations

SACS Accreditation

SACS Accreditation

Affiliations

American Montessori Society

Location

The Montessori Group MapThe Montessori Group
1290 Highway A1A
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
(321) 779-0031

Copyright © 2023 · Outreach Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in