Tag: Los Angeles

From the moment they’re born, children use their senses to discover the world around them. Find out how to use sensory play to help the kid’s development.

What is sensory play?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates our senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of the world that surrounds them.

Why is sensory play important?

Sensory play plays an important role in a child’s learning and development. Much of our learning comes through our ability to use our senses to retain information.

Sensory play is a lot of fun. It also offers many benefits for child development, including:

• Helping children understand how their actions affect what’s around them.
• Supporting brain development, enhancing memory, complex tasks and problem solving.
• Developing fine motor skills through tactile play (useful when children want to hold a pen or use scissors for example).
• Supporting language development, communication and social skills.
• Enhancing memory and observational skills.
• Encouraging creative and independent thinking.
• Emotional regulation by providing a calming effect on children’s angry or anxious feelings.

Some children may have a sensory sensitivity or need. Every child who has a sensory sensitivity is different, and their needs may change over time.

When can you start sensory play?

From birth, children are ready for sensory play. Children are natural explorers – they’re constantly learning and taking in what’s around them.

Sensory activities can be adapted for different ages, needs and abilities.

You can easily adapt a simple sensory activity like blowing bubbles for different children at different stages and abilities, for example:

• Babies might enjoy feeling the bubbles pop on their skin.
• Toddlers can chase after bubbles and pop them on themselves, the floor, and surfaces around them.
• For older children, try a project where they creating their own bubble mixture and blow bubbles using a wand or their hands.

What sensory play activities can parents do at home?

Sensory play activities can be as simple or complex as you’d like. They can often be set up with items you already have at home. There’s something to explore and wonder at in every home.

Here are some activities to try:

Sensory bottle

Fill a bottle with water, oil and food colouring for an exciting visual effect.

Indoor obstacle course

Use pillows, cushions, blankets – whatever you can find.

As well as the five senses, we also interact with the world through body awareness, movement and balance.

Playdough

Children manipulate playdough with their hands to pinch, squeeze and pull it into different shapes.

You can make your own or buy some premade. Add scents or toys to help them build imagination.

Sensory bin

In a box, or container, place various objects with a variety of textures for a hands-on experience for children. This could be beads, paper, kinetic sand and water or leaves, rocks and sand.

How to Find the Best Montessori Preschool for Your Kids in Los Angeles?

In the search for the best Montessori preschool in Los Angeles, parents seek enriching experiences for their children. Shir-Hasirim Montessori Preschool stands out by redefining early education, placing a strong emphasis on sensory play. Their curriculum integrates sensory activities that engage all five senses, creating an immersive learning environment conducive to child development.

What distinguishes Shir-Hasirim Montessori is their commitment to personalized learning. Recognizing the uniqueness of each child, educators tailor sensory experiences to individual preferences, promoting a love for learning and fostering holistic development.

By choosing Shir-Hashirim, families join a community dedicated to academic excellence, emotional well-being, and social growth. Sensory play activities not only meet developmental milestones but also cultivate a sense of calmness and collaboration among peers. Investing in Shir-Hashirim Montessori means prioritizing comprehensive early childhood education centered around the importance of sensory exploration.

For Admission Process and Other queries please Contact Shir-Hashirim Montessori

LOCATION

6047 Carlton Way, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Montessori educational approach fosters an enjoyable learning environment for children, emphasizing independent play, hands-on learning, and creativity devoid of the constraints of specific tasks or predefined standards. Infants and toddlers are encouraged to engage in self-directed activities, while also having the opportunity to participate in simple interactive games with caregivers or educators. Many of these games, such as the Color Scavenger Hunt and The Name Game, necessitate minimal or no additional materials. Moreover, parents seeking to implement the Montessori method at home may find it beneficial to have a selection of Montessori toys available for their children’s independent play.

WHAT IS A MONTESSORI TOY?

Unlike numerous other toys available in the market, Montessori toys are designed to be open-ended, allowing children to explore their creativity rather than simply being passive recipients of entertainment. Additionally, Montessori toys are crafted with the intention of imparting specific skills rather than solely offering amusement. They are characterized by their simplicity and durability, making them suitable for young children to handle without fear of damage. These toys serve as excellent additions to any Montessori playroom, catering to the entertainment and developmental needs of children from diverse backgrounds.

BEST MONTESSORI TOYS BY AGE

Toys: Ages 0-1

During the initial year of life, infants undergo crucial developmental milestones that often go unnoticed by adults. These milestones encompass the ability to identify familiar faces, including their own reflection, establishing associations between objects and the sounds they produce, refining fundamental hand-eye coordination, and mastering mobility through various stages such as rolling, crawling, scooting, and ultimately walking.

1. The Leader Joy Montessori Munari Mobile: Designed for babies from one to three months old, this mobile helps infants learn how to track objects.

2. Montessori Gobbi Mobile: Specially designed for babies from two to four months old, this mobile helps a baby learn visual discrimination abilities and depth perception.

3. Haba Rainbow Fabric Ball: This ball, tailored for babies aged six months and older, assists young children in acquiring skills related to pushing and rolling objects, thereby enhancing their hand-eye coordination.

4. Set of 15 Large Wooden Blocks from My Toy House:  These large, rounded wooden blocks allow older babies to learn how to be creative and also teach hand-eye coordination.

5. Pocket Panda Baby Mirror Toys for Tummy Time: As babies encounter their reflections in this engaging mirror, they begin to grasp the art of making and identifying facial expressions. Its versatile design allows for easy use in cribs, on floors, or even in vehicles such as cars or vans.

6. Natural Wooden Baby Rattle by GRTMEN: A simple and safe wooden rattle that teaches a  baby how to grip a toy and follow its movement with their eyes.

Toys: Ages 1-2

The second year of your child’s life marks an exhilarating period as they achieve significant milestones in gross motor skills like walking, as well as fine motor skills such as carrying toys, kicking a ball, and navigating stairs. Additionally, toddlers begin to explore verbal communication, engage in scribbling, manipulate objects, develop pretend play skills, and demonstrate the ability to locate and identify named objects.

7. Fat Brain Toys Geometry Puzzle: This straightforward yet clever puzzle introduces toddlers to the concept of disassembly and reassembly. As they engage with the puzzle, toddlers will also become acquainted with fundamental shapes and colors.

8. Elite Montessori 3 Wooden Colored Discs on Colored Dowels: Similar to the geometry puzzle mentioned earlier, this enjoyable toy aids children in refining their fine motor skills as they learn basic colors.

9. Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone: Music boosts your child’s cognitive abilities, IQ, and reasoning skills, and this engaging music-making toy ensures that your kids fully enjoy the benefits of music.

10. Hape Block and Roll Cart: A multipurpose toy to help kids learn to push and pull as well as load, unload, and stack blocks.

11. Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set: Includes 5 baskets and 25 food items in a variety of colors. Kids learn color sorting, fine motor skills, and basic information about fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it serves as an excellent tool for fostering imaginative pretend play.

12. Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Bike: Your toddler will have a great fun getting around on this safe bike while also learning balance & other coordination skills.

13. Waidobyu Montessori Shape Sorting Box: Older toddlers will enjoy learning how to take shapes out and put them back in. As they do, they’ll master fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while also gaining familiarity with fundamental shapes.

Toys: Ages 2-3

Kids in this age group enjoy mastering running, jumping, climbing, throwing, and kicking. They frequently start showing a preference for one hand over the other, can say simple words and follow instructions, & want to imitate what the grown-ups do.

14. Pikler Triangle: This beloved and engaging toy provides children with the opportunity to develop their climbing skills within the secure environment of their bedroom or a Montessori playroom.

15. Monti Kids Bead Stringing Set: An enjoyable toy designed to assist your child in mastering advanced hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills with fun.

16. Monti Kids Tabletop Easel: Your little one will surely enjoy in drawing, coloring, stamping, and painting with their very own miniature easel. This device inspires creativity, helps kids learn colors and more.

17. Kids’ Station Indoor/Outdoor Toddler MUD Kitchen with Utensils: Perfect for creative play and mastering gross and fine motor skills.

18. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench Wooden Toy With Mallet: Boys and girls for sure love making noise with this fun toy. What’s more, they’ll learn about sound and master hand-eye coordination as they use it.

19. Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Playset: Kids will learn hand-eye coordination as they enjoy mimicking adults preparing food.

20. Wonder Wise Little Builder Workbench: All children are sure to enjoy carpentry play with this engaging toy. Additionally, they’ll refine their hand-eye coordination skills as they immerse themselves in imaginative activities.

SHIR-HASHIRIM MONTESSORI: LA’S BEST MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL SINCE 1985

Shir-Hashirm Montessori aims to offer practical assistance and support for parents seeking to help their children achieve their fullest potential. With 40 years of experience in nurturing young minds, the institution specializes in delivering essential academic and life skills through engaging and interactive approaches. Individuals are encouraged to contact Shir-Hashirm Montessori at their convenience for inquiries or to delve deeper into their programs.

Disclaimer: Shir-Hashirm Montessori maintains no sponsorship or affiliation with the brands referenced above. This informative blog serves the purpose of providing valuable insights into some of the finest Montessori toys on the market.

Watching how your baby grows can be really interesting and fun for parents. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the important things your 18-month-old baby should be able to do. We’ll also give you a chart to see how your child is doing. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips to make sure your child is growing well and reaching important milestones.

18-MONTH-OLD BABY MILESTONE CHART

By the time your child turns 18 months, they will have achieved various developmental milestones. Use this useful baby milestone chart to track and observe your child’s progress:

Physical Milestones:

• Walking independently and confidently
• Climbing stairs with assistance
• Running or attempting to run
• Kicking a ball
• Stacking blocks or toys

Cognitive Milestones:

• Acquiring object permanence
• Identifying familiar objects and people
• Following basic one-step directions
• Mimicking actions and sounds
• Resolving straightforward problems

Language Milestones:

• Saying few single words
• understanding simple instructions
• Identifying body parts
• Trying to mimics words and phrases
• Employing gestures for communication

Social-Emotional Milestones:

• Showing a connection to parents and caregivers
• Displaying signs of independence
• Engaging in basic pretend play
• Expressing various emotions
• Sharing toys with others

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES OF 18-MONTH-OLDS

We are sure that you would have understood a lot about the baby milestone chart! Now, let’s delve deeper into some crucial developmental milestones for 18-month-olds.

Physical Development

At this stage, your child will be more active and self-assured in their movement. They’ll be walking on their own, climbing stairs with some help, and trying to run. Your baby will also take pleasure in kicking balls, stacking blocks, and participating in various physical activities to enhance their gross motor skills.

Cognitive Development

As your 18-month-old progresses, their cognitive abilities will expand. They’ll develop object permanence, solve straightforward problems, and identify familiar objects and people. Additionally, they’ll begin following simple one-step directions and mimicking actions and sounds they observe in their surroundings.

Language Development

The development of language is a vital milestone for 18-month-olds. During this period, anticipate your little one uttering several individual words and understanding simple directions. But that’s not the only exciting part! Your toddler will also begin identifying and naming their body parts, attempting to imitate words and phrases, and using gestures to express their desires. It’s truly remarkable to witness the strides your child will take in their communication skills at this stage, so be prepared to be amazed!

Social-Emotional Development

At 18 months, your child will begin to show signs of independence and a connection to parents and caregivers. They’ll engage in uncomplicated pretend play, express a variety of emotions, and share toys with others. Encouraging positive social relationships will contribute to the development of your child’s sense of self and their ability to empathize with others.

MILESTONES FOR 18-MONTH-OLDS: DEVELOPMENT TIPS

To help your 18-month-old achieve milestones, think about integrating the following developmental tips into your daily routine:

Encourage Physical Activity

It’s crucial to provide your little one with plenty of chances to explore their physical abilities! Parks, playgrounds, and playdates with other kids offer excellent opportunities for your toddler to showcase their walking, running, and even climbing skills. However, it’s important to closely monitor their activities and ensure they’re engaging in exploration in a safe environment without any potential hazards.

Foster Cognitive Growth

During this crucial period, it’s extremely important to boost your child’s cognitive abilities! Provide them with toys and activities suitable for their age that challenge their mind and encourage problem-solving. Puzzles, shape sorters, and building blocks are excellent choices! But go beyond that – make sure to participate in interactive playtime with your child, asking them questions that stimulate their critical thinking skills.

Support Language Development

If you want to nurture your child’s language skills, it’s crucial to engage in regular conversations with them, even if their verbal expression is still developing. Enjoy the pleasure of reading by exploring books together, sing some songs, and incorporate new words and expressions into your everyday conversations. Acknowledge your child’s efforts to imitate words and sounds, and praise their attempts to communicate effectively.

Promote Social-Emotional Skills

Encourage your 18-month-old’s social-emotional skills by encouraging interactions with both kids and adults. Set up playdates, participate in group activities, and expose your child to diverse social scenarios. Instill values like sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions appropriately. Engaging in role-playing and pretend play can further aid your child in grasping social interactions and developing empathy.

Create a Consistent Routine

Young children flourish when they have predictability and a routine! To support their overall well-being, it’s essential to create a stable and secure environment. Establishing consistent mealtimes, naps, and bedtime routines is crucial for instilling a sense of structure and order in their lives. Consistency plays a vital role in helping little ones feel secure and content, ultimately influencing their overall growth and development significantly.

Be Patient and Supportive

Children each grow and develop at their individual pace, and it’s vital to be compassionate and encouraging during their journey. If you have any concerns about developmental delays or other issues, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a qualified medical professional or another specialist with expertise. With their support and knowledge, you can address any concerns and take the essential steps to ensure your child is thriving and reaching their full potential!

JOIN SHIR-HASHIRIM MONTESSORI: THE BEST CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER SINCE 1985

At Shir-Hashirim Montessori Preschool, they understand the importance of early growth factors for a child. Their thoughtfully designed curriculum fosters holistic growth. For more information about Shir-Hashirim Montessori or other queries, please contact them today.

Balancing work responsibilities while caring for your little one? You’re not alone. Many parents confront this situation, and it’s even tougher when you lack a stay-at-home grandparent to look after your child when you’re away.

The crucial aspect is providing your children with the necessary experiences for their emotional, physical, and cognitive development. However, what options do you have when your job is the sole means of maintaining your financial stability?

Daycare programs offer a multitude of advantages, extending beyond the evident ones.

JOB SECURITY

Balancing full-time childcare with consistent employment can prove challenging. The lack of flexibility in work hours may lead you to contemplate leaving your current job temporarily to handle responsibilities before returning to work. However, securing another job with a flexible schedule is not as straightforward as it may seem.

DAYCARE CENTERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

If you’re looking to support child development at all stages of your young one’s growth, here’s some good news: Daycare centers warmly welcome children of all ages. Regardless of your child’s age, you can be confident that these daycare programs contribute significantly to their holistic development. This is largely attributed to the diverse range of activities available, spanning from arts and crafts to outdoor activities.

AFFORDABLE RATES

If hiring a nanny is beyond your budget, you’re not alone. Many working parents face the challenge of affording the high rates nannies charge. Why not consider placing your crucial child care responsibilities in the hands of a reputable daycare center? In doing so, you not only provide your children with a structured environment but also allow them to develop a positive affinity for that sense of routine. All you need to do is drop your children off at daycare in the morning and pick them up in the evening, without concerns about what they’ve been engaged in during the intervening hours.

PARENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFE BALANCE

There’s no question about your deep love for your child, and your commitment to ensuring their happiness. Nevertheless, the combined pressures of work and the demanding responsibility of childcare can take a toll over time. You might experience burnout or, worse, feelings of depression. This is where daycare programs can be a game-changer, rejuvenating you and keeping you alert. They ensure that the time you spend with your little ones is truly ‘quality time.’

A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN

What makes Daycare particularly advantageous is its array of childcare benefits, with a primary focus on creating a stimulating environment that significantly contributes to the development of children of all ages.According to a NICHD study, children enrolled in high-quality childcare services are more likely to demonstrate enhanced language and cognitive development compared to their peers.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED STAFF

One of the most tangible benefits of Daycare programs is entrusting your children to trained staff with expertise in managing situations involving sick children and unforeseen emergencies. They diligently oversee the children’s schedules, providing you, as a parent, with peace of mind, as you can trust that every need of your child will be attentively addressed.

IT HELPS PREPARE THEM FOR KINDERGARTEN

A particularly valuable aspect of Daycare programs is their role in preparing young children for their kindergarten years. A report prepared for the NSW Department of Community Services highlights that children who attended pre-school the year before primary school exhibited enhanced social development. The key lies in the high-quality care providers present, who adeptly guide children through this transition while consistently monitoring their progress.

FLEXIBLE HOURS

Concerned about the crucial aspect of ‘child development’ during your extended absences? Worry no more. Many daycare centers offer flexible hours, operating from early morning to late evening. This flexibility enables you to drop off your children before work and pick them up afterward. Additionally, some daycare centers even provide overnight care for parents who require it.

THEY ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF ROUTINE

Daycare programs excel in providing childcare for various compelling reasons. At the forefront is their ability to instill a valuable sense of routine in your child. Managing an inconsistent schedule due to unpredictable working hours or other obligations makes it challenging to establish a consistent routine for your child. In daycare, they flourish within a specially crafted routine designed for them. Adhering to this routine will significantly benefit them in their later years.

SOCIAL INTERACTION

Finally, Daycare programs enhance the social skills of the attending children. As mentioned earlier, these social skills play a crucial role in preparing them for the upcoming kindergarten years. It’s worth emphasizing that daycare centers provide a secure environment for children to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. This significantly contributes to the refinement of their social skills.

The significance of daycare centers goes beyond what you might realize, and the best daycare you can find in LA is Shir-Hashirim Montessori. They express gratitude to the parents who entrust them daily with the care of their children. They never take this trust lightly and exert every effort to support the development of kids, molding them into exemplary members of society.