Montessori Schools of Silicon Valley Focus on Nutrition

Providing healthy and nutrition meals for the children in our schools is important to us! Breakfast, morning and afternoon snacks are provided​. Water is always available for the children throughout the day. We also offer a school catered lunch option for an additional fee.

Our nutritious and tasty snacks include:

• A large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain breads, crackers, muffins, etc.
• Organic products (when available)

We never serve anything that would be considered:

• sugary
• artificial

If you chose to order the school catered lunch the following is included:

• ​Entree (3-4 options daily to select from)​
• Milk
• Fresh Fruit

In the Montessori classroom we place our focus on the development of the "whole child". In order for children to have the energy and focus they need to learn and grow they must be provided with a nutritious diet and plenty of adequate physical activity. Having a proper diet and plenty of exercise plays a huge role in the physical, emotional and mental health of the child.

Along with providing the children with nutritional snacks also comes the experience they gain from trying new foods and preparing snacks independently. Through this we are encouraging the development of a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. We take great pride in not only providing the children with healthy snacks but also educating the children about where food comes from, the importance of limiting food waste and also how to respect their body by making healthy choices when selecting their food. By introducing the children to new and healthy food options at an early age, we are also are excited to prepare the child to make healthy eating choices, not just for now but for a lifetime.

The education part of our nutrition program takes place throughout our entire day with the children. In the morning and afternoon work periods the children enjoy snack preparation; they learn how to peel carrots and wash and cut fresh fruits and vegetables. During our cultural circle we have group discussions about exploring new foods and healthy food options. We also play fun and interactive group games, sing songs and provide Montessori jobs relating to the nutrition lessons for the children to use throughout the day. The more a child is exposed to a new food, the more likeable that food becomes to a child. The more "fun" they have learning about the food also reflects in the Childs willingness to try new foods. Another huge part in encouraging the children to make healthy choices is having the Teacher's as role models as well. By allowing the teachers to enjoy their very own healthy lunch and snacks with the children the concept of healthy eating is reinforced. ​

The physical development of the child is continuous throughout the day. Through movement circle, large motor activities, gardening and outdoor play the children are constantly engaged in physical activity. Many of the activities in the classroom allow the children to use their whole body which helps to develop their large motor skills along with teaching a concept such as "large vs. small" or "long vs. short". By using movement in the classroom children are also more apt to leaning these concepts through muscle memory. This is very different from a "Traditional" preschool environment where the children are generally confined to a chair and desk for the majority of the day.

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"Children First, Always"

Special Needs Facts and Montessori Approach

 For those whose battle is using language, the Montessori approach is visual and hands on. Teachers demonstrate each work, & it is by watching the teacher (not hearing a lecture) that the students learn.

Additionally, the child then takes their turn to use the manipulatives. For instance, being able to touch beads as they count will assist them in understanding the concept of counting in a way verbally saying each number could not.

Children with special needs, such as learning differences or physical disabilities, often thrive in a Montessori setting.

Montessori teaching materials engage all the senses, important for students with distinct learning styles. Students learn by doing and are free to move about, an advantage for those who require a high level of physical activity. And each child has the lati...tude to learn at his own pace, without pressure to meet formal standards by a predetermined time.

Depending on a student’s needs, the school might refer him for additional resources such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, 1:1 aide, and/or counseling.

Nonetheless, some students may need greater accessibility or more support services than a given school can provide. In each situation, the individual's needs and the school’s resources should be carefully assessed to ensure a successful match.

During Dr. Maria Montessori's research and study, she worked with children with special needs. They were referred to as "juvenile delinquents" in the 1890's. As part of her work, she visited asylums in Rome where she observed children with mental disabilities. She has created a far more specific and organized system for children to apply everyday education for children with disabilities. These observations were fundamental to her future work in developing the Montessori Method that we see in our school today!

Pros when considering Montessori for a child with special needs:

              i.        The materials and the environment: The Montessori classroom is filled with beautiful materials that engage all of the senses. The materials are hands-on, therapeutic, enticing, and include a built-in control of error. In most cases they teach only one skill (or salient point) at a time. They offer a wonderful chance for children with special needs to use their hands to explore and learn.

             ii.        Multi-age classrooms: In Montessori, children are put into multi-age classrooms, so they can learn from older children, and help the younger children in the classroom. If a child needs to repeat a grade, they can do so without being “held back” while watching their friends move to a new classroom.

            iii.        Following the child: Montessori children are encouraged to work at their own pace, without the burden of competition, test scores, and grades. They are also encouraged to follow their own interests when it comes to reading, writing, and research. This kind of freedom allows the special needs child to flourish.

           iv.        Consistency: The multi-age classroom means a child is with a teacher for a 3-year cycle, allowing the teacher to build a strong relationship with the parents and the child. As well, the child doesn’t have the stress of always starting in a new classroom at the beginning of each school year.

The philosophy of Montessori: In Montessori, there is an emphasis on peace, cooperation, and respect, making it much less likely that a child with special needs will be teased or ostracized. Instead, the other children usually make an effort to accept, befriend, and encourage a special needs child

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"Children First, Always"