What every parent can do to help their child manage stress The last several years have been disruptive and challenging times for families during the pandemic with lockdowns, remote working, limited social interactions, and homeschooling. As a result, anxiety and stress have increased for both parents and children in trying to navigate the disruptions and uncertainties of COVID-19 and other current world events. According to a recent pandemic study published in JAMA Pediatrics, depression and anxiety have doubled since COVID-19, with one in five children experiencing some form of anxiety. Sympt ..read more

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Apple Community united to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Through a Spring Olympic Day fundraiser, they were able to raise $10,344.00 for a lifetime amount of $202,540.12 raised in donations since 2011. Families at each of Apple Montessori’s schools in Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Edison, Hoboken, Kinnelon, Mahwah, Metuchen, Morris Plains, Oakland, Randolph, Towaco, Warren, and Wayne contributed to this important cause. “We are so grateful for the generosity shown by our friends at Apple Montessori School. After a long day at the hospi ..read more

It’s incredible to think how much our lives have changed over the past few years. Most of us had never imagined a world in which we’d have to shelter in place, wear masks, and have social gatherings, work, schools, daycare, and more put on hold. Thankfully, things are closer to normal thanks to the accessibility of preventative measures. Yet, even today, classrooms can be shut down for periods of time due to exposure to COVID-19.   All of this has had a big impact on everyone in society, but particularly on young children.   The Pandemic’s Impact on Babies   A recent study sugg ..read more

As research and field experience proves, children need and thrive from more time outdoors. Studies show that children who learn and play outside are happier, more attentive, less anxious, and enjoy learning more than those who spend more time indoors. Time spent in nature is critical for a child’s health, self-development, well-being, and future academic success. This is where the Outside Classroom comes in.   “The outdoors is an extension of the classroom,” explains Margie Signorello, an elementary teacher at Apple Montessori in Wayne, NJ. “We make every area of the outside of our schoo ..read more

From the moment a baby is born, they begin striving toward independence. This is why most children are naturally driven to learn to crawl and walk on their own. They want to explore the world on their own terms! Similarly, many toddlers go through a stage of exclaiming “I can do it all by myself!” This independence in turn builds confidence. How can we encourage and foster this independence? The Montessori method makes independence a priority. Here’s how:   The Montessori Environment When you walk into a Montessori classroom, you’ll notice child-sized furniture, low sinks for handwashing ..read more

Apple Montessori’s one-of-a-kind approach to the Montessori method is unique from other schools for many reasons. What we provide can be summed up in a quote by Dr. Montessori herself, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” At Apple Montessori, we provide the ideal environment for your child to gain those roots and wings. Your child will be in a welcoming space where they can explore their interests. We truly believe in the Montessori method and put it into practice in everything we do.   The Montessori Method at Apple ..read more

Warm weather and long summer days will be upon us before we know it. When the long-awaited season finally arrives, it will be time to send your little ones to Apple Montessori Summer Camp! Filled with excitement, our summer camp program is designed to offer children a safe, enriching, and fun way to spend their summer break.   If you’re new to Apple Montessori summer camps, here are 5 reasons you’ll want to reserve a spot for your child today: 1. Non-Stop Learning All Summer Long Throughout the school year, children develop in many academic subjects such as reading and math. Unfortunatel ..read more

Dropping your child off for their first day of school can be as emotional for the parents as it is for the children! Beginning school is a big transition. Whether your child is 18 months old or 5 years old, this is a sign that your child is growing up and they will have their own unique experiences in the world without you by their side. Starting school is also an exciting step toward growth, independence, and learning. Over her years of experience in classrooms, our senior director, Ms. Nicole Maupai has gained some helpful insights that can make your child’s transition to school ea ..read more

Children are precious, so we take our commitment to provide the highest quality education and care very seriously.   As a part of that commitment, we provide regular teacher training and professional development activities for all of our caregivers. These trainings and career development opportunities help our staff stay up-to-date on the latest research and recommendations in early childhood education.   Here’s a peek behind the scenes to help you understand how we prepare our teachers to be the best educators and caregivers they can be. Professional Development Topics at Apple Mont ..read more

Part 2: Do You Know the Truth About Montessori? Welcome back. We are here with part two debunking more common Montessori myths! If you did not read our previous list, be sure to click here and discover the truth about Montessori.  Myth 6: Kids in Montessori Schools Play All Day Walking into any Montessori classroom, you might see children doing a puzzle, stringing beads, or even playing with blocks. This gives some people the impression that Montessori students spend all day “playing.”   Truth: It is through play that learning takes place! As Dr. Montessori put it, “Play is the ..read more