Hopscotch Montessori School

🍋 Join us for a heartwarming Lemonade Day on August 23rd!

As we approach the end of another wonderful summer at Hopscotch Montessori, it’s time to gather for our annual Lemonade Day charity event. It is all about celebrating the achievements of our children over the summer while coming together to support a cause close to our hearts.

Hopscotch began its journey in Ukraine, with our very first campus opening in Kyiv back in 2008. This Lemonade Day, we’re raising funds to provide financial assistance and maintain daily operations at our Kyiv campus, ensuring that our local students have a safe and supportive place to learn in times of war. Meanwhile, our NYC students are learning how acts of kindness and sharing can change other people's lives 🙏
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our community. It’s through your generosity that we’ve been able to offer a nurturing environment where children can continue to grow, even in difficult circumstances. Your involvement will directly contribute to ensuring these children can keep learning and dreaming, no matter the challenges they face.

We invite you to join us on August 23 at 8:30 AM for a fun day filled with lemonade, delicious pastries, coffee, and a craft zone where families can create something special together! The event will take on both our UES and Via57 campuses.

✈️ Moving to New York City?

Welcome to Hopscotch Montessori, the perfect place for your little ones, ages 2-6, to start their big city adventure!

At Hopscotch, located in the heart of Manhattan, we offer both in-person and virtual tours for families moving to NYC who are looking for an international school for their young children. Our cozy, boutique preschool provides a warm and exciting environment where kids can learn with joy.

Here’s why your child will love our classrooms:

🔸 Our individualized curriculum means that each child has their own unique academic path, making learning fun and engaging while effectively preparing them for school.
🔸 With children from all around the world, your little one will make new friends and explore diverse cultures. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to grow in a supportive and caring community while learning about the world.
🔸 Beyond the authentic Montessori curriculum, our program includes exciting enrichment opportunities. From creative arts to various movement activities, kids get to dive into experiences that spark their curiosity.

We take great pride in the fact that our students can pursue their education with confidence at any school worldwide, knowing they have received exceptional preparation. We’re now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Don’t miss out on the chance for your child to have an amazing start in NYC!

Want to learn more? Schedule your in-person or virtual tour by emailing us at [email protected] or follow the link in our bio 👆

🚀 Why do our classes for ages 3-6 include materials on sciences and cultures?

The "cosmic education" area in a Montessori classroom includes materials that enrich students' knowledge about the surrounding world. Our Primary classes are no exception! In this area, students can engage in activities related to:

▪️Geography (continents, landscapes, biomes, maps);
▪️Biology (classification of animals and plants, their structure and habitats);
▪️History and culture (timelines, flags of countries, various musical instruments, and art supplies);
▪️Other sciences (celestial bodies, chemical and physical experiments).

All materials are designed to be as interactive as possible — for example, children can build a masterpiece of the ancient world, such as the Roman arch, or assemble a puzzle of any continent. Presentations are structured from concrete to abstract: students receive visual demonstrations of certain phenomena and are encouraged to draw their own conclusions.

As you can see, the goal is not to overload the children with information or turn them into little professors :) The primary focus is to develop their ability to think analytically and systematically 🧠 At Hopscotch, we believe that quality education encompasses not only counting, reading, and writing but also helps children broaden their horizons!

🔍 Searching for a preschool in Manhattan?

Discover Hopscotch Montessori, where we offer exceptional programs for children aged 0 to 6! Nestled on the Upper East Side, our international school fosters a nurturing environment where each child is valued, and families are welcomed with warmth and care. At Hopscotch:

1⃣ Tailored development plans unveil your child's unique talents and potential;

2⃣ Flexible programs cater to various schedules and attendance needs;

3⃣ Trained Montessori educators cultivate an authentic setting for children to thrive independently and confidently;

4⃣ Our close-knit community celebrates cultural diversity, fostering acceptance and understanding;

5⃣ A well-rounded curriculum focuses on physical, mental, creative, and intellectual growth, ensuring a solid foundation for school readiness.

Beyond traditional subjects like writing, reading, and math, our academic approach delves into world cultures, geography, conflict resolution, public speaking, environmental awareness, and science education, instilling a mindset of peace and sustainability.

Join us for the 2024-2025 academic year! Tap the link to schedule an individual tour 👇
https://hopscotchmontessori.com/schedule-a-tour

📖Our Approach to Developing Passionate Readers!

Already in toddler groups, Hopscotch students begin to work with books. Starting with storytelling sessions led by our teachers, we introduce little ones to the magic of language and imagination✨

We often bring stories to life through play, making it a lot more fun for the children to get involved. We encourage them to put themselves in their favorite characters’ shoes or to share their thoughts and feelings about the story.

These kinds of activities help build their confidence in expressing themselves. As they engage with stories in this interactive way, they learn important social skills such as taking turns, listening to others, and collaborating with peers.

At some point, children transition from listening to reading on their own, cultivating a love for books and the ability to explore new worlds independently. They participate in our Readers & Writers Workshops and work with engaging Montessori materials like the movable alphabet. By fostering a supportive and stimulating environment, we prepare them to become thoughtful, articulate, and imaginative individuals who appreciate the beauty of the written word!

🙋‍♀️ Montessori parent. Brushing Baby’s Teeth. Part 2

Though we’ve talked about oral hygiene being a priority, toothbrushing can sometimes feel like a challenging task. However, with a bit of creativity and patience, you can turn this daily routine into a fun and enjoyable activity for both you and your child. So today, we are sharing some creative methods to try when your kid refuses to brush their teeth:

🔹 Show your child how it’s done by brushing your teeth first. Seeing you engage in the activity can motivate them to join in.
🔹 Have your little one help brush YOUR teeth before you attempt to brush theirs – make it a fun back-and-forth activity: “my turn, your turn!”
🔹 Bring in their favorite stuffed animal or doll, letting your child brush the toy’s teeth.
🔹 Turn toothbrushing time into a mini concert by playing music or singing songs. Modify familiar tunes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” by replacing keywords with “Tooth” to make it toothbrushing-themed.

As your child becomes accustomed to the routine, they’ll likely start looking forward to these moments, eagerly reaching for their toothbrush when it’s time to clean their teeth🪥

☀️ Why are morning rituals so important for children?
Daily routines, rituals, and traditions bring stability and predictability to children’s lives. Preschoolers, in particular, go through a sensitive period of perceiving order, and a familiar structure helps them become calmer, more focused, and, as a result, develop more harmoniously. The beginning of the day is no exception!

In the morning, when children arrive at Hopscotch School, they say goodbye to their parents. It’s important that the same ritual is repeated every day, so each time the farewell becomes easier for the child. Each family has its own variation: some send an air kiss, some show a heart, and some say a secret phrase.

Then it’s time to change clothes. The children do everything themselves, so the process takes time. Little hands don’t always cooperate at first, and sometimes it takes a child 30 minutes to change clothes, tidy up, and head to class. However, this moment is essential for developing self-confidence, coordination of movements, and fine motor skills.

After greeting the teachers and friends, the children start their day with exercises, yoga, and meditation, preparing for a day full of discoveries 🧘 As a result of this unhurried rhythm, when it’s time to start working, the children are collected and in a great mood for learning!

🐤 The Life Cycle of Chicken study is truly one of the favorites among our students! Each year, they are excited to see and learn about the transformation of the eggs.

As the weeks passed, the children learned all about the chicken's life cycle—starting from eggs to hatchlings, then chicks, and finally full-grown chickens. They discovered what little chicks eat, where they live, their body parts, and so on.

Children patiently awaited the hatching process, carefully observing the eggs and making daily notes and predictions. It was quite a lesson in patience! Finally, the magical moment arrived: they saw the first crack in an egg, leading to the birth of a tiny hatchling.

Beyond the educational aspects, the project was incredibly fun for the little ones. Spending time with the fluffy, chirping chicks brought endless joy. They interacted with the chicks, learning how to handle them gently and understand their needs.

This experience fostered a sense of empathy and responsibility, further connecting them with science learning 🙌

🎉 Congratulations to our Toddler & Primary graduates!

Last week, our students gathered for the Rose Ceremony to celebrate incredible achievements they've accomplished together during the school year. Following the tradition, each child gave rose to a friend and shared a compliment, initiating a chain of goodwill in the classroom. The children were also delighted with individual gifts - our beautiful Hopscotch branded t-shirts.

We enjoyed delicious ice cream and pastries while sharing lots of smiles and laughs with parents and friends. The entire Hopscotch team is incredibly proud of our little explorers and their academic and social accomplishments throughout year 🙏 And now, it's time for an exciting Summer Program!

🙋‍♀️ Montessori Parent. Brushing Baby’s Teeth Part 1
Ensuring the health and well-being of our little ones is always a top priority. One crucial aspect of infant care is oral hygiene. Even before those tiny little teeth make an appearance, it's essential to keep your baby's gums clean. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your baby's oral hygiene right from the start:
1⃣ Gently wipe their gums with a clean, damp washcloth or an infant toothbrush. This helps remove any bacteria or residue that may accumulate.
2⃣ When your baby starts teething, consider refrigerating or freezing a damp washcloth for a few minutes: the cold temperature can help soothe their sore gums and provide relief.
3⃣ Opt for a small, soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for infants. Use warm water and only a small amount of toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice.
4⃣ Once your baby's teeth start to touch each other, it's time to introduce flossing into their oral care routine.
Incorporating these simple steps into your baby's daily routine can go a long way in ensuring their oral health and overall well-being. Good habits start early, so make oral care a priority from the very beginning!

✨ End of the Year School-Wide Picnic 2024!

Last Friday was truly special as both our campuses came together, a rare and joyous occasion. We celebrated the amazing 2023-2024 school year as a united community.

Music holds a very important place at Hopscotch Montessori School. As some of you may know, every week we have a Community Sing where all classrooms come together with our Hopscotch band. This picnic featured our biggest Community Sing ever, with students singing their favorite Hopscotch songs alongside their parents.

Adding to this special moment, we celebrated the year at our school in Ukraine with gratitude and hope through the “Plant Trees, Plant Hope” gallery walk. It showcased the Earth Day tree-planting tradition at our Kyiv campus.

The sense of togetherness and joy was truly unforgettable 🙌 It was a heartwarming way to close out the school year and build anticipation for our future gatherings!

Baby & Me Picnic over the weekend was a grand finale for all the babies and families to come and celebrate their first milestone of joining Hopscotch Montessori School’s Baby & Me class 💛

All babies received their first-ever diploma and a rose from Ms. Melissa, our dedicated Baby & Me/Toddler Coordinator. What an incredible achievement for all our little ones! Some moved up to our toddler classrooms, while others took their first steps during the class.

This youngest community in our school has created a supportive network for families, sharing common parenting questions, ideas, and celebrating milestones together. Thank you all for trusting Hopscotch Montessori School!

🙋‍♀️ Montessori Parent. My Body & Physical Development

Babies are natural learners, constantly experimenting with their bodies! When they are figuring out how to get into a new position, they repeat the process over and over again. This repetition is important because it helps them understand their physical capabilities and limitations.

While parents may think they are helping by placing their babies in a position they believe the little ones are ready for, this can actually hinder a child’s development. When we intervene, we take away their chance to practice those small movements. This might lead to them skipping important developmental phases, like crawling.

Allowing your baby to hit those developmental milestones on their own fosters a sense of independence and self-confidence. If they manage to get into a position themselves and then fall, they’re more likely to try again 💪 In contrast, if we consistently put them in positions, they may miss out on the natural feeling of accomplishment that comes from mastering a new skill independently.

If you want to help you child, encourage an "I can do it myself" attitude. In the long run, this approach supports their overall development and fosters a can-do mindset from a very young age!

💪 What do Toddlers "work" on in Hopscotch Montessori classrooms? Part 2

We have shown that the youngest children spend their time at Hopscotch Montessori productively! Of course, the primary goals at this age are developing independence and fine motor skills. However, there are additional activities that enrich the days of our toddlers at Hopscotch.

🔹 Gross motor skills training.
In the classroom, toddlers can walk on balance beams, jump on the trampoline, crawl through tunnels and much more. Children also move around a lot and exercise during outdoor playtime. All of these activities aim to strengthen their bodies through play!

🔹 Culinary activities. As you may already know, our little ones love cooking :) They clean and chop vegetables for salads, roll dough for baking, spread and mix ingredients... These are delightful and engaging ways to develop coordination, attentiveness, and concentration.

🔹 Care for the environment. The children engage in tasks such as sweeping the floors, wiping the tables, cleaning up after themselves, and helping to water the plants. These exercises help them cultivate a caring attitude towards the world around them and learn how to take care of their surroundings.

In addition to these activities, we assist toddlers in developing necessary skills for transitioning to the older group: from toilet training and brushing teeth to handwashing and using utensils, our toddlers are always busy bees, learning and growing every day!

🌟 What do Toddlers "work" on in Hopscotch Montessori classrooms? Part 1

In a Montessori environment, any purposeful activity a child engages in is referred to as “work”. While it's understandable to associate this concept with 5-6 year olds learning multiplication, spelling, geography, and other academic subjects, toddlers also engage in important activities!

🔹 They take care of themselves and their environment. From polishing mirrors and hanging up clothes to setting the table and cleaning shoes, children learn essential practical skills. This helps them develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

🔹 They learn language. By singing songs, reading books, working with language cards, and participating in three-part lessons, children rapidly develop their speech. They acquire through passive vocabularies to enter the Primary class better prepared for communication.

🔹 They explore creativity using various art materials like chalk, paint, watercolors, and playdoughs, which not only help with sensory regulation but also foster artistic expression. Playing Montessori musical bells also offers opportunities to spark imagination in the classroom! Weekly art projects enable children to collaborate on creations based on seasonal themes.

Consequently, the Toddler group serves as a space where the youngest students are not only nurtured but also encouraged to develop in diverse and captivating ways! Stay tuned for more insights into our activities next time 💛

☀ End of the Year Picnic & Celebration!
June 7th, 4:00- 6:00 PM
Central Park, Heckscher Playground Picnic Area

Join us for a picnic as UES and Via57 campuses come together to sing, eat, and celebrate another fantastic year with Hopscotch Montessori! We look forward to seeing everyone together in Central Park for this annual tradition. You can expect food, friends, music, and more. Please bring a blanket to sit on with family, friends, and any outdoor activities: frisbee, kites, balls, etc.

We are also excited to share our gratitude and celebrate the incredible impact of your contributions for our Kyiv campus at the picnic. This year, we introduce the “Planting Seeds, Planting Hope” Gallery Walk — an initiative that breathes new life into the long-cherished tradition of tree planting by our Ukrainian students on Earth Day 🙏

�Please note that we will be closing both school locations at 3:15 PM. We are excited to see you all in the park!

👋 Attention all parents! Mark your calendars for a special online education workshop focused on toileting, led by the renowned Sarah Moudry! "Montessori Approach to Establish A Routine For Potty Learning" is happening on May 29th from 5:00 PM to 6:39 PM.

Whether you're a parent of a toddler aged 1-3 y.o. or simply interested in learning more, this event is for you! Sarah Moudry, an esteemed education innovator deeply rooted in Montessori philosophy, will be sharing her insights and expertise on cultivating healthy toileting habits in young children. You will learn:

• Practical methods to approach toilet training with young children.
• Lifehacks that Montessori schools use that keeps toileting stress-free and child-centered.

Sarah is the author of book "Toilet Awareness: Using Montessori Philosophy to Create a Potty Learning Routine". She also provides online courses and products that help parents, childcare professionals, and grandparents to incorporate Montessori practice into their lives. Sarah has an M.Ed in Montessori education, AMI Montessori certification for birth to six years, and is an Associate Member of ASID.

You can join from the comfort of your own home! To reserve your spot, please RSVP at [email protected]. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to enrich your parenting journey with Montessori-inspired tools 😊

🙋‍♀️ Montessori Parent. Cultivating Cooperation

Navigating the waters of parent-child cooperation can be a challenging journey that varies day by day. While it might be tempting to default to rewards or punishments to influence behavior due to their immediate effects, this approach might overshadow the opportunity for children to develop intrinsic motivation and embrace long-term growth.

By reframing moments of resistance as opportunities to learn and grow, we can transform the dynamics within the family! Here are some nurturing strategies that encourage cooperation while fostering understanding and autonomy:

🔹 Offer Age-Appropriate Choices: Empower your children by letting them make decisions suited to their age.

🔸Provide Clear Information: Clarity is key. Instead of just instructing to "Put the cup away," specify "The cup goes on top of the shelf," to guide them precisely.

🔹 Be Concise: Simplicity works best. Instead of a long directive like "Put on your shoes," a friendly "Shoes, please," often suffices.

🔸 Communicate Effectively: Speak in a way that encourages them to listen, using positive language and asking for their help to promote engagement.

🔹 Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate what you expect from them rather than relying solely on verbal instructions, which enhances understanding.

🔸 Maintain a Routine: Consistency helps children feel secure and understand what’s expected of them.

🔹 Respect Their Pace: Allow them the time to complete their tasks before transitioning to new activities or requests.

As you journey together through this process of growth, both parents and children evolve, laying the foundation for a harmonious and cooperative relationship filled with mutual respect and understanding!

😏 Looking for something different to do this summer? How about our Summer camp in NYC for your child aged 5 to 12!

Experience an Unique eco-entrepreneurship adventure in NYC and the Pocono Mountains!

▪️ Program highlight:
Each week students will be learning about and taking part in hands-on, project-based curriculum that will inspire their curiosity towards Eco-entrepreneurship. Students will delve into the world of sustainable resource utilization, financial literacy, basic economic concepts, and more. The program is led by our credentialed teachers from Hopscotch Montessori School and is tailored to foster your child’s holistic development.
The summer program includes exciting field trips to our Poconos residence! Students will have the opportunity to visit local sustainable businesses, connect with entrepreneurs, and gain real-world insights into the eco-friendly industry!

▪️ Duration: 6 weeks
▪️ Dates: June 17th - July 26th *You can sign up for any week (minimum two weeks)
Holiday break: July 1st- 5th
For detailed information, daily schedules, and enrollment, visit our website or email us at [email protected] Sign up today!

🌤 What’s included in our Primary & Toddler Summer camp program?

Summer at Hopscotch Montessori promises children aged 2 to 6 an exciting immersion into the geography and cultures of the world. We have decided to combine all the best that summer can offer, and here is what we have come up with:

▪️ Creativity and group projects
Summer at our school is always about fun teamwork. From modeling of African volcanoes to sculpting animals of Antarctica, children can look forward to many engaging projects. There will be cooking, drawing, crafting, and outdoor activities.

▪️ Montessori class
The daily work cycle will be slightly shorter, but it will not disappear. Therefore, even in the summer, children will spend their time productively and make new discoveries in mathematics, language, and sciences. This is a great opportunity for new families to try out the Montessori environment, as you can join at any time for a minimum of 2 weeks 🙌

▪️ Extended walks and lots of movement
We will spend almost twice as much time outdoors, visiting parks, going on excursions, and having picnics. And, of course, we will practice yoga and and play active games.

Join us to gift your child an amazing summer! Sign up for our program in advance via Direct or on our website through the link in bio. The program is available on both our NYC campuses.

🙋‍♀️ Montessori Parent. Language & Communication Development part 2

Many families embrace speaking different languages at home nowadays in the globalized world! While this enriches a child's cultural and linguistic experiences, it also raises questions about how best to support their language and communication development. Here are a few pieces of advice for parents navigating this exciting journey:

•⁠ ⁠Consistency is key when it comes to language exposure. Children find it easier to understand a language when they consistently hear it from specific adults in certain locations. Establishing clear language patterns helps children develop a sense of order.

•⁠ ⁠It is most beneficial when the language is presented authentically and fluently. Whether it's through songs, stories, or daily interactions, exposing them to genuine language settings helps their young minds absorb new words and sounds effortlessly.

•⁠ Children may switch between two or more languages within a single sentence, known as "Code Switching." When a child engages in code switching, it's important for adults to attentively listen, observe their expressive patterns, foster their communication, and, most importantly, respond using only one language, keeping it simple. Because a child might not know the same words you know.

And, of course, be patient! Children might take longer to express themselves in multiple languages 🗣️ While their understanding of language usually develops at a normal pace, expressing themselves might take more time as they process a larger amount of information.

🌟 Exciting News!

All parents are invited to an exclusive educational event featuring the incredible Paula Lillard Preschlack. She will be presenting on "Why Montessori is the Ideal Investment for Your Child's Education Today." Join us on May 15th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the VIA57 Building, Library & Hopscotch VIA57 Campus.

Paula is a writer and speaker who has spent 25 years as a teacher and head of school, holding a Master’s Degree in Education and being AMI certified for all Montessori age levels. She will unveil the potential that Montessori education holds for your child. Discover how Montessori prepares students to confidently face the challenges of the future.

But wait, the fun doesn't stop there! Stick around for our After Party from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Enjoy drinks, a special Hopscotch Signature Cocktail, and light food and snacks while mingling with other parents.

We've also got you covered with childcare options. Elementary students can enjoy dinner and a movie night, primary students will have their own dinner and movie night, and toddlers can join in on games, music, and a dance party 🙌

This event is open to everyone, so bring your friends and family along! Please RSVP at [email protected] to confirm your attendance and secure your spot. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn more about Montessori education and how it can benefit your child's future.

🎉 Last week, not only did we enjoy a lovely tea party, but we also celebrated the 8th birthday of our beloved Hopscotch Montessori UES campus!

As the day began, we greeted all families with hot coffee and delicious pastries, setting the scene for a day filled with nostalgia and celebration. Our memory books, filled with precious photos of our little ones, became repositories of shared memories as parents wrote heartfelt messages, capturing the essence of our journey together.

Looking back on the past eight years, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our Hopscotch family. From our humble beginnings in 2016 to the thriving community we have become today, our UES campus has grown a lot, and we couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished together 😊

At our anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of everyone who has contributed to the success of our UES campus. Thank you for being an integral part of our story!

☕ Oh, what a joyous occasion it was at Hopscotch Montessori as we welcomed the beauty of spring with our delightful Spring Tea Party Celebration!

In the days leading up to the party, the little ones practiced cutting fruit, baking cookies, making pastries, and arranging flowers for each table setting. So, this celebration wasn't just about having fun; it was also an opportunity for the children to showcase their skills honed through the Practical Life curriculum.

When the day had finally arrived, the excitement reached its peak. Children danced, sang, and enjoyed a delicious buffet—there was something to satisfy every craving. It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, and the proud display of the children's accomplishments, marking the perfect beginning to a season of growth!

As the festivities wound down, there was a sense of satisfaction and pride among the children 💛 They had not only enjoyed a fun event but had also learned valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and independence.