The first month of Back-to-School at ExcellED Montessori has been filled with growth, discovery, and plenty of proud moments. From toddlers confidently saying “I can do it!” while cleaning a mirror to preschoolers exploring balance and force outdoors, children are already building independence, focus, and curiosity.
In just a few short weeks, we’ve seen babies experiment with cause and effect, toddlers master new motor skills, and preschoolers dive into hands-on math, science, and Spanish immersion. These everyday moments show how quickly children thrive in a Montessori environment — and how much they can accomplish in just one month.
👶 Even Babies Explore STEM
STEM learning doesn’t have to wait until elementary school. Even our youngest learners are experimenting with science through cause and effect.
One recent activity involved a simple pulley setup — a string attached to the wall that babies could pull. While it looked like play, this early experience introduced them to:
- Cause and effect (pull string → object moves)
- Hand-eye coordination
- Curiosity and focus
For infants, STEM begins with exploration. Montessori gives them opportunities to test, repeat, and understand the world in their own way.
🖐️ Toddlers Building Motor Skills and Confidence
Montessori classrooms are full of Practical Life activities — everyday tasks designed to build focus and independence. Recently, our toddlers worked on:
- Pin punching → strengthening fine motor control and preparing little hands for writing.
- Opening and closing empty bottles → yes, even recycled H-E-B bottles can become free Montessori “toys” that develop grip strength and problem-solving.
- Cleaning mirrors → a crowd favorite! One toddler proudly announced, “I can do it!” as they polished the glass, showing how Practical Life activities spark confidence and responsibility.
These activities may look simple, but they lay the foundation for bigger milestones: writing, self-care, and self-confidence.
⚖️ Preschoolers Learning Math and Science Hands-On
Montessori math is all about making abstract concepts concrete. Instead of worksheets, children use materials that bring ideas like “more” and “less” to life.
In one classroom, children used a balance scale with bowls and balls to compare quantities. As they added balls, they could see which side was heavier — a hands-on lesson in math, logic, and problem-solving.
Outdoors, preschoolers discovered physics on a seesaw built from a wooden beam balanced on a tree stump. With every up and down, they explored balance, force, and cooperation.
Montessori makes math and science visible, touchable, and fun.
🌍 Language Learning: English and Spanish Every Day
At our Spanish Immersion classrooms in Stone Oak, children move seamlessly between English and Spanish. Imagine your three-year-old explaining a science experiment in English, then flipping to Spanish without missing a beat.
This isn’t about drills or flashcards — it’s about immersion. Songs, stories, and daily conversations make bilingual learning natural. Research shows bilingual children often develop:
- Sharper memory
- Stronger focus
- Greater empathy
At ExcellED, language is more than communication — it’s a bridge to understanding the world.
🌱 Practical Life: The Heart of Montessori
Whether it’s pouring water, sweeping, or buttoning a shirt, Practical Life is at the center of Montessori. These tasks may look small, but they teach children how to care for themselves and their environment.
When a child pours their own drink, they’re building independence. When they sweep, they’re learning responsibility. When they spoon beans or transfer objects with tongs, they’re training their hands for writing.
Practical Life isn’t just “chores” — it’s preparation for life.
👩🏫 Celebrating Our Teachers
Of course, none of this is possible without our dedicated teachers. At Spanish Grove Academy and across all ExcellED campuses, many of our educators have been with us for years — growing alongside the children and families they serve.
As we like to say: “The best teachers aren’t found… they stay.” Their experience, creativity, and consistency give parents peace of mind and children stability in their learning environment.
💚 Why These Moments Matter
These classroom snapshots aren’t random activities — they’re part of a bigger picture. Montessori gives children freedom within structure, allowing them to explore, repeat, and master skills at their own pace.
The result? Children who are:
- Independent and confident
- Curious problem-solvers
- Compassionate, empathetic, and ready for the next stage of learning
In just one month since Back-to-School, we’ve already seen incredible growth. Imagine what they’ll accomplish by the end of the year. 🌱
📲 See It for Yourself
We’d love for you to experience Montessori in action. Schedule a tour at one of our San Antonio campuses and see how your child can grow with us.
