More Than Letters and Numbers: A Mom Shares What Her Preschooler Learned
As our graduates prepare for kindergarten, one parent recently reflected on her daughter’s journey at My
World. Her story reminded us that preschool is about much more than letters and numbers.
More Than Academic Preparation
As educators, we are often asked what children learn in preschool. Parents want to know if their child will learn letters, numbers, reading, writing, and the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.
These are important questions, and academic growth certainly takes place every day in our Montessori
classroom. However, some of the most meaningful lessons children learn cannot be measured by a
worksheet, a test, or a report card
Recently, a parent shared a conversation that deeply touched me and reminded me why early childhood education is about so much more than academics.
A Family’s Journey and a Strong Classroom Community
Their family moved to New Jersey several years ago and enrolled their daughter at My World Child Care Center and Montessori.
Reflecting on their experience, the parent shared that joining our school was one of the best things that happened to their family after moving here. They spoke about the strong classroom community their daughter became a part of and the positive changes they have seen in her personality over the years.
One of the things they appreciated most was the sense of belonging their daughter found within her
classroom. She formed meaningful friendships, learned to work alongside children from different
backgrounds, and became part of a caring community that their family will deeply miss as graduation
approaches.
A Lesson Applied Beyond the Classroom
The parent then shared a recent experience involving their daughter.
During a conversation about differences between people, their daughter calmly responded,
“All people are the same. Our skin may be different, but we are all the same inside.”
As her teacher, hearing those words brought me tremendous joy.
Earlier this year, our class read and discussed the book Children All Around the World. Through stories and conversations, the children explored the idea that although people may come from different countries, speak different languages, or have different appearances, we all share the same feelings, hopes, dreams, and needs.
What made this moment so meaningful was seeing a child take a lesson from the classroom and apply it thoughtfully to a real-life situation.
Children often absorb far more than we realize. They listen, observe, and gradually develop their understanding of the world around them. Watching a child demonstrate empathy, understanding, and respect for others is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.
Reading the World Around Her
The parent also shared examples of their daughter’s academic growth through the Montessori approach to learning.
While many children are still recognizing letters and numbers, they have noticed their daughter reading words she encounters naturally in everyday life. She reads words printed on her father’s T-shirts, signs she sees while traveling, and headings she notices around her.
Rather than simply memorizing letters, she has begun using reading as a tool to understand the world around her.
Understanding Mathematics Through Montessori
The parent also shared that her understanding of mathematics extends far beyond counting to one hundred.
Through hands-on Montessori experiences, she understands units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. More importantly, she understands the relationships between these quantities rather than simply memorizing number sequences.
This is one of the qualities I love most about Montessori education. Children are not taught merely to memorize information. They are given concrete experiences that help
them develop deep understanding and genuine curiosity. When that understanding begins to appear naturally in everyday life, meaningful learning has taken place.
Looking Ahead to Kindergarten
Perhaps the most touching part of our conversation came when the parent spoke about their daughter’s upcoming transition to kindergarten. As graduation approaches and their daughter prepares to begin public school, the parent expressed both excitement and concern.
They are proud of the confident, thoughtful, caring, and capable young girl she has become. At the same time, they hope the positive growth they have witnessed continues as she moves on to the next chapter of her education. As educators, there is perhaps no greater compliment.
What Children Really Learn in Preschool
Our goal has never been simply to prepare children academically for kindergarten. We hope to help children become confident learners, compassionate friends, respectful community
members, and thoughtful human beings.
Academic skills open doors, but qualities such as kindness, empathy, confidence, independence, and respect help children thrive throughout their lives. As we celebrate another graduating class, we are proud of the reading, writing, and mathematical understanding our children have developed.
Just as importantly, we are proud of the character they have built, the friendships they have formed, and the values they carry with them. Moments like this remind us that some of the most important lessons children learn in preschool are the lessons they will carry for the rest of their lives.
Interested in Learning More?
If you would like to see how children develop confidence, independence, academic readiness, and a strong sense of community, we invite you to visit our classrooms and experience Montessori learning in action.
Book a Tour and Discover the My World Difference
At My World Child Care Center and Montessori, we believe children learn best through hands-on play experiences that support healthy brain development, creativity, communication, and social skills — principles also encouraged by trusted local pediatric providers such as Colonia Pediatrics