Arts-Based Montessori Family Program
For Your Child
ART & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The arts advance learning in children and is proven to enhance neurological systems which include integrated sensory, attentional, cognitive, emotional, and motor capabilities. These are the driving forces for all other learning. Self-discipline, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure and emotional expression also all benefit according to voluminous research. At Columbia University, Judith Burton’s study of more than 2000 children found that “those in an arts curriculum were far superior in creative thinking, self-concept, problem solving, self-expression, risk taking and cooperation than those who were not (Burton et al., 1999).”
MONTESSORI FOUNDATIONS
Our Montessori based education nurtures your child’s life-long desire to learn by cultivating their whole development — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Your child is empowered to be a fully contributing member to their classroom, family, and community. The early childhood years are when children develop their beliefs about themselves, their attitudes toward learning, their understanding of the world around them, as well as their sense of success and self-esteem. Dr. Maria Montessori, visionary of modern children’s education, built these core understandings into the very foundation of her model.
NATURE EXPLORATION
Connecting children to the natural world in their early years is critical. Studies show this develops patience and quiet watchfulness, and increases imagination as they construct stories from natural objects. This is a cornerstone in The Studio Garden curriculum and classroom experience. We create consistent and meaningful experiences for children with nature and give opportunities for their adults to model respect for nature in class. This helps our students better explore an understand their place in the natural world within the caring context of their community.
ADULT SUPPORTED LEARNING
Studies from Harvard Family Research Project show that children who attended a preschool program in which a parent/loving adult joined their classroom learning performed better in Kindergarten, possessed a deeper bond, and had a more seamless connection between home and school. The Studio Garden supports parents as their child’s first and primary teacher. Children and parents learn and play together. These early educational moments give parents valuable insight into their child’s ideal learning style.
For Parents
CONNECT THROUGH LEARNING
We help you access what your child is learning in a way that cultivates you as a partner in their learning. Our rigorous and creative Montessori curriculum and materials are interactive and foster learning through relationship – parent and child, teacher and student, friends and classmates. This approach to learning not only develops your child intellectually but also socially and emotionally as well. Research has shown that children who experience joy in learning with a trusted adult are better problem solvers, creative thinkers, and have better neurological development.
CREATIVELY ENTER THEIR WORLD
We help you access what your child is learning in a way that cultivates you as a partner in their learning. Our rigorous and creative Montessori curriculum and materials are interactive and foster learning through relationship – parent and child, teacher and student, friends and classmates. This approach to learning not only develops your child intellectually but also socially and emotionally as well. Research has shown that children who experience joy in learning with a trusted adult are better problem solvers, creative thinkers, and have better neurological development.
NURTURE THEIR GROWTH
We help you access what your child is learning in a way that cultivates you as a partner in their learning. Our rigorous and creative Montessori curriculum and materials are interactive and foster learning through relationship – parent and child, teacher and student, friends and classmates. This approach to learning not only develops your child intellectually but also socially and emotionally as well. Research has shown that children who experience joy in learning with a trusted adult are better problem solvers, creative thinkers, and have better neurological development.
Meet our team
MICHELLE LAYTNER
Founder / Head Teacher
Michelle Laytner, M.A. in Arts Education, founded The Studio Garden because she believes every child should know that each day is an adventure; that they are an explorer of their outer and inner worlds; and that the tools of paint, musical instruments, and materials from nature are their gateways to unlock their unbridled potential. In her previous work with youth, Michelle founded a youth theater company and also came to work at Sesame Street (which she affectionately refers to as ‘The Mother Ship’) where she focused on the power of art to promote reconciliation through the special series for Northern Ireland and the Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian co-production.
KIA WOODS
Mentor / Guest Teacher
Kia Woods, Director. B.S., Elementary Education; M.A., Expressive Arts Therapy; Curriculum Designer, Music Educator and Resouce Teacher. Kia is an educator with over thirty years working with infant, toddler, preschool, elementary school, adolescent and adult education programs. Her focus has always been on creative potential, personal development and artistic expression. She is the author of Art & Soul, a training course on creativity.
ELIZABETH YODER
Music Curriculum Advisor
Elizabeth Yoder, PhD, has taught piano and voice to children and adults privately and through music schools for over 15 years. Since becoming a mother, she has become even more fascinated with the influence of music on children and their education. Elizabeth believes that an understanding of one’s potential in music can lead to greater understanding of one’s potential in other areas of life. Alongside her teaching schedule, Dr. Yoder maintains an active performance schedule, which allows her the chance to provide a fresh perspective for her students. Elizabeth continually learns from her students and is thrilled to pass along new ways to enjoy music.
Guest Class or Contact Us
If you would like to participate in a guest class or have any questions, please contact us using the form below. We look forward to welcoming you to The Studio Garden soon!
Latest Blog enries
Our Approach
The Studio Garden nurtures and seeks to maximize the learning potential of toddlers and preschoolers and support their development in the following ways. We have built our teaching around a rich and challenging arts-based Montessori curriculum. Doing the arts, in...
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Location
884 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10025
Phone number
+ 1 646 961-3507
michelle@thestudiogarden.com