April 2019 Classroom Updates
The Owls and Otters are deep into their studies of Thailand. The children have taken an imaginary flight to Thailand and are learning about the culture, art, food, and climate. Carol and Virginia Watkins (Sebastian's grandmother and mom) visited to talk about their trip to Thailand and shared stories, pictures, and souvenirs…
March 2018 Classroom Update
The Otter class has fresh, homemade play dough and new sidewalk chalk. They have enjoyed a lot of outdoor playtime. In the classroom, they have been practicing making and eating PB&J sandwiches. The students use the sandwich making to work on their problem solving skills and their hand-eye coordination…
Planting Seeds
After winter break, the children and teachers are all excited to be back at school, in our space, and re-connecting. The children are wearing smiles, greeting one another, and offering hugs. There are exciting stories about what happened during the break as well as remembering shared activities. The teachers are treasuring these moments and share in the joy of the children reuniting…
January 2018 Classroom Updates
The Otters have increased their focus on handcrafts, an excellent use of time indoors during the winter. The children have made cuff bracelets and pillows. They are working on their button-sewing technique. During the “arctic blast,” the Otters studied liquid and solids by freezing ice ornaments outside…
Ask the Girl
My son is four. He’s known for a lot of things—his boundless energy, his enthusiasm for life and the people he loves, his adventurous spirit and the way he wakes up ready to attack the day with gusto. But self-control? Yeah, he’s not known for that. Impulse-control? Not his strong suit. A gentle, tentative, approach to life? Not my kid…
Parent and Teacher Conferences
It is finally that time of year! This time of year offers an opportunity for the Owl class to take a deep breath and realize that the school year is in full swing and to relax into it. For the teachers, it is also a time to trust that there are still plenty more hours and days for all of the teaching that feels so vital and crucial to happen…
The Capacity to be Kind
I believe that everyone has the capacity to be kind. When working with some of my toughest students in wilderness therapy, this belief may have been momentarily challenged, but in the end I was amazed at how often, when given the chance, individuals will choose to be kind…
It Takes a Village
Many times I have heard the proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child." I have often reflected on that concept and agreed. There are many times when parents and friends help in ways such as driving a child to school or an activity, child care when family members have meetings or unexpected work needs, sharing of clothing items, or materials for backpacking…
Peace Talks in the Owl Class
“YOU GRABBED THAT FROM ME!” I heard my young student say. She was working with another student on a solar system puzzle, and had her eyes on the piece that would complete Saturn. Many preschool conflicts begin this way: a reaction to the perceived transgressions of another…
Exercising "Disappointment Muscles"
A great amount of time is invested in designing the layout of a classroom, particularly in a Montessori prepared environment. How close are the Art materials to a sink? What about the Practical Life materials that often include liquid for the children to practice and perfect their pouring skills? Where is the more calm and quiet space that supports the ideas and practices of the Peace Table as well as the Library? Where is the space that can accommodate the whole class for Gathering Time?
Community in the Owl Class
When considering the Owl class, often the word community comes to mind. The children in their growing are not only learning about themselves as individuals but also about themselves as members of a community. They are very aware of one another and their surroundings…