While assisting in the classroom this afternoon, I had the opportunity to observe a few students hard at work. They had completely put together a puzzle up-side down, from memory. I asked them what their strategy was, and they simply replied, “we just place the pieces that fit together.” This is a true example of Montessori students hard at work, finding variations and challenging ways to complete a work that’s been done many times before. A camera-worthy moment if I’ve ever seen one.
Tag Archives: Friends
Splash Day Fun!
What better way to welcome the new season of summer, than to celebrate with a fun Splash Day!
Our friends enjoyed a variety of water activities including a large inflatable water slide, water tables, sprinklers, and other toys to explore and have fun with. This is how we beat the heat at HBMH!
Summer Camp at HBMH: Gardening
“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” – Thomas Berry
We kicked off summer camp with an exciting and hands-on gardening theme, which of course, went successfully!
Over the past few weeks, we have been studying gardening. Our Apple classroom conducted a lima bean experiment to see how the bean sprouts and grows. Try it at home to see how big your bean will sprout!
We also pin-pricked various flower patterns, placing them on our wall-garden.
We’ve also been participating in plenty of garden care through watering the soil and harvesting the fresh vegetables and herbs.
Our students officially have green thumbs!Next week’s summer camp theme “United States of America”, is sure to be just as exciting!
Happy Gardening!
Photo of the Day: Pizza
Enjoying a pizza party under the gazebo with friends, on this beautiful Friday afternoon.
On the menu for today: tasty cheese pizza, organic milk, and refreshing watermelon…yum!
The Art of Table Setting
Today, I had the opportunity to witness a few of our primary community members prepare the tables for lunch. Although they carried out this work flawlessly, it did seem quite challenging. They are required to take one item at a time, carrying it from the cabinet to the table, which can take several minutes. It truly did resemble a form of art, placing each item carefully on the table in the correct order.
What impressed me most was the dialogue that was shared between our two, pre-selected lunch helpers.
“Can you help me tie my apron, please?”
“Here, you lay out the napkins while I do the spoons.”
“We need to get the water from the refrigerator, but I need your help.”
“Would you hand me the napkin?”
I enjoyed hearing these two young people interact and collaborate with one another. It was truly delightful! They found pure joy in the work they were doing, and carried themselves in such a way that they knew this was important and purposeful work.
Not once did I see the guides intervene because it was simply not necessary. She didn’t step in to correct their errors, or straighten a napkin that was slightly offset. The task was carried out in full by the two friends, who relied on one another for help.
Setting the table can be defined by many adults as a “chore”, but for a child, it is a purposeful, meaningful, and fulfilling work that stimulates all of their senses. Through this work, they enhance their concentration as they focus on each minor detail, self-control as they learn to carry one item at a time, critical thinking through exploring and manipulating different styles of place setting, collaboration, delegation, and leadership skills, care of environment and care of others, and they develop a healthy self-image because the work is real and necessary. And because of this, we cannot call it a “chore” since it is joyful, purposeful work. Just like an artist carefully and meticulously paints or sculpts his masterpiece, so do our children carefully and meticulously complete their work.
They understand that this is important work, and gain self-confidence as they see the outcome of their efforts; a room full of happy children eating and socializing in a well prepared environment.
Video of the Day: Plant Watering
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our Primary Friends!
We made fun St. Patrick’s Day hats to celebrate the occasion. We also pin-pricked shapes and glued them onto the hats to add an extra special touch!
Photo of the Day: Helping Hands
Friends help friends when they are in need!
Countdown to Thanksgiving: We’re Most Thankful For…
Even on these cold days when the weather seems “gloomy”, we’re extremely thankful for the opportunity to play outside! The weather may be slightly gray, but we make the most of it. Our friends spent the afternoon collecting autumn leaves, running … Continue reading
Countdown to International Day of Peace
In honor of International Day of Peace this Sunday, September 21, we’ll be highlighting a few ways that our children display peace in the classroom, and our community.
A hug shared between two of our infant community members.
Healthy Beginnings Montessori 