Grow Montessori School

Last day of school picnic and teacher appreciation week. A joyful, gratitude-filled month of May to close out a wonderful year!

We love our Grow community 💚

She repeated tracing this letter for at least 10 minutes. You should have seen what the chalkboard looked like when she was finished!

Normally, I would have stepped away after presenting the work, but her concentration was so deep I was afraid to move and I sat there frozen the entire time... although I think she was so focused she was no longer even aware of my presence!

"She had been absorbed in concentration such that her ego had withdrawn itself from reach of any external stimulus. That concentration was accompanied by the rhythmic movement of the hands..."

- Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood, p. 125

Our first cultural celebration in North America- this semester we went to Haiti! 🇭🇹

Throughout April, the Primary children explored the rich history and culture of Haiti. On Friday, they had the opportunity to experience Haitian culture through all their senses, engaging with its art, music, food, and more! The children painted Haitian carnival masks, pressed and tasted fresh sugarcane, made their own map of Haiti, marched in a Rara parade while playing musical instruments, and crafted conch-shell bracelets to celebrate the freedom, tenacity, and spirit of the Haitian people.

It was a joyful and immersive experience, and it was inspiring to see their curiosity and excitement as they learned what makes Haiti unique!

We are especially grateful to Zeke's Kitchen & Bar for generously donating an authentic Haitian feast, including djon djon rice, griot, and plantains. Thank you, Zeke’s, for your delicious contribution to our celebration!

Thank you also to our incredible Grow community and all the parents who helped make this event a success for our children- whether by running activity stations, facilitating and cleaning up the feast, transforming our classroom into a festive Caribbean space, or donating materials.

A special thank you goes to our Haitian family for proposing back in November that we celebrate Haiti for the spring cultural event. We truly appreciate your leading the planning and executing of this event as well as all of your hands-on participation. Your coming in the week before to talk about Haiti, present Haitian artwork, and cook soup joumou with the children really made an impact on them. Freedom soup isn't just about a meal, but the its significance to the Haitian people, and a powerful reminder of the Haitian people's stand for independence and their rights- an important lesson to impart to our children. You really brought this experience to life, and we are incredibly grateful for your sharing your expertise, your culture, and your great love for Haiti with us!

Mèsi anpil to everyone involved. We are deeply grateful for your support in helping our students grow as citizens of the world!

Mèsi anpil to Zeke's Kitchen & Bar for generously catering and donating djon djon rice, griot, and plantains for our Haiti Cultural Celebration! Thank you for sharing a taste of Haiti with us and helping make the day so special. We’re deeply grateful for your support!

Beautiful day for our spring planting last week! 🙂

Thank you to all the families who came to our Parent Soirée on Friday! It was wonderful having so many parents come and show support.

The children were so excited to share their classroom, their lessons, and their accomplishments with you, and it was clear to see their pride in showing you all they have learned and all they can do 🙂

“Sometimes very small children in a proper environment develop a skill and exactness in their work that can only surprise us.”

- Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood

Color and print sorting in the Toddler classroom!

"Even though I have studied this question for a long time, I am continually surprised. I understand more and more how advanced and able small children can be."
- Maria Montessori

How does Montessori build executive functioning skills?

We’ve all heard these buzzwords… but what do they mean? What does this look like in everyday practice in a Montessori classroom?

Full article here: https://www.public-montessori.org/montessori-and-executive-function

Five ways to support executive function in your classroom - https://mailchi.mp/public-montessori.org/leaders-and-coaches-observe-coach-inspire-13362606

Sometimes, your Montessori training albums say a lesson is for 4 years and older. But sometimes, you have a dexterous 3-year-old who is REALLY intent on making flower arrangements :)

"The concept of an education centered upon the care of the living being alters all previous ideas. Resting no longer on a curriculum, or a timetable, education must conform to the facts of human life."
- Maria Montessori

There's nothing like your own hand-squeezed fresh orange juice! :)

“Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence. ”

- Maria Montessori

We will be participating in Black Children's Book Week the last week in February- and every week!

Someone asked why people should celebrate . Here is what she had to say.

Expression you will hear in a Montessori classroom: "Addition Strip Board, here I come!"

- Olivia