Another Year

What a great school year we had!  I have only been off two days and I am already missing all the funny and thoughtful things the children say and, of course, all their hugs!  Here are the graduates and a few of their activities:  baking, writing, enjoying our feast together, celebrating birthdays, and visiting the elders.  They are a strong and self-assured group, more than ready to make the world a better place!

Preschool Pays Off

Today in the Minneapolis StarTribune there was an article on a study the University of MN did on preschool efficacy.  Again, as in other studies,  the importance of preschool to later adult success was noted.  It is obviously necessary to find a way to offer all children the opportunity to go to a quality preschool.  When these studies are coupled with the brain research studies that are mapping the young child's brain, the evidence points to a Montessori approach.  We have a responsibility as educators to find avenues that lead to at least the possibility of a Montessori early childhood experience for all children.  Here is a link to the article:  http://www.startribune.com/nation/123589354.html.

The Whole, Wide World

I wanted to share this with you to note my sister's work.  Years ago, after she returned from a Peace Corps assignment she made this scaled copy of the world.  While she was in Cameroon, she helped paint a larger version of it on the side of her village school.  It makes me happy to see this painting in our Casa.  It almost feels like the earth itself is looking over, protecting, and blessing our environment.  It also is a great reference tool and conversation starter.  What a very cool planet we live on.  That is my assistant of nine years with two of our children in the photo.

Sunnier Days

Being that it is "supposed" to be spring, we have been working on the flower in our Casa.  One of the children took this work a step further.  I have classified cards of the scientific names of flower shapes.  This child did watercolor renditions of the flowers and labeled them.  As much as it has rained this spring, this work brought a ray of sunshine to the day.

Back on the Farm

A few pictures say it all.  We had a great day out in the country.  The children saw, fed, touched and interacted with chickens, cows, sheep, lambs, HUGE dogs, pigs, and also cooked and planted seeds.  All in a day's work on the farm.

Empathy in Action

Last week, I overheard this conversation:  "I feel like nobody likes me, " states one girl.  "Why do you feel that way?" asks another.  "I don't know."  A third girl says, "It seems like you need a hug."  "Group hug!"  they exclaim.  Everyone then goes back to their work.  I don't care how many tests these girls score 100% on, or how many times they win sporting events--the perfection of this exchange tops all of that.  In its essence, this is how education prepares a child for life.

Still "Good at Doing Things"

I wanted to remind all of you of the wonderful resource we have in Dr. Steven Hughes.  As a pediatric neuropsychologist, he has special insight into what school environment is the best for children.  He became a huge proponent of the Montessori method as he noted that two facts:  how the method correlated to the actual stages of the development of the brain, and how a Montessori education emphasizes what parents, children and teachers find to be important for success in life.  Here is the recording of his entire talk.  It takes a while to get going, so be patient!  Check out his website, goodatdoingthings.com for other information.


Good at Doing Things: Montessori Education and Higher Order Cognitive Functions from Steve Hughes on Vimeo.