2012 Montessori Foundation Conference

We were fortunate to send a few Sun Grove Montessori School administrators, staff and our middle school students to a recent Montessori Foundation Conference in Sarasota.

There were workshops, keynote speakers and a documentary to inspire and educate.  We all felt we  experienced elements that will make us better leaders, guides and more effective in our work with children.  It was also a nice opportunity to meet and share with others who have dedicated their lives to children and the best of Montessori education.

The conference organizers also offer a unique invitation to those who have secondary students.  In the spirit of nurturing leadership and collaboration there is an open invitation for the these students to attend the conference at no cost.  They help facilitate connections with other groups and they give suggestions for workshops the students may enjoy.  Because of scheduling conflicts we were not able to join other students in a special showing and discussion for the documentary "A Race to Nowhere" but our students were able to view it during the Keynote presentation.  

They were asked if they would share about their experience to be published in "Tomorrow's Child" and they graciously did.  I thought it would be nice to share the experience from their collaborative prospective.  It follows this introduction . . . 

After being in the car for three hours we finally arrived at the hotel. When we were walking towards the entrance the first thing that caught our eye was the water wall.  When we walked inside there was a big glass window with a view of the amazing pool and the Sarasota Bay.  We were even more excited when we got to our rooms and saw the great view from the rooms.  After we unpacked and explored a little we went down stairs to our first workshop, Action Socialization with Joel Wilkenson.  This was our favorite workshop during the IMC conference because the leader was really nice and we got to interact with other Montessori Middle School students from Oklahoma. 

                When our workshop was finished, we headed down to the pool with the Oklahomans for a nice swim. It was amazing!  The pool and hot tub both had waterfalls pouring into them.  We had so much fun running back and forth between the hot tub and pool that we lost track of time and swam for hours.  Once we had finished swimming we changed out of our bathing suits, and walked to a nearby Italian café, where we had delicious pizza.  When we got back to the hotel we said goodbye to the Oklahomans and went up to our hotel rooms.

                The next and final day we were there we woke up fairly early and went to the lobby where we met up with the Oklahoma students.  We also met some students and faculty from a nearby school, New Gate.  The people from New Gate took us downtown and gave us a short historical tour.  We walked through the farmer’s market, where we got some delicious lemonade and watched a group of kids from a drum academy.  Before we knew it we ended up at the circus themed chalk festival.  The artwork was incredible!  Our favorite piece of chalk art was a 3D optical illusion, where it looked like a man was coming out of the ground.  Along the way a couple of magicians caught our eye, we had actually stood there trying to figure out their tricks for forty-five minutes.  Before we left we got to see some lions, white tigers, regular tigers, and ligers.

                On the way back we stopped by a park near the water.  We saw a really cool sculpture of “Olympic Wannabes”.  In the park there was a tiki bar, where we had lunch with the Oklahomans.  Our day was slowly coming to an end, and the only thing we had left was more of the IMC conference.  We went and saw a video called “Race to Nowhere”.  The last workshop we went to was where we learned how to use the Weebly website.  After that we reluctantly packed our bags and headed to the car, and headed home. 

“My favorite part was the pool, where we got to swim for hours.”  -Cristian (student)

“I thought it was cool to meet other middle school Montessori students.” –Veronica (student)

“The downtown area was amazing!” –Kaylee (student)

“I absolutely loved the chalk festival.” –Emma (student)

“I think the movie portrayed a really good message.” –Bradley (student)

Adolescents as Leaders

I am inspired daily by things I observe at Sun Grove Montessori School, and obviously I was inspired to write about this one.  

As many Montessori programs do, our students brainstorm plans for "micro economies" or small business ventures that are designed to provide a service and/or raise funds.  This year they embraced the breakfast shop that was passed on to them by the orginal founders of the program and this business is open and running the majority of the school year.  They studied local menus, food costs and history to design a new menu, set costs and get the word out to customers as they prepared to open for business ("Wake up Montessori" is currently open T-W-TH from 7:45 am - 8:15 am).

In addition, with the support of adult guides, the students brainstormed and researched additional ideas for serving the student and parent community.  They decided to offer regular movie nights where children can come to have fun and caregivers can have time to themselves.  They also decided to offer homemade meals for take out.

This is a vital part of their curriculum and they are fortunate to have parents who value these activities and understand the important life skills they teach.  These skills may not be testable on the FCAT or SAT but they are crucial for these students as they prepare for highschool and the larger responsibities in the near future.  The skills they are practicing and mastering are numerous; leadership, teamwork, planning, problem solving, time management, oral and written communications, marketing, mathematical computation, customer service, grace and courtesy, safety, cleanliness, food preparation, measurement, accountability, finances and so much more.

These students were also gifted with the opportunity to extend this life lesson even further because of the generousity of David Kruse with A/C Doctors.  He proposed a donation which would not only support the middle school students in their business venture, but would provide meals for families in need.  With Mr. Kruse's donation, the students were not only able to receive a generous gift, but they were able to experience the feeling that comes with giving to those in need.

When stories in the news and the stresses of daily life wear on so many of us, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share this true story of inspiration.

AMS 2013 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida | American Montessori Society

AMS 2013 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida | American Montessori Society

MontessoriSeeds: Cosmic Education

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Personal Reflections

As I reflect on this past school year, I smile as I remember each individual child's presence and their unique personalities, talents and interests.  I take a long deep breath absorbing my first year as Director of Academics which taught me so much and will continue to for years to come. I experience a deep feeling of gratitude when I remember staff members who selflessly gave time and energy above and beyond.  I also admire all the parents who gave of themselves in small and large ways to make this year a little bit better for everyone.

I look forward to many more years of creating new experiences and memories with all of the children and families at Sun Grove Montessori School.

Please help me spread the word about the best kept secret in Fort Pierce, Port Saint Lucie and the Treasure Coast!  Sun Grove Montessori School!

To learn more about a Montessori education visit http://www.montessori-science.org/montessori_science_articles.htm.

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Middle School Ropes & Tree Climbing Adventure

In the fall it is a tradition for our middle school group to go on a 2-3 night adventure to promote bonding and teamwork.  This year our group visited Common Ground Adventures and it was awesome!  Here are a few pictures to enjoy.

Chickens & Life Lessons

Our primary classroom is lucky enough to be incubating chicken eggs.  We are fortunate to have parents who run an organic, free range chicken farm and they are assisting our children in experiencing the wonder of life first hand. The eggs are in an incubator which keeps them warm and turns them every so often.  The children can observe through a microscope and in just a few more weeks they will witness the miracle of life!

As I saw them gather together to meet two visiting hens last week, I couldn't help thinking that this is what true learning is about.  Maria Montessori wrote often of the need for the young child to experience things first hand. Yes, they could read a book about the life cycle of chick or they could see the process in a movie or on a computer, but nothing can replace this real life experience they are a part of.  It won't be a fleeting memory or forgotten in a few days.  It will be a long lasting experience that I suspect will be them for the remainder of their lives.

I see this type of learning at every level of our school and I'm so grateful for it.  It happens when the children go out in nature to gather flowers to study the parts.  It happens when they care for their environment and learn to clean or to repair something that breaks.  It happens when they make a food list and prepare a meal.  It happens when they plant and then harvest their fruits and vegetables.  It happens when they run a business and learn to market, track sales and profit.  It happens when they care for friend who has been hurt.  It is one of the greatest gifts we offer . . . 

Montessori Practical Life

As I reflect on a recent camping trip with Montessori Middle School students, I appreciate the value of a Montessori education that is rich in "Practical Life" skills.

I have memories of defending this part of the curriculum when parents of 5 year old children would question why their child was still working in this area of the classroom.  I sensed a fear that the highly attractive practical life area, would prevent their children from working with the "academic" lessons.  I would be sure to explain how this area of the curriculum was designed to build focus, concentration and independence, but for some I sensed the worry remained.  Isn't focus, concentration and independence the key for all further work?!

As Montessori children progress through the older ages, practical life remains an important area of the curriculum.  It looks different for the older child, however, the goals remain the same.

This week I was fortunate enough to accompany the Barbara Scott Montessori Middle School students on a 3 day, 2 night camping trip.  In the planning process, the students researched the campground, prepared a budget based on travel, gas, meals, & activities. They created an itinerary and presented their proposal to their classmates, teachers, administration and parents.

Preparing for the trip, students packed the vehicles and secured bikes on a trailer.  They unpacked and set up their own tents, built fires using charcoal and wood, cooked a myriad of meals, kayaked, hiked, biked, and fished.  Every effort and activity requiring planning, skill, cooperation and teamwork.

It was an honor to observe these young adolescents participating in their Montessori practical life activity.  

The Three Period Lesson

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Three-Period-Lessons-Aid-Sensory-Development.html?soid=1102658088044&aid=3oEXuXcuEcw

Our New Blog

Welcome to Sun Grove Montessori School's new blog site.  This is our first post and we hope to add more as we continue learning and growing in this new age of "social media".  Please be sure to let us know if you have suggestions or topics you would like covered.  We are hoping to have fun and provide insights for curious minds . . .