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.
