International Festival

My family likes to tease me about how often I speak or write of being "inspired", but I embrace it with open arms because I am truly blessed to find myself inspired by things I experience, read, hear or see.

When I contemplate the evolution of Montessori education and reflect on the written words of Dr. Maria Montessori, I believe she was also inspired by things she experienced, read, heard or saw.  Not only was she inspired, but I believe she took this inspiration and made it her "life's work".  Not only was she an educated scientist and a gifted observer, but she was very spiritual and wrote extensively about human development.  She wrote often about children and their ability to affect social change and hope for the future of mankind and our world.  Below are just a few quotes of many, from Maria Montessori's extensive writings.


“All humanity that works for the common good, even though it may be unaware of it, is creating the new world that must be the world of peace.”


“Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul."

“Human consciousness comes into the world as a flaming ball of imagination.  Everything invented by man, physical or mental, is the fruit of someone’s imagination.”  


Sun Grove Montessori School recently held a Second Annual International Festival at the Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful diversity represented not only by our school families but our community at large.  I noticed the smiles from our youngest attendees who may have only been weeks old and the smiles from grandparents.  I saw children and adults come together to help others in big and small ways.  I noticed the exquisite beauty of the gardens, the gorgeous weather, and the beauty of the people that came together.  I'm sure those who know me best will smile or laugh, but I will admit that I was inspired!  

Let's continue that spirit of diversity, appreciation and love for others, creativity and imagination, and work for the common good . . .

Work. . .

I am fresh from another "Work Day" at Sun Grove Montessori School and it never ceases to amaze me how gathering for a common purpose can bring people together.  There is a certain bond that comes from not only gathering, but laboring together.

Over the years I've come to appreciate all the different types of adult volunteers.  We require 20 hours of annual service from each family so many are working for those hours, but I am particularly struck by how many grandparents and extended family members participate.  I also hear time and time again that people feel community work like this is a rare occurrence.

While working there are always volunteers who see what needs to be done and quietly do it.  There are others who look for direction and gladly go where needed.  Some bring special energy and enthusiasm that motivates when things get difficult and then there are those move back and forth between roles.

Every person with their own talents and gifts make the work a bit more tolerable and I can't help but relate this to the larger goals as we role model and teach our children.  That working together is sometimes better than working alone.  While everyone doesn't contribute the same thing or in the same way, everyone contributes.  That sometimes the best laid plans need flexibility.  That there is satisfaction in working for the greater good and in a job well done!

This type of work allows us to keep tuition down and I am really glad that work days are part of our school culture.  On this particular work day we had parents, grandparents, an aunt, and an alumni who attended Sun Grove Montessori School many years ago.  If it weren't for the work, sweat and labor of those who came before and had the vision, Sun Grove Montessori School might not be here today!