Observation is a particularly important part of the learning process. Children (and adults!) of all ages benefit from taking time to observe. Nature, social interactions, and the work being done around them all provide opportunities for observation. In the Atrium, time to observe is most important for the youngest child because, according to Dr. Montessori, […]
Monday was an exciting day here In our house! The children have been listening to stories the past few weeks about Caterpillars and butterflies not knowing that they would soon be seeing first hand how the life cycle of a Butterfly works! We gathered at group on Monday morning, I had a new butterfly book and a
Butterfly Life Cycle Read More »
Children busy at work… Researching St. Joan of Arc in order to add to a set of short reports on a variety of saints of personal interest. Drawing and labeling the items of the altar. Researching and recording personal and world events of the past century to ponder in light of God’s Plan. Creating a
E2 / Level III Atrium Read More »
This past week the Level II (E1) and 3rd/4th grade children had their first opportunities to plan the communal prayer time held at the conclusion of our Atrium session. The oldest children in the Atrium were asked to plan prayer around the Gospel passage John 15:5. They chose opening and closing songs and wrote petitions
Planning Communal Prayer: The True Vine Read More »
At the beginning of each year we take time in the Atrium to lift up and honor the great gift of The Holy Bible. In Children’s House (Level I), the children carry the Word of God in a procession. Then we listen to John 8:12: “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light
The Enthronement of the Bible Read More »
On Friday, September 7th, nine middle schools students ventured into Bunker Park for a quest of learning. They read maps, noticed cattails, leaves, grasshoppers, and types of trees and they also noticed a big chart sticking out of their guide’s backpack. After voyaging to a shelter to eat their rations for lunch, their guide told
Hiking and the Story of Life Read More »
My child came home talking about a “Grace and Courtesy lesson,” what in the world is this!? A note on Grace and Courtesy lessons… Grace and Courtesy lessons are important and necessary for the environment of Children’s House. Grace and Courtesy lessons help establish the harmonious and cooperative environment. Oftentimes we expect children to know
Grace and Courtesy Read More »
As the month gets underway, I am continually amazed at the beauty in the manner the children speak and care for one another. The Lesson’s of Grace and Courtesy guide their work and build their community. I am confident your child is tired when he or she arrives home at the end of their day by nature
Grace and Courtesy Read More »
The children entered the Children’s House prepared environment together for a week of learning the Preliminary works which directly prepare them for the presentations of the Montessori materials. The preliminary works are familiar to the child yet they guide the child to a deeper sense of work. These works aide the child in establishing an external order and invite
The Montessori Phase In Read More »
The elementary (Levels II and III) children also began their time in the Atrium last week! We began with a review of how the Atrium is different from other learning environments and also how it is different from the Church. Then we spent time talking about how to “live well” in this space together. Finally,
Elementary Atrium Begins Read More »
