A kind, gentle North Austin community school
Every August, after weeks of preparation by our wonderful teachers, we welcome returning students back to school. They return to a classroom with many of the materials they know well from last year, and some new stuff to spice up. And so they did return last week. After weeks of preparation it’s so refreshing to […]
Springtime is such a wonderful time of year – on the playground and inside our classroom.
Today may be Valentine’s Day, but we’ve been talking about it for several days already and no doubt it will last into next week. Here is a glimpse are saying and doing this week…
Thought we’d stop by to share what’s been happening at Antonia’s art table (and easel) the last few months… Back in August and September, art was often outside in the shade. As the kids concentration improved and they got used working with a variety of media their work got more complicated, including sculptures and our Christmas […]
We had so much fun making our Jack-O-Lanterns this morning! It definitely takes a village of varied talents to accomplish carving 7 pumpkins in one morning. Above all, you need an amazing parent community. Many thanks to the two parents who were able to help. Their patience and organization made it all possible. It takes […]
The sun has set on another wonderful weekend together in nature. Those who know us know that we love the outdoors. From time to time we get the opportunity to extend that beyond our playground and birthday parties and go camping! Besides just enjoying the beauty of the central Texas outdoors, our camping trips are […]
One of the most-cited phrases used about a Montessori education is “follow the child.” So, just how much do we actually do that? And, how is that even safe? We Montessorians often speak of independence. We want the child to be able to choose what she or he wants to do. But, of course, we […]
our students have been asking about the rain, where it comes from, where it goes. And why it’s now gone?!?
As we move around our playground, we keep finding math lessons! Dr Montessori observed that “Children display a universal love of mathematics,” and we have definitely found that this spring. From simple quests like “go find five different leaves” to doing impromptu lessons with wood cookies and sticks (at right, and above) Of course, we […]
All year long, we’ve been expanding our outdoor classroom, and this month was no exception. We’ve brought outside a full compliment of Practical Life materials for kids of all ages. These activities, such as pouring water, spooning rice, watering the flowers and sweeping (both practice and actual) are things that we do every day. These […]
“But what do humans do?” Khuloud asked during today’s lunchtime discussion about the sun and trees and what they “do.” After a moment to reflect, a 5-year-old responded “To not pollute the Earth!” Dr Maria Montessori spoke often of a Cosmic Education. She believed that we are all one, that the whole planet–plants, rocks, animals, […]
Monday might be his holiday, but today MLK would have turned 92. In honor of this event, and so that our young students might be aware of why Monday is a holiday, this morning we read a book about him, Martin’s Big Words (by Rappaport and Collier). (Note: for our ages, the story is abridged, […]