(630)553-4263
February 2007
Public Radio Interview
Here is a link to a radio show about Montessori that was on NPR radio in Wisconsin. You can play it from NPR's page.
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Wednesday 1/10/2007 5:00 PM |
 At Issue with Ben Merens - 01/10M Do you know what George Clooney, Julia Child, and Prince William have in common? All of them went to Montessori schools. After five, Ben Merens and his guest discuss how to raise a child the Montessori way. Guest: Timothy Seldin, president of the Montessori Foundation, and author of "How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way" (DK Publishing) |
An After School Walk
Since the temperatures finally were in the upper 30's and lower 40's, we finally got to go out for a nature adventure in our after school science program. It was really fun to see the animal tracks left in the snow. We also saw some cocoons out in the meadow and listened to the birds chirping by the creek.
Valentine's Day
Here are some photos of our students enjoying some special Valentine activities. We did sponge painting, bead work, and marble painting. Everyone enjoyed the fun day with friends.
Enjoying a the indoors on a snowy day . . .
It's too cold to go outside to play today (7 degrees) but we are sure enjoying the view out the windows. The birds look beautiful against the new white snow. Today the Juncos and Cardinals are really enjoying our birdfeeders. Here are some photos of the views around Peaceful Pathways.
Botany Lesson
Today a group of children "discovered" the botany cabinet in our classroom. Here is a group having a discussion about the different types of trees that grow in our area and the shapes of the leaves they have.
A Visitor is Living in Our Classroom
We have been "gecko sitting" for Ms. Shawna's brother the past two weeks. We have watched the gecko eat crickets and learned that geckos sleep during the day. Today was an exception! The gecko started shedding his skin so he was awake and moving all afternoon. We watched how he rubbed on the rocks to loosen the skin. It has been a lot of fun having our reptile friend visit!
Metal Insets
The child in a Montessori classroom learns to control a pencil by filling in outlines- an activity which does not weary her because she enjoys it. To make the outline, she uses equipment known as the Metal Insets. Each inset represents a different geometric shape. After selecting a figure and tracing it on paper, the child fills in the outline with a colored pencil of her own choosing.
At first her strokes are erratic and often extend beyond the outline. By degrees they become more accurate and uniform. Progress in muscular control can be noted by comparing the child's designs from week to week and year to year. Eventually she makes more intricate designs by superimposing two or three other shapes on the original figure. When colored, this effort resembles a stained glass window. -A Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom by Aline D. Wolf
Below is a photo story of one of our students using the metal insets.
Hooray for Snow
It snowed over the weekend so we got to enjoy playing and sledding in the snow! Here are some photos of our time outside.
Feeling the Stresses of Being a Parent? Attend our Peaceful Parenting: A License to Parent Workshop
Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Peaceful Pathways Montessori ; 9:30-4:30
Dear Fellow Parents:
I would like to take a moment to tell you about an opportunity that Peaceful
Pathways Montessori has for you.
Do you feel the stresses of being a parent? Do you get frustrated with your
child? Do you wish you had some peaceful solutions to discipline your child? If
you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you should attend Peaceful
Pathways Montessori's Peaceful Parenting: A License to Parent
seminar on Saturday, March 10 from 9:30 -4:30. I am the mother of two daughters.
Several summers ago I attended a Montessori training seminar at MECA-Seton
Montessori Training Center in Clarendon Hills. I was intrigued as I listened to
a woman named Susan Tracy, M.Ed. talk about peaceful solutions to use with
children for both home and school discipline. I was very skeptical of some of
the techniques she offered.
One night after getting home from training, I was talking with my husband during
dinner and as we were talking our children (ages 2 and 3) started banging their
sippy cups on the table over and over. My husband gave me a questioning look -
wondering how this behavior should be tackled in a "peaceful way". I fought the
urge to raise my voice and just thought a minute. I whispered to the girls to
watch me and once I had their attention I proceeded to follow Ms. Tracy's
advice. It was amazing! My husband couldn't believe his eyes. Our children have
not used their cups to bang on the table again (they are 7 and 8 now)! I didn't
even yell or nag at them. I knew more parents needed to hear Ms. Tracy's
message. Peaceful Pathways Montessori has invited Susan Tracy, M.Ed. to come
share her tips and teach parents in our school and community how to use
Montessori methods to create peace at home. What an amazing opportunity for us
all!
Tickets are available online at www.LTPEC.org or by calling Peaceful Pathways
Montessori at 630-553-4263. Come find out what peaceful parenting is all about.
You will not want to miss this opportunity. Having a home that is peaceful is
priceless. I hope to see you there. Seats are limited. The general public is invited to
attend with a cost of $75 (for one or both parents).
Blessings, Shawna Watkins