The elementary community gathered together the morning of September 9th to transform the remodeled rooms into rich and layered Montessori environments. Over 60 Parent volunteers and more than 20 student volunteers contributed to a hugely successful day moving in all the Montessori materials and furniture. In just 60 hours, our first phase of remodel was transformed into 8 Montessori environments ready for Elementary back to school night! The Montessori environment is the primary tool for our educational program, and we cannot thank enough each person who came to lighten the burden on September 9th!
This year is one of carefully planned growth for the elementary. In addition to welcoming new first and fourth year students to our community, the elementary program has added 7 experienced guides to the great river family, and 10 brilliant additional new staff to our program this year. We are so full of gratitude for the amazing attention, hard work, collaboration, and resourceful wisdom of our teachers, staff and supportive families and volunteers. This community truly is one that is built and grown renewed each year, as the seasons bring opportunities to build relationships with old friends, acquaintances and new people!
Below are some resources regarding Montessori philosophy and practice for you to go deeper into understanding what lies just beneath the shelves of inviting sensory materials.
Comparison model
How Montessori differs in its aims
https://amiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ami-usa-montessori-vs.-mainstream2.pdf
Montessori from a parent perspective
https://amshq.org/Montessori-Education/Introduction-to-Montessori
Separating/Letting Go
Stories highlighting the gift of letting go of our children at different stages
https://amiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/amiusa-the-greatest-love.pdf
Role of Parent
Useful resource for setting limits while giving choice at home
http://www.mariamontessori.com/2013/12/18/a-parents-role-how-it-differs-from-that-of-a-guide/
