Summer Break As I sit and contemplate this school year I have just returned from a breakfast in Paris (in the Primary building lobby). What a wonderful treat this Teacher Appreciation week has been. Walnut Farm has the most supportive and generous families. Thank you. The end of a school year is always bittersweet to […]
Primary Spring Newsletter Katie Pence Happy (almost) Summer! I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. We have all enjoyed watching your children grow this school year. As we get ready to part for the summer, here are some fun activities you can do with your children: 1. Have a picnic. Let your […]
Science in the Elementary Classroom Maria Montessori said, “Our experience with children in elementary schools has shown us that the age between six and twelve years is a period of life during which the elements of all sciences should be given. It is a period that, psychologically, is especially sensitive and might be called the […]
Transformation of a Toddler Teacher By Kendyll Murray, Toddler A Support Teacher This year has been an exciting growing experience for me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work toward receiving my Infant/Toddler Credential through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. I knew that I would learn more about the Montessori philosophy and […]
Independence and Relationship in a Montessori Classroom By Heather Gray This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week. The Walnut Farm Parent Association has been showering the staff and faculty with gifts from around the world. You may have seen the plans on the beautifully designed hand out; each day of the week was made special […]
Music Notes By Lynette Goss, Curriculum Specialist and Music Teacher Music is a great love in my life, so much so that I originally studied to be a music teacher before discovering the Montessori method. Lucky for me, I get to share both music and the Montessori method at Walnut Farm! In addition to my […]
The Purpose of the Outdoor Classroom By Tony Pusey, Outdoor Classroom Teacher Have you ever asked yourself, “What’s the purpose of an outdoor classroom? Isn’t it just a structured playground?” Or “Why is it important to your child’s learning here at Walnut Farm?” More importantly, “What benefits do my son or daughter gain from being […]
A Visit from Marta Donahoe By Heather Gray Teacher preparation, training, accreditation and continued professional development for the educator are at the foundation of an authentic Montessori classroom. Montessori’s vision of the teacher is multi-faceted, and, like the method itself, holistic in nature. The teacher is one who is at once “precise like that […]
Practicing Presence with Elementary Students By Mary Donahoe January takes its name from the Roman god Janus, the god of “gateways and beginnings.” It naturally follows that each New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect upon our past and explore the idea of endings and beginnings. What were the peaks and valleys? […]
Mindful Listening with the Toddlers By Whitney Kimbro, Head Teacher, Toddler A During our recent visit with Marta Donahoe, she spoke with us about being mindful listeners and how to communicate with one another. These are things we should work on with our toddlers as well, especially during this time when they are at such […]
