The Montessori Message

The Montessori Message

Monthly Archives: March 2015

Hosting Friends

19 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Montessori Education, Wilmington Montessori School

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American Montessori Society, AMS, Maria Montessori, montessori, Montessori education, Wilmington Montessori, Wilmington Montessori School

American Montessori Society school visit 2015Last week, Wilmington Montessori School had the honor of hosting a school tour for Montessorians from all over the world. We had people at our school from many of the 50 states in the U.S. as well as from Dubai, China, Brazil, Canada and Nigeria. It was an honor to have the American Montessori Society choose WMS as a school tour site during their conference in Philadelphia.

As our visitors toured the school they noticed everything, from our welcoming lobby to our beautifully stocked classrooms. They took pictures, notes and engaged in questions about every aspect of the school. These are people who are all working to do what we do—to provide an engaging environment in which children are able to learn and grow.

This visit reminded us of what a gem we have at WMS—a beautiful 25-acre campus, a spacious and well-tended facility, and a school where families, children and staff come together as a caring community. The visitors appreciated us in ways we had forgotten to see. It was a great way to begin spring and the renewal it brings—to see ourselves through someone else’s eyes. WMS is a spectacular place for children. Inviting others in who are looking for ways to improve their own schools gave us the treat of recalling what a treasure we have right here.

The Stories that Connect Us

12 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Montessori Education, Wilmington Montessori School

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arts, arts integration, hands-on learning, montessori, Montessori education, music, percussion, story-telling, tony vacca, video, Wilmington Montessori, Wilmington Montessori School

Their story, yours and mine—it’s what we all carry with us on this trip we take, and we owe it to each other to respect our stories and learn from them.
– William Carlos Williams

Why do we need the arts in education? What do the arts do for us?

This week we had occasion to enjoy a visiting percussion artist, Tony Vacca. His “job” as our artist in residence was to introduce percussion to our students, giving them an opportunity to play and explore the many instruments he shared. What he did was much more. He created enthusiasm and energy about this art form.

He let children and adults explore the instruments, and have the joyful experience of playing them and learning the stories behind the music. Stories connect us. They help us learn about the diverse world in which we live. This week we experienced stories through instruments and music. We heard Tony Vacca as he told us the arts—adornment and music—preceded language and numeracy. As we further our arts initiative at Wilmington Montessori School the stories we share will be many.

“It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story.”
– Native American saying

Let the story go on.

“How are you smart?”

09 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Wilmington Montessori School

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Howard Gardner, maker space, maker studio, montessori, Montessori education, multiple intelligences, STEAM, upper elementary

“It’s not how smart you are, it’s how you are smart.” Howard Gardner

multiple intelligencesHow are you smart? That is a question that was asked to the 9-12 students at Wilmington Montessori School last week during their first lesson in the Elementary Maker Studio. Gathered in a circle, they eagerly raised their hands to share their “smarts.”  The children were learning about Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. They considered the things they like, those they are good at and what comes to them a little less easily.

Learning about multiple intelligences allows children to begin to understand who they are as learners and as people. It opens the door to an appreciation of themselves as individuals at a time when they are building their identity. This exploration of self and of “smarts” is another building block in the strong foundation of a WMS education. How are you smart?

21st-Century Skills (Part 8)

02 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Montessori Education, Teachers, Wilmington Montessori School

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21st-century, 21st-century skills, artistry, arts, creativity, engaged learners, hands-on learning, innovation, montessori, self-expression, STEAM, teachers, Wilmington Montessori, Wilmington Montessori School

Toddler Maker Faire18Creativity, Artistry, Imagination, Innovation, Personal Expression

As we wind up this series on 21st-century learning, it is time to consider the skills at the forefront of discussion when most people think about this topic – the goals of innovation and creativity. Employers want them, and schools work hard to “teach” these skills. Montessori education leads the way in this respect. At WMS, classrooms are set up to allow personal expression to flourish and creative experiences abound. Learning is student directed, not teacher directed.

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