Category Archives: community service

It Takes A Village

02 Thursday Feb 2017

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ittakesavillage

About 20 years ago the phrase, “It takes a village,” was brought to the nation’s attention in a book written by Hillary Rodham Clinton. She did not author the phrase; instead it is believed to be an ancient African proverb, which translates to, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the past month, I’ve been reminded of this proverb many times over.

Maria Montessori has shared her vision regarding the world village in which we live. We are called to honor those who came before us, to learn from the lessons others have learned and can teach us, and to rely on and support each other as we navigate our ever more complicated world. This is true for children and adults alike.

Every day in Wilmington Montessori school, I see examples of the village – children and adults alike – “raising” the children and adults in our community. This occurs from the moment a child holds the door for an adult entering the building in the morning to the adult who provides a warm smile when needed, and an entire classroom celebrating a child’s birthday with the birth and life celebration during which a child walks around the sun to commemorate each year of his or her life. Each of these examples may seem small when taken in isolation. When recognized as a tiny part of each day, they represent the village… our world and our planet.

Nothing we do for each other or in memory of others is too small an act. We are the village and we are here to support, nurture, and raise each other to continue to contribute to the global community or village in which we all live.

Montessori Marathoners – Growing and Learning as a Team

13 Wednesday May 2015

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marathon group

The 12th annual Delaware Marathon Running Festival was held in Wilmington this past weekend. On Saturday, many of our students kicked off the running festival by participating in the 1.2-mile GYMM (“Get Our Youth Moving Marathon”) Run/Walk. On Sunday, WMS had seven eight-person relay teams comprised of parents, staff, current students, alumni and other friends. By running a little more than 5K each, the teams of eight ran the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles!

Our runners came together to try for their best time, to run alongside children so they could participate, or just to be a part of the group. It was a glorious day. Cheering and encouragement were offered to everyone who ran by our tent. It didn’t matter who they were, how fast they ran, if they were running a leg of a relay, a half marathon or the entire race. What mattered is that they were working toward the goal of making it to the finish line.

It reminded me of what school should be like for each child, no matter who they are. The goal of education is to provide the parameters and lay out the course. There is more than one goal; there are multiple paths toward the goal and each child reaches it in his or her own way. What matters is the willingness to try, the effort given and the support offered along the way.

Visiting a WMS classroom reminds us of this. Children have the structure and predictability of the day laid out for them but each child is on his or her own path. The goal is learning and growing; the joy is in being a part of this team and in an environment that supports each of us as we embrace the discovery and wonder of the process.

jacobruns

21st-Century Skills (Part 6)

12 Thursday Feb 2015

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Environmental and Conservation Literacy/Ecosystems Understanding

Owl visitor - blogAs you wander through the classrooms at WMS on these winter days, it is interesting to observe how much of the curriculum is focused outside, beyond the school walls. Though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow only a week ago, our students are keenly aware of our outdoor environment and how much it matters to all the species living within it. Birds are being fed, houses are prepared for returning birds, and gardens are being planned to provide food for us and for visiting butterflies, birds and other animals.

Through this work children are learning to care for those that live within our 25-acre campus and also those who drop by for a visit on their way to other places. WMS students are building the 21st-century skill of environmental literacy and gaining an understanding of ecosystems. They know that what we do matters to not only our immediate neighbors, but to the world at large. Continue reading →

21st-Century Skills (Part 4)

02 Monday Feb 2015

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DelawareCANCivic, ethical and social-justice literacy

Several weeks ago, a WMS parent organized a volunteer event at the Food Bank of Delaware. Twenty members of the WMS community, including parents and children, signed up to fill boxes, sort food items and generally prepare food for distribution to the hungry in our community. As you may know, our school has a long-standing relationship with the Food Bank. We have participated in the DelawareCAN project in the past two years. Our 9-12 students led these projects by working to build a creative representation of canned goods to donate to the Food Bank. Collecting and donating food is a way in which our community can give back to the larger Delaware community. It is also a way in which our students, young though they may be, are able to learn about those whose lives may be different than their own. It is hands-on learning at its best. Continue reading →

21st-Century Skills (Part 3)

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

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This post is part of a series on 21st-century skills and how Wilmington Montessori School students are prepared in these areas, starting from an early age. View the introductory post.

Meerkat Theatre15Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, and initiative

Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation

This week, the 21st-century skills of self-direction, planning, leadership and teamwork were in the forefront of my mind as I attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Wilmington Montessori School alumnus Nathaniel Ruhl. This young man has accomplished what few others do in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. What makes it even more remarkable is that he is 15 years old; most young men who have this as a goal hope to accomplish it in their 18th year. Nathaniel worked hard to make this happen well before then.

As you may know, Nathaniel and his team worked to repair the Meerkat Theatre, the stage and seating in our woods, and to mark the trail leading to the stage. He proposed this project to us last winter and spent a great deal of time working behind the scenes to prepare for the workdays that ensued. Nathaniel moved from a “follower to a leader,” which is a stated goal of obtaining the rank of Eagle. He learned how to manage a team, collaborate with his mentors and leaders and make this project happen. Continue reading →

21st-Century Skills (Part 2)

15 Thursday Jan 2015

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This post is part of a series on 21st-century skills and how Wilmington Montessori School students are prepared in these areas, starting from an early age. View the introductory post.

Critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information

6th graders 003

The skills of critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning and synthesizing information are crucial when considering a 21st-century education. Interestingly, Dr. Maria Montessori considered these skills to be an integral part of every child’s education in the last century and they persist today. “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed” is one of Maria Montessori’s most often quoted phrases. Students at WMS practice these skills from the youngest age to the oldest. They have ample opportunity to try, learn and try again. They are setting the foundation for future learning and entering the workforce as they become adults. Continue reading →

“We rise by lifting others.”

18 Thursday Sep 2014

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DelawareCAN Project

Wilmington Montessori School students give back through the Food Bank’s DelawareCAN Project.

This quote by Robert Ingersoll reminds me why I am working in education and, more specifically, in a Montessori school. One of Maria Montessori’s basic tenets is that of paying homage to those who came before us. None of us would be who we are or where we are without noting those who paved the way. In some cases, such as with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. or Gandhi, the changes they brought to our world are indisputable. However, in the case of you, your child or neighbor, those who helped pave the way may be smaller players.

There are so many ways to practice this in a Montessori classroom. Central to Montessori philosophy are the concepts of grace and courtesy. Those are lovely words. How they become a part of who we are is through a thoughtful approach to each aspect of every day. Children are shown how to treat each other, how to be a part of a community. This is done through building a classroom environment that is safe, friendly and accepting. Of course there are conflicts, some small and others a bit more challenging. However, what occurs with the conflict is what matters. Children are taught to work together to solve their problems. They are encouraged to speak to one another and find a way to make amends.

Children have many opportunities to teach one another. They are taught by older more experienced classmates as well as teachers; they teach those who have not yet had the practice or lessons they have had. Everyone is a learner and a teacher. They support each other’s learning.

Another way you may notice this is through their service to others. From our youngest students to the oldest, community service is a part of our experience. Finding meaningful ways to assist those in need whether through our work with the Food Bank of Delaware or Heifer International, we reach out to others.

At Wilmington Montessori School, children have many opportunities to rise and learn and grow as they lift others.  In other words, as they work hard to get along with others, they lift those others up and they learn and grow as a result. They rise by lifting others.