How did people of the Inuit tribe survive the harsh arctic climate they inhabited? Where did the wind come from? How were members of the Seminole tribe impacted as settlers moved into their territory in the 1800s? These are just some of the questions that Upper Elementary students explored as they studied the Native American tribes of North America during their first Integrated Studies unit of the year. For one project, students gathered around a campfire to tell “pourquoi” stories. More details below. The Integrated Studies curriculum blends the study of history, geography and science content with skill-building and practice in note-taking, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, publi
“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” —Hafsat Abiola Sharing the cultural history and beliefs associated with different holidays helps students see how richly diverse our world is. Sadly, in an effort to avoid causing offense by not acknowledging every possible culture, many schools (both public and private) have ended celebrations of any kind during the month of December. Children can no longer sing the songs of their faith or traditions. They cannot decorate their classrooms or bake holid
Young children have a natural internal motivation to be involved in a wide range of household tasks. They enjoy emulating the activities performed by family members and caregivers because they intuitively understand that such activities are important. There are many ways to facilitate your child’s participation in the home environment. One task that the children have been practicing at school on a daily basis—multiple times a day—is table setting! During the process of setting the table, the child is utilizing and strengthening executive functioning skills. The first item needed is a placemat. Should the child initially forget the placemat, he/she will have to reorganize the setting. The chi
Upon entering a Primary Montessori classroom for the first time, children are drawn to the Practical Life area immediately. Children marvel at the opportunity to complete tasks they often see their parents do at home such as Food Preparation, Care of the Environment, and Self-Care. While the children practice spreading jam on crackers and watering plants they are fine tuning their motor skills which will be essential to writing later on in their educational journey. The Practical Life Curriculum created by Maria Montessori has 4 direct aims; they are concentration, coordination, independence, and order. These four aims will contribute to later success in handwriting. Concentration Children m
