One of my favorite things about both Montessori and play-based philosophies is the idea that the teacher does not hold all the knowledge. In many Montessori schools teachers are instead called guides, because we are just the helpers as children discover and learn from their environment, their peers, and, yes, sometimes the teacher, too. While I hope some of my planned lessons have taught your children a few things, the majority of their learning happens in spite of me. I have actually been told by several children on many occasions that I don't need to lead the circle, they are happy to read the story or be the teacher today. That's why for our last day of school, I am inviting each child to be the teacher for the day! I know most children have a favorite book at home that they can "read" from memorization, some like to make up their own stories, some might like to teach the class a favorite song. Maybe your child has something special they think the class would enjoy...
The week begins in April, but we can't wait until May! On Monday, April 29 Abby will read a couple of lovely gardening books, including Lola Plants a Garden and Green Green: a Community Gardening Story. There will be some planting in our rain garden as well as some planting to take home! A wonderful, earthy day to take us out of April ... and into MAY! The merry month of May begins this week - Wednesday is May first! Or, it WAS May first until we decided it was better off MAE first! Today, we celebrate the small but mighty human Mae. We will make sure to have her favorite table choices, and her favorite stories to share. Welcome to the first annual Mae Day! When Susan's child Emma was little, she started announcing "Emma Carpenter Days" on a random maybe twice-yearly basis. Infrequently enough that it was special, but not that built up in her expectations. I would just casually announce in the morning that in checking the calendar I had found that it was EC Day...
Working with Abby this year has been such a blessing. I appreciate many things about her, but her optimism is what really shines. She believes in the good, the just, and the kind. Happy Teacher Appreciation week, Abby. We love you.
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