(9-12) New School Montessori students have been practicing some important Montessori philosophy and life skills. What Dr. Maria Montessori started as lessons in grace and courtesy has expanded to include curriculum that helps students develop wisdom and improve their powers of self reflection. Students learn about the importance of respecting others and being an active listener. They discuss and practice peacefully resolving conflict and they work to develop mindfulness.
Students are planning an overnight camping trip with their teachers and will have many opportunities to put these life skills to the test as they problem-solve tent set-up, share the chores involved in cooking over a fire, cleaning up and all the other sometimes wonderful and sometimes frustrating situations that come with the outdoors: mosquitoes, tent assignments, missing home, trying new food, telling stories around a campfire and joyfully getting to know their friends and teachers better.
Ann Baumgardner