More Montessori Stories

Last year I promised more funny stories about daily life in a Montessori classroom. Here are a few of my favourites so far this year:

Only a few days into the school year Casra (3.5), a new student in our class, offered Ella (4) a tissue as she came into the classroom crying.

On Finn's 3rd birthday in October he handed out his birthday cupcakes and ask in his quiet, raspy little voice, "Would you like a cupcake?" to each child, as per the birthday routine.

Riana (4) loves to be the first to eat snack. She will come up to the teachers and ask if snack is ready yet. Occasionally the teachers would give her a hard time saying, "No" or "No snack today" to which she would reply "You 'a trickin' me!" with her Romanian accent.

One morning Issy (5) was discussing with Winston (4.5) who he worked with in class. When Issy mentioned that he worked with Daniel (3.5) Winston abruptly said "But that was an accident!" Further inquiry revealed what he really meant - that he had helped clean up a puzzle map Daniel had dropped.

After Agribition Jaxon (5) was excited because he had participated in the sheep riding event. When I asked him how long he stayed on for he answered, "Until I fell off."

One day in the fall I was helping students with a craft at a table near the snack area. The teacher had made snack which included a plate full of cookies of which the children were to eat only one. A few minutes later the teacher came back to find half the cookies gone. She suspected Ava (3) the youngest and newest child in the class. However, Ella (4) added her two cents, "Well Mr. Nathan was near the snack table too," insinuating I had eaten the cookies.

A few other memorable moments are Sameer (3.5) knocking over the fish tank, Aurora's (4.5) random hugs, Jaxon labelling all his work "Jaxon 5" (as he had just turned 5 in November), and CJ (3.5) singing and counting at various times throughout the day.

New Year's Resolutions 2011

Last year I worked out three times a week, paid off half my student loan, travelled to Saskatoon, Duck Mountain, Calgary, posted 28 blogs, wrote 38 letters for Amnesty, and bought a newer car. (see New Year's Resolutions - January 2010)

Owing to this success I have decided to post my goals for the New Year:

Spend less time with technology - less TV and computer time

Involve myself in creative hobbies such as drawing, painting,

photography, cooking, and yoga.

Eat healthier

Pay off my student loan

Spend more time outside

Incorporate more cardio activity - walking, badminton,

biking, catch, kayaking