Holiday Hint for Families: Keep It Simple

Holidays usually conjure visions of decorating, parties, family, fun, food, shopping, sharing, in general, good times. However, if children are a part of the routine, one might also envision tears, frustration, whining — in general, less than ideal times. With some forethought and strategic planning, it is possible to enjoy pleasant holiday time with less stress.

Combining sugary treats with busy schedules, shopping, parties, missed naps, and late bed times is most probably going to lead to not-so-happy children or parents. Nutrition and rest are even more important than usual during these times. Because there is often an abundance of sweet snacks and treats, well-planned meals are a must. Also, consider snacks and treats that consist of healthy ingredients. It isn’t necessary to provide high sugar foods (others will often do so in abundance).

Start early; plan menus to include less sugar, more protein, and natural ingredients such as fruits and veggies. Attractive trays can be arranged with healthy food choices depicting festive images (great ideas can be found on Google, Pinterest and Facebook). Be sure your child(ren) eat at regular times, following a routine schedule as much as possible.

For young children, breaks for naps are essential, as well as adhering to routine bedtimes. Take advantage of your child’s naptime to rest a bit yourself. Putting a child down to sleep is a great excuse to lie down. Avoid added pressure of guests, families, parties, imposed obligations. Resist feeling obligated to do everything asked of you. Prioritize and do only what is truly important to you and your family. By keeping “running around” to a minimum, you and your child will feel much happier and joyful for whatever you truly want to do.

Gifts from the heart are always best. It isn’t necessary to “break the bank” or even to spend hours shopping and struggling with crowds. Letting your child work with you to create homemade gifts is in itself a gift to your child. Perfection is not the key; it is the process, the time spent with your child that will make lasting memories. Creating decorations for your home is another wonderful way to celebrate with your child(ren).

For young (3-6+) children’s gifts, consider tools they can enjoy around their home. Child-size gardening tools, broom, mop (with a real mop head), hand broom/dust pan, pretty dusting cloths, aprons, art supplies (no markers, but crayons, paints, colored pencils, sketch books, an easel). Some of these are appropriate for older children as well. For readers, consider age appropriate books, novels, history, biographies, science, etc.

There are a myriad of “crafts kits” sold. But, why not make your own kit? Learning their main interests, you might put together a decorative box or bag of materials for sewing, crochet, knitting, cooking, painting, camping, or gardening. Gift cards for more supplies would be a fun addition.

The best idea is to “keep it simple.” No one benefits from overdoing. There is truly such a thing as too much of a good thing. Less is more. You get the idea. From Maria Montessori, herself: “It is a fact that strong stimulants do not make more acute but rather tend to weaken the senses, which, as a result, demand stronger and stronger excitement.” — By Judith Kemper

We Have a Logo!

You'll soon start seeing the Goodwater Montessori logo around Williamson County. We'll have booths at community events in Georgetown and Round Rock throughout the Fall. We'll post the schedule soon.

And just let us know if you'd like a logo t-shirt. We'll be getting some made.

Board & Community Meeting Minutes for July 29, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect


The meeting opened at 6:34 p.m. In attendance were Kate McSpadden, Mary Evelyn Bowling, Nancy Gribble-Tay, Kathy Anthony, Trevor Eissler, Judith Kemper, Ali Guajardo, Karen Stapley.

Welcome & Opening Thoughts
Trevor Eissler shared a math trick that helps with complex multiplication. The trick was so enlightening that the group was pleasantly shocked and intrigued. Several members began immediately to try and figure out how it worked. Trevor shared that this is what we are aiming to achieve in our future schools. We want to present the children with work that is so intriguing and interesting that they want to "dig in" straight away. This is one of the reasons that the Montessori day is based upon the three-hour work period.

Motion to Approve June Minutes
Kate McSpadden noted that, since there was no quorum, we could not approve minutes. They will be presented for approval in September.

My Montessori Story
Nancy-Gribble-Tay shared her Montessori journey from its beginnings in Houston when Nancy was teaching in the local public schools. Her family moved to Germany where she taught in the International School. Relocating to the Austin area, Nancy found Community Montessori School to be a perfect fit for her daughters. She became hooked on the philosophy when she was asked to sub in the primary environment. Nancy sought her primary training and has now completed her elementary training and master's degree in education.

Fundraising Five
Mary Evelyn passed out cards for each of those in attendance to record the contact information of their five inner circle contacts. These are the five people that are “guaranteed” donations for each of us. These are the people that will give because of who we are and their relationship with us. Some people were able to turn in five cards, some need more time. Kate McSpadden passed out her donation pledge sheet. There was some discussion regarding removing the date so that people aren't inclined to postpone their donation. Kate will update the form before the next meeting.

Community Outreach
Kathy Anthony wants to start getting Nancy Gribble-Tay, our Head of School, out on the road. We discussed a donor party in late September. Some think we need a series of events.

Texas Charter School Association Consulting Package
Kate McSpadden shared the different consulting options available from TCSA.

New Business
We are on the cusp of publishing the website. We now have post office box. It is P.O. box 1896, 78627. We discussed the importance of naming the school prior to the start of fundraising activities. We will also be required to do criminal background checks for board members. Board members are asked to bring copies of their Social Security card and Texas Driver License.

Nancy closed the meeting with the presentation a glass vase, clear and simple, as our first piece of classroom material. We adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Board & Community Meeting Minutes for June 2, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect
 
The meeting opened at 6:37 p.m. with Mary Evelyn Bowling, Elaine Steinbeck, Trevor Eissler, Nancy Gribble-Tay, Kathy Anthony, Tonya Hiland and Karen Stapley.

Opening Thoughts
Kathy Anthony, in the wake of Maya Angelou’s recent death, shared some of her very inspirational thoughts.

Motion to approve May Minutes
Mary Evelyn Bowling asked a motion to approve the May minutes. Trevor Eissler moved and Elaine Steinbeck seconded. The minutes were approved. 

My Montessori Story
Trevor Eissler welcomed Nancy Gribble-Tay, Goodwater Montessori Head of School, and opened the floor to her. Nancy shared her excitement about her experience working on her elementary training and her master's degree in education. She shared that she is more “smitten” with the elementary curriculum than she anticipated she would be. Trevor began by remembering John Lyon’s (Associate Director of the Chasco YMCA) presentation about fundraising. He recalled that we did not share our story with John. Trevor mentioned how easy it is to NOT tell your story. Trevor recalled how John told us his story about volunteering on a YMCA camping trip. He was hooked on camping from that moment on. John noticed and loved how the children learned outside the classroom. Trevor mentioned that if we were telling our story, we should then talk to John about camping, because this is what he understands and loves. We need to use their story to connect with them about what our story. Trevor shared that we need to make our stories personal. We need to go beyond the Mission, Vision and Values. We should highlight aspects of our stories and we need to make the stories relevant to the listener. Trevor also mentioned that we should highlight a specific principle of what we are doing. Montessori classrooms are special. Relate a special incident, that reveals a principle, to the person you are talking to. Tonya Hiland mentioned that she has a friend who authored a book entitled Lead with the Story. There is something about stories that light us on fire. 

What is a "Founder?" Discussion
The group opened a discussion about founders of WilCo Montessori Partners. Some basic ideas were presented and discussed. What does being the founder get you? Does it get your child into the school? Does it get you a job? Do you get something for time? Do you get something for money? It might be incentive to get people to work. Trevor shared that Montessori for All in East Austin has no founders. A group member asked about the possibilities of us doing that. There was discussion about financial contribution and consensus that being a founder will not be tied to financial contribution. Nancy Gribble-Tay asked if this is something that other charter schools do. Kathy Anthony mentioned that, based on the Meridian School experience, maybe we as a group, cam come up with a list of tasks that need to be completed in the process. Elaine Steinbeck asked if the main task is the preparation of the charter application. Mary Evelyn Bowling mentioned that the writing is a significant portion of the work to be done, but there are many more tasks and much more work that needs to be completed in support of writing a viable application.

We've Named Our School!

WilCo Montessori Partners has some exciting news! Our board has officially approved the name of our Charter Montessori School. Wait for it. . . wait for it. . . GOODWATER MONTESSORI SCHOOL!

We're so thrilled to have chosen a name that draws upon the history of Native Americans' term for the land that will be our home, Williamson County. Water is life-giving and the flowing of refreshing water is like the flowing of a river of knowledge.

Join our celebration by telling all your friends that a tuition-free Montessori school is coming to Williamson County!

WilCo Montessori Partners Board & Community Meeting Agenda for July 29, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities. 
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity, and collaboration. 
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect.

1. Welcome & Opening Thoughts - Trevor Eissler (5 min)
2. Motion to approve June Minutes - Kate McSpadden (5 min)
3. My Montessori Story - Nancy Gribble-Tay (15 min)
4. Fundraising Five - Mary Evelyn Bowling(15 min)
5. Community Outreach - Kathy Anthony (15 min)
6. TCSA Consulting Package - Kate McSpadden (15 min)
7. September Meeting/Story volunteer - Kate McSpadden (5 min)
8. New Business (5 min)
9. Adjourn

Teaching Courtesy in the Montessori Classroom

 “Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants — doing nothing but living and walking about — came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning: would you not think I was romancing? Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child’s way of learning. This is the path he follows. He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” Maria Montessori

Do you notice when someone holds a door open for others to enter before him or her, replaces their chair when leaving the table, motions you ahead, smiles and greets you with a kind word?

These are examples of lessons learned in a Montessori environment every day, all day, as part of Practical Life. Opportunities occur throughout the day for each of us to learn how to live in society as a contributing member. An integral part of living in society includes courtesy, being kind or polite to others.

Although there is only a small group of specific lessons in grace and courtesy, they are invaluable as they psychologically enable the child’s social development. Interaction of the child with others in his society increases his knowledge and familiarity of courtesy. He is presented with lessons of what to say to another person when passing by and how to react in a kind spirit. He practices these lessons with others in the environment. Through adaptation (seeing others) the young child will absorb the etiquette of his culture. We role-play or dramatize situations in small groups to include the interaction of others in the environment.

The psychological advantage of presenting this type of lesson — before seeing behavior that is inappropriate for the environment — allows for the child to understand how to perform before a situation arises. The child feels respected and secure because she knows how to demonstrate acts of courtesy and can use this knowledge at any time. The lessons are presented in a neutral time, before the need arises. She is able to avoid correction because she is prepared in anticipation of the need. Knowledge beforehand is always best.

When having observed a child in need of a courtesy lesson, the guide will wait for a ‘neutral’ time for presenting such a lesson separate from any inappropriate behavior. Then, the lesson can be presented in a group with that child included to avoid singling him out.

Practicing these scenarios of grace and courtesy is acceptable to the child in the situation of receiving a lesson. Applying them in actual experiences may be much more difficult. The guide continues to observe the child, presenting the exercises so that the child becomes comfortable incorporating these lessons into her routine activities. The guide remembers that she is the model at all times and the child will absorb and follow her lead.

The definition of grace encompasses several attributes such as walking in a room without bumping furniture or people. It demonstrates thoughtfulness, beauty, and harmony. The adult exhibits clarity of movement and efficiency as a model for the child. One might consider a dancer’s movements of elegance and precision to appreciate grace. The adult in the casa can model these attributes when lifting and carrying a tray, opening a door or simply walking in the environment. In a Montessori classroom, at least one lesson in grace and courtesy is presented daily to a small group. 

Other examples of lessons may include how to walk by another person, allowing a person to walk by, greeting someone, blowing one’s nose, giving comfort, serving a guest, how to give and receive a present, greeting someone for their birthday, welcoming a guest and offering a chair, offering refreshments, showing an observer where to sit.

When the adult, as a role model, exemplifies little ways of grace and courtesy throughout the day, children learn easily and naturally to incorporate these behaviors into their way of life. They learn to care for themselves, for one another, and for their environment. They learn to share, give and care for society and the world.

Common courtesies are exhibited by greeting one another each morning, closing doors and drawers after use, replacing chairs, excusing one’s self, setting a table to share a snack or meal, serving one another, asking please, and replying thank you.

If children can be so kind as to speak gently, kindly, courteously to one another, cannot adults do likewise? If our children can grow up learning to live graciously, perhaps we can learn from them. The Montessori adult demonstrates common courtesy as a way of life. It would seem if all would attempt to remember these “little ways” each day our world would truly become a better place to live with one another.

“What we need in the world is manners… I think that if, instead of preaching brotherly love we preached good manners we might get a little further. It sounds less righteous and more practical.” Eleanor Roosevelt, “My Day” (February 17, 1938)

— By Judith Kemper