Community Gifts

There are a plethora of ways that children build community in their environments at school. In the Children's House, one way children participate in the life of the environment is by bringing in community gifts -  items for snack, vegetable cutting or pet care that have been requested by their guide.Children take pride in bringing items into their classroom. It is a great opportunity to increase their sense of ownership in their environment. For young children, bringing in communal gifts can also help them transition into the classroom. (When my own children began their tenure at school we would often sign up to bring something simply to ease the Monday morning transition. They loved jumping out of the car with bricks of cheese in tow!)Contributing to the greater community is an exercise in grace and courtesy. This simple act offers a chance to practice all sorts of social skills. It clearly shows children that they are part of a greater whole that they play a vital role in their community.Community gifts allow us to choose what we can contribute to the classroom. If we're lucky, time allows us to shop for the items with our children. The children have the joy of bringing in the item and the double joy of seeing the item used. How lovely to watch a friend arrange the flowers you brought in! As a child the experience is important. As a parent, community gifts are another link to our children's prepared environment. Finally, community gifts just make things run smoothly. Of course, there are backups and contingency plans in place, but community gifts are one of those things that just make life in the classroom flow more effortlessly. And, who doesn't want that for everyone at school? So the next time you get that link... sign on up. Please and thank you from all of us - your children included!Many thanks go to Melinda Smith, Jessie Braud and Jess Jente for the photographs. You made the post infinitely better with pictures. Thanks as well to Reghan McAuley for ideas, brainstorming and inspiration.

Introducing Hannah Hull...

The team at Villa di Maria is delighted to announce the addition of Hannah Hull! Hannah's work at VdM is multi-faceted, often requiring flexibility and quick transitions. She has stepped into all of her roles with grace and ease. Welcome, Hannah - it's great to have you!Describe your educational background.I've never wanted to do anything else than to work with children.  My kindergarten teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I clearly remember saying "a teacher."  I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and have worked with children ever since.  I spent 8 years working at a preschool in my hometown and then came to St. Louis in 2003.  I worked at another Montessori school in the area and then came here in December.How/when did you become interested in Montessori education?I came into Montessori quite by accident!  When I moved to St. Louis I knew I wanted to work in a school but couldn't find any that were hiring.  I happened to find an advertisement for an Extended Care teacher at a local Montessori school and decided to try it out.  Best decision ever as I fell in love!  Even on the tour during my interview I was fascinated by the prepared environment and I absolutely adored all of the materials that were child-sized.  After I was hired, I saw how much the kids loved learning and how they learned at their own pace and in their own style.  When this happened, there was no going back to the traditional classroom!What has been the BEST part of your Montessori experience so far? I love seeing children treated as equals rather than being spoken down to.  It's also very rewarding to see a child master a task that they have previously struggled with.  That light in their eyes is priceless!What do you enjoy doing outside of your time at VdM?I love spending time with loved ones, reading nonfiction (mainly history), knitting, crocheting, and binge watching my latest Netflix obsession of the week!If you were to plan a most perfect, relaxing weekend day, what would it entail?Sleeping in, enjoying a beautiful sunny day with family and friends, going out for a nice dinner, knitting, reading, and playing cards.  Okay that's too much to fit into a weekend!What is something you look forward to at VdM?I really look forward to getting to know the kids and their families and becoming a part of the Villa community.Your Favorite:Color: OrangeSeason: SpringBook:  The original Boxcar Children (I read it over and over again as a child) As an adult:  Too many history books to name!Holiday:  Fourth of July (because it's warm!)Movie:  Sound of Music and Mary Poppins (I'm a huge Julie Andrews fan!)Hobbies:  Reading, knitting, crocheting, planning my next vacation!Type of Music:  Pop, musicals (big fan of Hamilton right now)Song:  Too many to nameRestaurant: NudoVacation:  Anywhere warm and with a beachSport:  To Watch: Basketball  To Play: VolleyballGame:  HeartsFruit: RaspberriesVegetable: Carrots (cooked or raw)Rain or Snow:  I guess rain because it's warmer (I really love my sunshine)Coffee or Tea:  Hot chocolateMorning or Night:  Night, I am NOT a morning person!Ocean or Lake:  Ocean all the way!Dog or Cat:  Really big dogs!Talk or Listen:  Usually talk, but I can be a good listener, too.Walk or Run:  WALK.  If I'm running it's because someone is chasing me, so you better run too!Save or Spend:  I will save if I have to, but I love to spend!Bike or Swim: Bike for exercise, swim for fun.Salt or Pepper: PepperFiction or Fantasy:  NonfictionSummer or Winter:  I am definitely a summer girl!New York or California:  California (combines two of my loves: warm weather and ocean)Cook or Dine Out: Dine out (local places!)

(Re)Introducing Robyn Milos...

For some she needs no introduction... for others, well soon enough you'll know and love her as much as the rest of us do. The team at Villa di Maria literally could not be more thrilled to have Robyn Milos return - home! - as our new Assistant Head of School.  Welcome back, Robyn!How/when did you become interested in Montessori education? I found my love of Montessori as a two-and-half-year-old ? Mrs. Pearl Vanderwall, VdM and Montessori Training Center founder, was my teacher when I was a little girl, right here at Villa. I knew after my first two sons were born that I would love to be a part of something that made me who I am and which I had always held in the highest regard.What do you enjoy doing outside of your time at VdM? Drinking coffee while sitting outside and hanging out with all of the Milos Boys (sons and grandsons!).If you were to plan a most perfect, relaxing weekend day, what would it entail? Breakfast at First Watch with my peeps, getting in the car, rolling the windows down, and driving just to see where it takes us! Road-tripping, even if for a day, is a Milos Fav.What is something you look forward to this year? I am just thrilled to be home! I look forward to getting to know all of the families I have not met, seeing all of the children in their environments, and being at the Best Place on Earth once again.Your Favorite:Color: Blue, all shadesSeason: Spring and the month of August. The hustle and bustle of preparing the environments for the upcoming school year and then the children coming(!) has ALWAYS been my favorite, thus August ?Book: The Secret of Childhood is always a favorite.Holiday: Hallowe’en, it’s a Milos favoriteType of music: I am a lover of music, many kinds. Songs written and performed by the artist themselves are my favorites.Song: All time favorite… good in the shower, the car, the kitchen…"Piano Man"Restaurant in St. Louis: Crushed RedVacation: Any place you can put your feet in the sand is dreamy to me!Fruit: BlackberriesVegetable: ZucchiniIf you had to choose ONE:Rain or Snow: SNOWCoffee or Tea: Coffee, without a doubtMorning or Night: NightOcean or Lake: OceanDog or Cat: Dog, our Pomeranian is named Chewbacca (and rightfully so!)Talk or Listen: ListenWalk or Run: WalkSave or Spend: SpendBike or Swim: SwimSalt or Pepper: PepperRealistic Fiction or Fantasy: Realistic FictionSummer or Winter: SummerNew York or California: CaliforniaCook or Dine Out: Dine Out

Tonight is the Big Night of the Concert

Just in case you didn't know...For those needing to hone their phonetic reading skills... Tonight is the big night of the concert (!!!)All credit for this post to Heather Steinman... and of course the Tabletop Moveable Alphabet author...

Getting Ready....

Villa di Maria's Upper Elementary class has been busy preparing for the Winter Concert. The play has been written, casting is complete, lines are (mostly!) memorized, blocking and lighting are all in order. Music is always a key feature in the Upper Elementary play and this year the group was lucky enough to work with Alan Stewart, a percussionist with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra!Getting to sneak peeks at the upcoming awesomeness is one of the joys of blogging for VdM. The highlight of watching the Upper Elementary in action came when a stage hand leaned over and told me how much their classmates had improved. It wasn't a negative comment, it was an honest observation. We all get better with practice. Consciously experiencing the shift from muddling through to mastery gives children the understanding that it's important to work on the things we want to improve. And being part of such a big endeavor teaches the children that others also improve with practice. There are so many good things that come out of the enormous undertaking of the Upper El play - this is just one of my favorites.The Winter Concert will be a great show... From the pride of the Extended Day children, the evident joy in that first row of  Children's House performers, the poetry and songs of our thriving Lower Elementary classes, to ... well, to a Unicorn. I'm pretty sure this one rehearsal picture says it all. Don't miss it!

Giving Thanks for Children...

“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.”

-Dr. Montessori

In gratitude for the children in our lives, the community we build and rely on and the work we do together.Melinda, thanks to you, as always, for making our posts beautiful.

Snowy Days...

"It is also necessary for his physical life to place the soul of the child in contact with creation, in order that he may lay up for himself treasure from the directly educating forces of living nature."

-Dr. Montessori

 Our campus is a sight to behold on any day... the snow makes it even more magical!The expanse of fresh snow beckons the children to adventure!Oh the wonderful things we can do with snow...

Celebrating Diwali...

In honor of Diwali, we take a look back at the Elementary classes' celebration last year...An important tenet of Montessori philosophy is the recognition of all of humanity as a part of a global family. The "global citizen" aspect of Montessori values the wide and beautiful tapestry of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and takes seriously the responsibility of raising our children to be open-minded and open-hearted. Part of this practice begins with introducing them to people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds, as well as the celebrations of such groups. On October 19th, the Diwali Hindu festival of lights began. Villa di Maria's Elementary students were eager to celebrate.Diwali is India's most important holiday of the year; it is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians. The festival of lights (which occurs over the course of five days) symbolizes the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, and occurs every autumn. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is celebrated by most Indians, regardless of their faith, and most accurately represents the victory of good over evil.The entire elementary gathered together to celebrate Diwali last week. Alongside several students who played, drummed, and sang, Upper Elementary Directress Rebecca Callander performed the Hindu song, "Listen to My Old Soul Song" for the group. The song came together so nicely, with the children and Rebecca working together during the performance.The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word "deepavali," meaning "series of lighted lamps." The children lit a number of candles to represent the return of the deities Rama and Sita after their 14 years of exile; in the story, the villagers lit oil lamps to illuminate the path through the darkness. The lights also celebrate Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

An image of the Demon King Ravana

Goddess Lakshmi, painted by Raja Ravi Varma in 1896

Lower Elementary Directress Anna Schwind presented the Diwali story to the children, split into two groups, with much enthusiasm. She always has a captive audience, and is truly a gifted storyteller. Here, she retold and acted out the story of Ramayana, in which Lord Rama rescues his wife Sita from the Demon King Ravana, who happens to have twenty arms and ten heads!

After the the story of Diwali, the children headed outside to the pavilion, where an activity awaited them!

Lower Elementary Directress Megan Eilers had set up a rangoli activity for the children to complete. Rangoli, a colorful design made on the floor near the entrance of one's home, is meant to welcome guests and encourage the goddess Lakshmi to enter. Rangoli can be made from chalk, colored rice, flour, sand, or even flower petals. Here, the children worked with cardboard patterns with sticker designs and sand. Many of them chose to take their patterns home to finish later, as it was a long and involved (and enjoyable) process!

The results were beautiful!

While one group enjoyed rangoli, the other was treated to a short meditation lead by Upper Elementary Directress Rebecca Callander.

The children were also encouraged to try several traditional Indian treats, included mango drink, crushed peanut chikki squares, till laddoo (sesame brittle), muruku (rice snacks), jalebi, and apple slices.

In the Montessori tradition, children are guided beyond just acceptance of multicultural ideas; through their cultural, hands-on studies, they are shown to understand, appreciate, respect, and celebrate many cultures so that they may come alive in the child's mind.All of the photo and writing credit goes to the ever talented Lauren Knight.

Introducing Stefan Baiocchi...

While not a new face to the Villa di Maria community, Stefan Baiocchi has taken on a new role this year as VdM's Facilities Manager. Stefan is super responsive and highly organized as well as being a creative problem solver. The staff could not be happier to have him on the team!Describe your educational background. BS in Management Information Systems and BS in Nursing.  I worked in the IT industry and decided to go back to school and become a Registered Nurse. I worked for Cardinal Glennon in the PICU and on the Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team.  My last position was with Mid-America Transplant working on the donor side of organ transplants.How/when did you become interested in Montessori education? I was not aware of Montessori until my wife Sarah introduced me to it. Sarah had been in a Primary class while growing up and when our oldest son needed to start school while I was working on my RN degree, he started at Villa.What has been the BEST part of your Montessori experience so far? I will answer this from the parent perspective.  The thing that I like best is that my boys have always enjoyed/wanted to go to school each day and on top of that they have a desire to learn.  This desire to learn is something that I did not have when I was growing up, so it is exciting to see what they will be able to do with that foundation.What do you enjoy doing outside of your time at VdM? I enjoy watching movies and generally just spending time doing mindless tasks, like mowing the lawn, so that I can listen to podcasts. I have recently started getting my oldest son to run long distances with me and it is a good time for us to be together.If you were to plan a most perfect, relaxing weekend day, what would it entail? Reading a book on the couch with the family while watching a sporting event in the fall/winter with a fire going.What is something you look forward to this school year? I will enjoy getting to see the differences in the children.  I have always noticed changes in my own children but getting to see what the school is doing for multiple/all the children will be exciting.Your Favorite:Color:   OrangeSeason:   FallBook:   Ready Player OneHoliday:   Thanksgiving  (everything great without strings)Movie:   DuneHobby:   HockeyType of music:   Currently listening to the Apple Chill stationSong:   “September” by Earth Wind and FireRestaurant in St. Louis:   The TavernVacation:   Grand Teton National ParkSport:   HockeyGame:   7 wondersFruit:   Apple (Pink Lady)Vegetable:   CarrotIf you had to choose ONE:Rain or Snow:   SnowCoffee or Tea:   Tea (never liked coffee)Morning or Night:   NightOcean or Lake:   OceanDog or Cat:   Dog (the bigger the better)Talk or Listen:   Talk (trying to work on this)Walk or Run:   RunSave or Spend:   SaveBike or Swim:   BikeSalt or Pepper:   SaltRealistic Fiction or Fantasy:   FantasySummer or Winter:   WinterNew York or California:   California, it has every climate in less than 100 milesCook or Dine Out:   Dine out which contradicts the save mentality

Introducing Damia Smith...

Continuing the introduction of new members of our Villa di Maria community, we are so pleased to have you meet Damia Smith who joins Ms. Braud in P2!Describe your educational background.I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a specialization in metalsmithing, a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and a Master of Fine Arts in metalsmithing.How/when did you become interested in Montessori education?I worked as a part time assistant at Raintree Montessori School in Lawrence, KS for a year and a half. I had no idea how Montessori worked before this.What has been the BEST part of your Montessori experience so far?I just love seeing the children do things on their own that society at large does not think children are capable of doing at that age. It's wonderful and magical to see.What do you enjoy doing outside of your time at VdM?I enjoy hanging out with my dog, walking, running, hiking, etc. I also spend a lot of time making art, mostly via sewing lately.If you were to plan a most perfect, relaxing weekend day, what would it entail?I would go camping and hiking with my close friends and my dog.What is something you look forward to this coming school year?I look forward to getting to know all the children and staff and feeling like part of the family at Villa di Maria.Your Favorite:Color:  GreenSeason:  SpringBook:   Jane EyreHoliday:    NoneHobby:   ReadingType of music:   Indie, folkSong:   Too many, no way I can chooseVacation:   BeachSport:  YogaGame:  ClueFruit:  MangoVegetable:  Garlic?If you had to choose ONE:Rain or Snow:   RainCoffee or Tea:   TeaMorning or Night:   MorningOcean or Lake:   OceanDog or Cat:   DogTalk or Listen:   ListenWalk or Run:   WalkSave or Spend:  SaveBike or Swim:   BikeSalt or Pepper:   PepperRealistic Fiction or Fantasy:  FantasySummer or Winter:   SummerNew York or California:   CaliforniaCook or Dine Out:  Cook 

Introducing Beth Nazemi...

We are so happy to welcome Beth Nazemi into our Villa di Maria community!  Beth seamlessly joined Ms. Steinman in P3 this year, and it is as if she's always been here.  Here's a peek into Beth's life outside of VdM!Describe your educational background.I have an Associate’s degree in Human Services (working with children).  I then promptly ran off to Europe and moved to Corsica where I was an organic farmer in the mountains with no electricity, phone, or running water (at first) for almost 11 years.  I built a campground with a small pavilion restaurant and did this for a few years, but alas I was called back to the States to be with my Father who was diagnosed with cancer.  I moved back home to Kirkwood just 4 blocks from Villa where I grew up.  My son wanted to stay with his American family, so after my Dad passed, I went back to school and received a Bachelor’s degree in French Literature from UMSL with a K-12 teaching certificate.  I taught French at Kirkwood and Webster Groves high school for 2 years.How/when did you become interested in Montessori education?I got married and moved to Chesterfield, Mo and had my second son.  When he was three, I started looking for a school, and found one just down the street.  Fell in love with the school and Montessori education.  After a year and half, I had an opportunity to teach French there part-time which then morphed into full-time shortly after. I worked there for almost 15 years. I went from teaching French in the afternoon to substituting in the mornings, almost 8 years as a primary assistant and finally toddler assistant this past year, while still teaching French to the elementary and Adolescent students in the afternoon.   My son graduated from there in 8^th grade went on to SLUH and is now a freshman at Loyola University of Chicago.  He received an amazing education and is a wonderful human being, which I accredit to this wonderful education.What has been the BEST part of your Montessori training/experience so far?I think the best experiences is watching the primary students grow and move into elementary and witness the amazing changes.  Some of these children struggled in their early years, but eventually they discovered their potential, and this gives me comfort, faith and knowledge that this education can transform our children into confident young people who embrace the world of learning.What do you enjoy doing outside of your time at VdM?Being with my grandson, who will be one this month.If you were to plan a most perfect, relaxing weekend day, what would it entail?It would be a day in the mountains in a log cabin completely isolated from the world.What is something you look forward to this coming school year?I look forward to working with Heather and being back in the primary classroom.Favorites:Color: PurpleSeason:  FallBook: Lord of the RingsHoliday: ChristmasMovie: WillowHobby: CookingType of music:  Soft RockSong: "Here I am Lord"Restaurant in St. Louis:  Ya Ya'sVacation:  France/EuropeSport: Horseback ridingGame: French TarotFruit: AppleVegetable: All except okraIf you had to choose ONE:Rain or Snow:  RainCoffee or Tea:   TeaMorning or Night:  MorningOcean or Lake:    LakeDog or Cat:      CatTalk or Listen:  BothWalk or Run:    WalkSave or Spend:  SpendBike or Swim:    BikeSalt or Pepper:    SaltRealistic Fiction or Fantasy:   FantasySummer or Winter:           Summer in the mountainsNew York or California:      CaliforniaCook or Dine Out:             Cook 

Transition Time...

For many in our community, the joy of starting the school year comes with the challenge of adjusting to a new environments and new routines. The initial moment of transition - drop off - is often fraught with emotions both from parents and children.Making drop off quick and consistent is the best way to support your child in their transition into school. Drop off procedures are purposefully designed for the benefit of the child – embrace the drive through!  When you pull into VdM, please stay in the car and allow our practiced greeters to help your child out of their seat and into their classroom.Sometimes, children are upset leaving the house, during the drive to school or upon arrival. Adjusting to change can be difficult, and this is a normal reaction. When children are agitated, many of us make concessions both to ease our own discomfort and to temporarily appease our children. We offer to park and walk them to the door, or we spend an extended time giving extra hugs and saying goodbye. This may make the adult feel better and provide momentary calm, but it is not actually helpful to the child. To provide true comfort to our children, we must give them the predictability of routine. Providing a consistent and sustainable routine at drop off allows for a smooth transition into school.Moreover, when we permit or encourage extended goodbyes we are inadvertently asking our child to go through a whole extra transition when it comes time to break this habit. By setting a sustainable routine as early in the year as possible, we are actually easing the burden on the child.Here are a few suggestions for drop off:

• If your drive is tricky and your child is requesting an extended goodbye or the like, put on a favorite song, an audio book or just look out the windshield and accompany your child through their emotions.
• Make sure all of your child’s belongings (lunchboxes, rain gear, etc.) are gathered and ready to go with your child.
• If needed, use VdM (or your child's teacher) as the reason for a new drop off routine.
• Put on a poker face and stay strong! This too shall pass.
• Remember that there isn’t an ounce of judgement when you drop off a crying child. The whole community at VdM knows that everyone is doing their very best.

Please know, if your child is upset at drop off they are treated with appropriate care and concern and they quickly settle when they are in their classroom. Often adults hold on to the feeling of a tough morning for many hours.  Children are walking into a classroom prepared to meet their every need; they can move on much more quickly.VdM has grown dramatically over the past decade. Maintaining the routines that make the school run both smoothly and safely, is vital. Furthermore, like everything else at Villa di Maria, the drop off routine has been carefully crafted to support you and to benefit the children! It allows for a drop off that is safe, logistically simple for the parent and provides routine for the child.Send the message that you feel positive and confident about your child’s time at school. Embrace the drive through drop off!Many thanks to Jade Venditte and Melinda Smith for the photos.

On Giving...

Walking through Villa di Maria’s campus is striking to experience. Growth is visible in the new facilities; the Magic Circle beckons with its inviting benches; there is no shortage of space to run, play and explore. Look inside any of the buildings and you’re met with stunning classrooms full of beautiful, well-crafted materials. Best of all, inside and out there are children who are thriving in these environments which have been diligently set up to meet their needs. This is truly a place of great joy.Villa di Maria is lucky to have an active and supportive community that brings the Montessori vision to reality. One of the many facets of our community is that we collectively make seemingly impossible things possible. This includes supporting the school’s long-standing commitment to being as affordable as possible. As tuition does not cover the cost of all that Villa di Maria provides, we have kicked off The Fund for Villa di Maria and are asking that you join us in supporting the future of our school.  Below Jade Venditte, VdM’s Director of Development, Diversity and Inclusion answers some frequently asked questions around The Fund. What is The Fund for Villa di Maria?The Fund for Villa di Maria is an annual giving campaign raising money for the school’s current-year operating expenses. Gifts to The Fund make up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of running the school. These dollars pay teacher salaries and benefits, classroom materials, continuing education, caring for the grounds and necessities such as toilet paper and light bulbs!My family is already paying tuition. What does my child get when we donate money as well?Gifts are necessary because tuition does not cover the cost of everything we offer at Villa di Maria. It supports the people and programs that make Villa di Maria so special. This means exceptionally trained guides and directresses (aka teachers). Beautiful environments. Authentic Montessori materials. Real-world experiences. Wait, we aren’t simply raising money for a chicken coop?Nope. The school needs to raise much more than a chicken coop. BUT! Fundraising should be FUN! By coming together to close the tuition gap, we are strengthening our community tangibly, but also creating a sense of collective impact. It’s motivating to have a goal and fun for the children to see that when we all work together, we can achieve great things! The chickens are a reward that is meaningful and will impact care of the environment for years to come!How does financial aid fit into the fundraising picture?Your gifts help VdM offer the financial aid that supports an economically diverse student body. The Fund for Villa di Maria is raising money for operating costs, and that means that the school has more funds available to offer financial aid. Your gifts make the school affordable to a wider range of students, bringing the benefits of social and economic diversity to the community .How much difference can my gift make?As a small independent school, VdM has many fewer supporters than a university or a larger charity. Your gifts to Villa di Maria are an investment that truly has a high return.  And, because the number of people who will give is small but the need is large, every gift counts even more.Note: This content is inspired by the National Association of Independent School’s publication, The Gifts That Keep On Giving: Frequently unasked questions about why your independent school wants both tuition and a donation.Many thanks to Melinda Smith for sharing her beautiful photos.

Welcome back!

We are so excited that 2018-2019 is officially underway!Five minutes into the school year and the outdoor environment was in full swing!  What better place to do watercolor painting than out in the sunshine.The children wasted no time connecting with nature and caring for their environment.Welcome back fort builders!From the very beginning, we end our day with jobs.  Taking out the trash and recycling gives the children the opportunity to contribute to the whole community.Here's to a fabulous year!

Happy Summer, and One More Good-Bye

We've wrapped up another year for the books here at Villa di Maria, and we hope you're already enjoying the start of summer. On a personal note, this is my final blog post before passing the baton to the next Montessori blogger. The past two years (and exactly 270 posts!) have been a wonderful, enlightening experience, and I've learned and fallen even more in love with the Montessori method and with this school - something I didn't think possible. As a last farewell, I've compiled a list of my personal favorite blog posts from the past two years - I hope you enjoy them! Thank you for the opportunity to contribute here, for your support, for the opportunity to learn more about this incredible method of learning. Most of all, thank you for reading.Warmly,Lauren KnightBlog Manager 2016 - 2018

1. Loose Parts Play: A Montessori Playground (November 14, 2016)
2. On Peer Conflict (February 16, 2017)
3. 6 Ways to Foster the Nurturer in Your Child (February 23, 2017)
4. Why Dirt is Good for Your Children (March 30, 2017)
5. An Introduction to Practical Life (July 24, 2017)
6. On Climbing Trees (September 21, 2017)
7. Why Your Child Falls Apart After School, and 5 Ways to Help (October 19, 2017)
8. The Role of the Adults in the Montessori Environment (November 17, 2017)
9. The Benefits of Handwork for Children (November 30, 2017)
10. On Independence: Allowing the Young Child to Dress Himself (January 18, 2018)
11. Advice to Culminating Primary Children (From First Year Elementary Children) (January 22, 2018)
12. Parts of a Flower: An Introduction to Reproduction (February 5, 2018)
13. On Sharing (February 22, 2018)
14. Development of the Will: Movement in the 0-3-Year-Old Child (March 8, 2018)
15. 7 Ways to Show Respect to Children (April 12, 2018)

A Tribute to Anna Schwind

Our beloved Lower Elementary Guide Anna Schwind is moving on to fill a new position at the Montessori Lab School, where she will serve as a Guide in the new Elementary classroom. While we will miss her deeply, we are also very proud of her and know she will continue to bring the magic of Montessori to so many children. On our last day of school before summer break, here is our tribute to Anna. Head of School Laura Ceretti-Michelman shares,"Anna Schwind absolutely comes alive in the presence of elementary children.  It is truly a sight to see.  Her endlessly curious, passion for Montessori, and commitment to child development come together in a wonderful way.  There is no doubt that Anna is a true Montessorian to her core.  Anna is a champion for all who is service minded and as generous as the day is long.  It has been a privilege and a pleasure learning from Anna and watching her work with VdM children as well as watching her collaborate and help whenever and wherever needed.  And if you didn't have a chance to see one of Anna's parent education talks, you missed out.  She really is an exceptional public speaker with clarity of thought and expression that few people possess.Anna can be animated and she has a fantastic sense of humor which make her entertaining to boot.   Anna is a deep thinker and she is almost always up for a good conversation and I will most definitely miss those conversations.   Anna has done so much for Villa di Maria and she will be missed.  The good news is that she is moving on to do great things for the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis' new Elementary Lab School and she is the PERFECT person for the job."From Primary Guide Heather Steinman:"I first met Anna as a fellow parent about 14 years ago right here at Villa! I have since come to know her as a teacher, a co worker and a friend. I could say many things about her, but I will say this above all - Anna is incredibly kind and extremely generous!As a friend Anna has been there for me on many an occasion without being asked or expecting fanfare. Once when I had surgery, she came and walked my dog...more than once! When I had a sad event in my family, Anna brought us dinner, put it on my doorstep and rang the bell as to not bother us.  She and her husband even helped me move once! Honestly, there are so many other instances I could go on and on.As a colleague, Anna and I have spent countless amounts of time working together and talking Montessori shop, if you will. It is a really neat relationship to build on when you are a Primary directress sending children you have worked with for three (or four!) years on to an Elementary guide. We have done this pretty smoothly now over some time, learning the ins and outs together. She is always so excited to tell me about how she is getting to know the children and finding out who they are. Her attention to the details and personalities of each child are admirable.

Anna's knowledge of Montessori as well as the world around us never ceases to amaze me. She is truly one of a kind and I will miss seeing her face around here! Good luck on your new adventure Anna!

Oh, and I cannot forget to mention, she REALLY does not like sticky things!"

Primary Aide Cristina Kerr adds, "Anna has great taste in music! When she first started at our school, while preparing her environment, she was always listening to music, and the tunes I was hearing certainly created a great atmosphere for cleaning and sorting materials!"From Parent-Child Guide Cab Yau:

"Anna is brilliant, funny, joyful, and has a perfect Montessori teacher’s voice. I relish the opportunity to sing her praises publicly as I’ve tried complimenting Anna directly over the last three years, to no avail.  Anna is entirely self-effacing about her Montessori skills and her classroom magic.  When I mention the artistry and flat out moxie she brings to the classroom, she unfailingly turns the conversation to the children, pointing to them as the source of the magic. I then try reminding her that she set up the environment, she links the children to the materials, she provides the adult example, and the like.  Every time I lose this compliment game. She always trumps my litany of her strengths with her unwavering confidence in, and respect for, the children.  It is all about the children.  Of course, by winning this game she proves over and again why she is the quintessential Montessori teacher. She embodies what Dr. Montessori asked of us. To observe the child, respect the child, acknowledge that the child is the builder of mankind.  Children couldn’t ask for better support in this process than Anna Schwind. 

 

Thank you Anna for always being focused on the children. Thank you for holding children accountable. Thank you for priming the pump for independent reading by choosing read aloud books that are the first in a series. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better parent. Thank you for spending time with us here at Villa. Thank you for continuing to serve the building of mankind by bringing Montessori elementary to a new place. Best of everything to you."

Upper Elementary Guide Rebecca Callander-Liddy shares:

“The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown to grow under the heat of flaming imagination.” Those words of Dr. Montessori, so wisely urge us as adults to look into each child and see them, truly see them—their potential, their kindness, their citizenship—and weave tales of academic wonder such that all subjects are seen as one wonderful path to explore. Anna embodies this task of the teacher every day she steps foot onto the campus. She been a gift to Villa di Maria for the past three years and has definitely made her mark on our elementary program.

Anna is the consummate storyteller and has a way of making every lesson seem like the most secret and irresistible golden treasure. During an observation this past spring, I witnessed this magic when, during a story lesson on the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, the class dynamically went from a conversational hum to a hushed silence, with the entire community pausing from their work, though they were not all in the lesson, to hear the content of her story.  I can only imagine what seeds were planted this day—seeds of compassion, of human struggle, of science and ecology.  It was amazing.

In addition to her gift of storytelling, Anna has brought so much else to our elementary community—her understanding of the needs of the child is unparalleled.  Even as the proverbial old dog, I have learned so many tricks from Anna’s ability to establish clear classroom rules and operations.  She is one of the most consistent and stable adults I know and provides a place for children to feel safe, knowing that the rules are always so.  Stability in the prepared environment helps children to focus on their own internal growth without having to question the external day-to-day changes that can be so prevalent in life. Anna’s children have come to the Upper Elementary as self-regulated individuals as a result of their time in her centered community.

Finally, Anna, at her core, is an advocate for peace and the rights of the child, being a stand for the emotional growth of each person in her room.  She guides from a place of love, compassion, and fairness, and follows the unique needs of each child, which can look quite different depending on the individual. In the words of Rick Riordan from the Red Pyramid, Anna knows that “Fairness doesn’t mean that everybody gets the same.  Fairness means everyone gets what they need.”

I am going to miss seeing Mrs. Schwind each day,  but I know that she will be just around the corner at the Lab School, bringing her Montessori work to a new 6-12 community.  I am also given solace knowing that in a few years, we will hopefully be able to participate in the NYC MMUN together!"

"Anna will most definitely be missed. She's so thoughtful and cares deeply about both children and her peers. Villa di Maria's legacy will be even stronger having had her as part of the team."   - Jade Venditte, Director of Development, Diversity and InclusionFrom Classroom Aide (and the one who worked most closely with Anna over the past two years) Melinda Smith:“A” teamOur fling is doneBefore I had the chanceFor the second rule of cinquainWeak sauce"Anna knows how I feel about her. We are fabulous and unbelievably magical. If you will, the unicorn of partners! We have been since the beginning. She supports me and stands by me, she includes and collaborates with me, she trusts and teaches me. She is modeling for the children what a working relationship looks like, both for friendships and teammates in the classroom.No longer work buddies but just buddies with a future of dog walking and handwork classes. I know she will always be there to guide me when I need it because she is totally awesome sauce."From fellow Lower Elementary Guide Megan Eilers:

"Working with Anna over the past two years has been a privilege and a pleasure.  When I first arrived on the scene at Villa, fresh from training, Anna took me under her wing and helped me prepare for the school year. I could tell from the start that we would make a great team.

As the newbie, I relied heavily on Anna’s expertise and guidance.  Whenever I had an idea, question or concern, Anna was there to support and encourage me. If you know Anna, you know she has a way with words. I have always been dazzled by her expansive knowledge and her ability to articulate her thoughts so precisely. Any time that I had an issue with something, I would present it to Anna and she would answer back with several practical solutions (she is always spot on!).  She would then take it a step further and check in on me to see if I needed any further help or support. I can’t thank Anna enough for the countless before/during/after school chats and all the advice and encouragement she has given me.

Throughout our time leading the lower elementary together, Anna has been incredibly supportive, understanding and flexible. I have learned so much from our conversations and simply by watching her interact with children. I know that I have really been spoiled over the last two years. Anna has not only been my own personal Montessori “Google,” but she has been one of the easiest coworkers I have ever worked with.  She is flexible and able to adapt to any occasion. Whether planning for cross-over lessons, celebrations, Parent Ed nights or just having impromptu activities, Anna is always willing to go with the flow and adjust her schedule. We compliment each other very well and I will miss the ease of our working relationship.

The time I have spent with Anna and the lessons that I have learned from her are invaluable.  I will always be grateful to her for helping me through my first couple years of teaching. Anna, your new school does not know how lucky they are to have you! You are an amazing coworker, mentor and friend, and I will miss you dearly!"

And from Lower Elementary Aide Sophie Andre:

"Dear Anna,

Thank you for all you did at Villa, all that you taught me and all I learned by observing you. I will also preciously keep with me one of your thoughts about parenting : We will inevitably pass burdens to our children, so what matters, in the end, is to give more positive than negative.

I hope your new adventure will be colorful and delightful!

Yours friendly, Namaste"

Jessie Braud, Primary Guide, had this message for Anna:

"Oh, Ms. Schwind!! What a fabulous human. She's been such a great buddy to have these past two years that I've been at VdM, whether it be through her marvelous efforts to keep my Spanish up to snuff or some bonding over our favorite nerdy hobbies. Not only that, but watching her work with the children is an inspiration, and she's helped me understand the second-plane child so much more than I had before I met her.

If you know Anna, you know that she is not the most quiet of individuals (you can hear that laugh cross-campus!) - and her rallying cries of support for me during my first two years as a directress were definitely some of the loudest in my heart. Knowing that someone like Anna had my back (and knowing that she still does and always will) has been a real encouragement to me, especially when I needed it the most.

Even though she will certainly be missed, she is off to do some huge, huge work, and I can't imagine anyone else tackling the job! I hope she is able to hear me cheering her on from VdM next year. ¡Buena suerte, Sra. Schwind!"

My own personal experience, both from a parent and a staff perspective, has been a wonderful and inspiring one. When I began blogging for Villa di Maria two years ago, I was apprehensive; there was (and still is) so much I didn't know about the Montessori world. But I quickly learned that Anna was an incredibly patient and responsive sounding board for ideas and Montessori knowledge. On more than one occasion, she provided "lightbulb moments" for me, allowing for information and ways of being to click into place. I never hesitated to contact her with clarifications or questions about the Montessori world, and she always, always made time for me (though I have no idea how!).As a parent, I watched as she guided my oldest son, then my middle son, in the most gentle and patient ways. She has aided in my middle child's blossoming and confidence over the past three years. Upon our first parent-teacher conference, I was struck by just how well she knew my individual children; she just gets children in a deep and profound way - from who they are to what they need. She is, not using the word lightly, exceptional, and I will miss her both as a Guide and as a person.In addition to being a mindful and magical presence in the classroom, Anna has been one of our blog's major contributors over the past two years. She is full of great ideas, and is willing to take the time to discuss and even write eloquently about many Montessori topics. We consider ourselves beyond lucky to have just a fraction of her knowledge accessible here on the blog. Below, some of Anna's major blog contributions over the past two years.The Benefits of Handwork for Children (Anna discusses the many wonderful reasons we love the sensorial and creative act of working with one's hands)On Peer  Conflict (Anna explains the importance of guiding children through the social learning required when navigating conflict with peers)Development of the Will: The Emergence of Self-Discipline (Anna writes about the self-regulatory work of an emerging will)Yoga in the Classroom (Anna lets us join a classroom yoga session)Modeling and Facilitating Conflict Resolution (Anna discusses, along with Rebecca and Megan, “Conscious Social Growth of the Elementary Child” and tips on how to handle conflict between siblings at home)The Role of the Contrarian in the Lower Elementary Classroom (Anna writes about why it is actually beneficial to have a contrarian in the classroom, and how it helps with personal and group growth)The Weekly Conference (Anna discusses the structure of this self-assessment tool)Spanish with Mrs. Schwind (A peek into Anna's Spanish class)Torta Frita: A Traditional Argentine Recipe (Anna shares a recipe from her childhood home)The Great Lessons (Anna brings magic and wonder to children as she presents one of the Great Lessons during the first week of school in the new Elementary building)Anna, thank you for your outstanding commitment to Montessori! We wish you the best of luck in your next endeavor!

On Outdoor Work Space and Why Your Child Needs to go Outside

Being outside is a joy to the senses, and can do wonders for one's mood! Here at Villa di Maria, we recognize all the major benefits of being outside, and have accommodated our children by providing lovely outdoor work environments. Read all about the benefits of children being outside in nature below! Dr. Montessori recognized the many benefits of being in nature long before the science supported it. She noted that because children are such sensorial learners, the outdoors could provide them with much stimulation while also calming the mind and connecting them to all living things around them.Being outdoors has an interesting effect on the brain, increasing alpha waves, which produce a calm but alert stage: perfect for learning new material. Above, an Upper Elementary student asks for help in her research from UE Aide Justin Shepard on the outdoor patio.In good weather (and sometimes not so good weather), Primary children choose to work outdoors - from reading in a quiet corner, to washing cloths and hanging them to dry. When they are working outdoors, they are peaceful and quiet, contemplative.

Look at that face of deep concentration!

Being outdoors has shown remarkable ability to increase concentration, improved eye health, better sleep, memory retention, increase in vitamin D, reduction in stress levels, improved physical health, improved academic performance, reduction in blood pressure... the list goes on and on! Even going outside for 10 minutes at a time can have a profound effect (but of course, more outdoor time is better for all of us!).The evidence of just how much time our Montessori students spend outdoors is everywhere! We hope you appreciate why they are coming home nice and dirty at the end of the day!For further reading on how to support your child's outdoor life outside of school, read our previous blog posts:Great Hikes Around St. LouisOn Limiting Screen TimeEvery Kid in a ParkBest St. Louis Summer CampsFort BuildersLoose Parts Play: A Montessori PlaygroundOn Climbing TreesGardening with ChildrenWhy Kids Need Recess

Why I Love My School: Elementary Essay Entries

At the beginning of spring, Head of School Laura Ceretti-Michelman asked interested Elementary students to write an essay explaining why they love their school, with the understanding that one of the essays would be published in the Webster-Kirkwood Times. The submissions were beautiful, touching, and sweet. Read excerpts from the submissions below. Thank you to the wonderful, expressive and enthusiastic Elementary children who chose to participate in this outpouring of love for Villa di Maria! We look forward to seeing the published essay soon!

Prepping for the Spring Concert

Can you believe that the Villa di Maria Spring Concert is only 9 school days away?! We certainly can't. I was lucky enough to observe a short preview of one of the songs the Upper Elementary will be performing, and let me tell you, it's going to be an awesome concert! I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave you with this: the children are working very hard in all classrooms. From Primary to Lower Elementary on up to the Upper El, the Guides, Aides, and children are all working extra hard to make this a concert you won't forget. We can't wait!

Circus Night 2018!

On the first day of May, the Villa di Maria community came together for our Annual Circus Night, complete with wonderful activities for the kids (and grown ups), a wonderful show by some of the dynamic performers from Circus Harmony and a delicious dinner from Chipotle. Lots and lots of photos from the fun, below. While last year's event (be sure to take a look if you're a parent - it's so much fun to see how the children have grown over the past year) took place off campus due to the construction of the elementary building, this year, we were thrilled to be back on our own turf!The ever-popular Kona Ice truck made an appearance; we're thinking it's going to have to be a regular at all of Villa's school functions!As always, the balloon artists were top notch. This patient soul even made a narwhal for one of the children!This year there was even a caricature artist!Circus Night was also an opportunity for new families (who will be joining the community the following school year) to meet and make new friends, to become familiar with the campus and to blow off some steam! We love that our VdM family is growing.It's always a pleasure to see families and friends enjoying each other's company.And, of course, the Circus Harmony acts were outstanding!We lucked out with beautiful weather (yet again) and after everyone enjoyed dinner and games, they gathered round to watch the show. This time, three of Villa's own brothers got to join the performance and show off a bit for their friends!We can't go without saying thank you to the Parent Association Co-Chairs, Kathy Favazza and Tami Presley, who pulled the event together wonderfully, as they have pulled together these events all year long. Thank you also to Samantha Clarke, and all the parent volunteers who helped set up, clean up, supervise, and pitched in through so many ways. We are so lucky to have such a fantastic community!