Bristow Montessori School
"The Buzz" - November 2016
Dear BMS Community,
The children really seemed to enjoy the entertainment and the raffle was a huge hit! The Parent Advisory committee was instrumental in organizing this event and I want to personally thank them all for such a great effort. Thanks so much!
This month we are preparing for Parent Lesson night on November 17th, in the Primary wing and Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday November 23rd in all classrooms. Please be on the look out for sign-up sheets and parent volunteer opportunities from your classroom teacher or home room parent. This is the start of a very busy holiday season and the children are fully immersed in Cultural stories and many associated crafts. We hope you enjoy their work as much as we enjoy guiding them through it.
This month's topic in the Montessori Lens is spontaneous activity in the Montessori environment. I hope you find it a useful and interesting subject. I am always available to talk to parents about the Montessori philosophy and program curriculum at any time if there are questions that arise from the topics being highlighted.
In service,
Anita Ercole
Spontaneous Activity and Independence
Throughout her life, Dr. Montessori observed and examined children's behavior. She believed careful observation could provide the key to understanding human development and self education. Her life's work revealed the necessary conditions that support self education; liberty of movement, the prepared environment, free development of the will, imagination and independence. Children in the Montessori classroom are practicing these skills every day through their repetition of work, self correction of errors and freedom to choose their activities.
The “will” of the child explains the differences between conscious and unconscious mind. Through a process of “self-education” the students construct their wills. They develop abilities of reasoning, selection and decision-making, which build independence. The acts of controlling impulsive behavior strengthening moral will, and character are only possible because of the freedom to exercise and guide their own choices. By removing the teacher’s will as an external modifier from the learner it frees him to unconsciously and spontaneously develop stronger moral powers, liberating him from timidity, insecurities and personal doubt.
Dr. Montessori tells us that a man who has to make a conscious decision who has not been able to construct himself through self-direction is feeble, subjected to the strong will of others and “prey to the perils of which, the world is full.” “That, which gives strength to resist is not the moral vision, it is the exercise of will-power, and this exercise is to be found in the routine of life itself.” Dr. Montessori.
Clearly, Dr. Montessori believed the preparation and exercise of the unconscious mind was key to developing the entire personality of man. Persistence and constancy being two of the most important qualities a human being can possess. Dr. Montessori goes further by stating that “continuity” is the “platform” for social structure, both in the family and in work. In more recent times there have been an abundance of theories that resonate and uphold this theory and cite constancy and perseverance as fundamental for achieving the healthy growth of individuals, the family and society as a whole.
Spontaneous activity is the happy response a Montessori child achieves in a learning environment that appeals and nurtures his individual interest. Self regulation of the will takes time to achieve but only through this vital routine of consistency and practice can true independence and self education reveal itself.
Our ever popular Trunk or Treat event was, once again, a huge success!
The Lynns enjoyed Trunk or Treat!
Parent Advisory Committee
We are so grateful to the members of our Parent Advisory Committee for all their help in planning events and providing vital feedback to the school about topics parents are interested in. These parents contribute in many ways with their time, resources and expertise. They are your parent representatives and look forward to hearing from you if you have matters of concern or great ideas to share that can improve the experience for families and students at our school. Please reach out to them or just say Hi! If you are interested in participating with this community in the future, please let us know. Community in action.
Current Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) members: Jennifer McCarthy (Joey and Juliet), Camille Baker (Leili), Susan Givens (Silas), Amy Dorn (Mace), Amy Hinds (Gabrielle), Jessica Balmos (Knox), Jessica Struve (Owen & Waverly), Katie Lane (Camden & Charlotte), Mia Leone (Leo), Liz Noel (Emma), Niki Weinberg (Parker), and Shoshani Dike (Solomon)
Let's CAN Hunger!- November 1- 21
Parent Lesson Night - Thursday, Nov. 17
Thanksgiving Feast- Wednesday, Nov. 23
Holiday Date Night - Saturday, Dec. 10
Dad's BBQ and Brew Event
Used Uniform Sale- Going on Now!
"Our babies are exploring with so many possibilities!" - Ms. M
Thank you to our Fall Festival sponsors!
A special thank you Jennifer McCarthy!
We truly appreciate Mrs. J. McCarthy from Kensington Vanguard for sponsoring our Fall festival with a $500 donation! Kensington Vanguard National land Services providing Title Company services.
We are proud to showcase any of our BMS Community companies and hope that we can all benefit from buying and supporting local business! We will gladly pass on your recommendations. Thanks for all your support!
The Hilton Worldwide group
Raffle Sponsors
Special Thanks!
Books Galore!
Playground Update
Teacher Training
Tuition is due by the first of each month.
Contact Us
Email: info@bristowmontessori.com
Website: www.bristowmontessori.com
Location: 9050 Devlin Road, Bristow, VA, United States
Phone: 703-468-1191
Facebook: FaceBook.com/BristowMontessoriSchool