Week 15: 12/15-12/18
With Christmas right around the corner, it was not unexpected that it was a joyous week at CHOICE. However, what brought the joy surprised us at times…
From the Spark studio
From Miss Anna: We had an amazing last week of the session! My big highlight from the week was seeing genuine joy in learning math! When I first started in Montessori, I remember sincerely believing that there was no way 4-7 year olds could possibly think some of the math materials were fun, much less that they would choose to do them of their own free will and choice. Our Spark crew at Choice has absolutely proved me wrong!
There is a math bug in the studio! All week, the Heroes tackled HUGE math works – from skip counting by 9’s all the way to 9 cubed (which is 729 for those who don’t have that math fact memorized ; ), to finding the sum of over 20 different addition equations, or wanting to make as many numbers they can out of our golden bead materials. Heroes of all ages are seeing the joy that comes from personal choice and the discovery that follows. They are feeling the pride that comes from accomplishing their own goals – not the goals of the adult. How I wish I could have made those happy connections with math at such a young age!
More joy found in unexpected places… sweeping!
From the Elementary studio
In the last minute scramble of pulling together the exhibition both heroes and guides learned a lot about what not to do if we want to keep the experience truly learner driven. As guides we experienced joy as the heroes forgave us for our mistakes. And we all enjoyed playing the disputed Kahoot game with our parents and grandparents at the exhibition.
The Elementary studio heroes found joy helping one another finish their quest challenges so that every hero could attend the final journey.
During the final journey, the guides found joy watching the heroes try new foods from different countries.
Despite imperfect planning, the natural gifts of the Elementary heroes pulled through and they created a really enjoyable Christmas party for the Spark studio. We found great joy in the Elementary heroes’ desire to get to know and serve the younger heroes. A mixed age community is such a gift.
We are so grateful for the unexpected joys we find not only at Christmas time, but everyday with these heroes!