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After observing in a Primary classroom, many parents are amazed by how peacefully the children are working, both individually and in small groups. Our Primary environments are designed to be microcosms of real life, and as we well know, real life is not always peaceful and conflict-free. In fact, conflict seems inherent in any environment occupied by more than one person, and Primary environments include 20+ young students coming together to share space, materials, work and ideas. Furthermore, at this age, each child envisions himself/herself as the star of the show and everyone else as a supporting actor. When all these lead actors share the same stage, why doesn’t less-than-peaceful chaos ensue?
 
Enter stage right, the Montessori Teacher. This highly-trained individual is armed with knowledge of child development, psychology and Montessori philosophy. Her job is to gently open the eyes of the children to the other actors and their needs, helping them to see the joy and value in supporting each other and working together as a community.

In practice, it looks like this: One child wants to work with the golden bead materials. Using the Grace and Courtesy lesson provided by the Teacher about how to invite friends to work with her, she politely finds two or more other children willing to work with her. Next, they find floor space for five rugs, taking into consideration walkways and other children’s work. Finally, they negotiate what type of math problem to do, what each person's role will be, and who gets to count the thousands. This happens because in addition to math instruction, the Teacher has taught the children how to have respectful conversations, negotiate and resolve conflict if it arises. Building these skills requires opportunities for repeated practice with room for failures and do-overs.

Primary classrooms are peaceful because from a very young age, students learn to navigate conflict independently and are methodically prepared, both academically and socially, for collaboration. These skills contribute to life-long happiness and success and hopefully to a more peaceful world.
 

Springmont 's students benefit greatly from all sorts of opportunities to practice independence and responsibility. Elementary students are encouraged to arrange their own small-group outings into the wider community to learn more about an academic subject, area of special interest or personal cause. These student-driven adventures are known as Going-Outs.

Recently, three Lower Elementary students wrapped up a project benefiting shelter animals by visiting the Fulton County Animal Shelter to deliver funds raised and supplies gathered. Their parent chaperone wrote, “The going-out was a total success. They did everything themselves - told them why they were there and filled [out] the forms themselves. They were polite, interested [and] asked plenty of questions. All three were very disappointed about how sad animal shelters can be [and] came out inspired to do more for shelters.”
 
Experiences such as this are an integral part of the Springmont Elementary experience and serve as vehicles for satisfying curiosity, developing passions and empowering students to become knowledgeable, independent and effective.

Once again, Springmont's Running Club, led by Andrea Restifo, participated in the Hot Chocolate 5K Race. Despite the rain, even Springmont alums Ryan Restifo and Matt Fumo were all smiles before the start! Congrats to all the runners, including Henry who placed 7th and Nico who placed 8th in the 14 & under category which included more than 130 participants. Way to go!

All families are invited to join the Landschool Board and Committee for a Landschool Community Workday on Saturday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Our beloved Landschool in Summerville, GA, needs some TLC!  In addition to simple, annual maintenance projects such as trail clearing, kitchen cleaning and inventory tracking, this will be a day of fellowship and fun!