4 Ways to Determine Whether Your Montessori Middle Schooler is Getting Enough Rest

Ensuring that your middle school children gets enough rest is crucial for their overall health, well-being, and academic success. The adolescent years are a time of significant growth and development, and sleep plays a vital role in supporting these changes. However, it can be challenging to gauge whether your child is getting adequate sleep, especially when they have increasing responsibilities and a busy schedule.

1. Assess Their Daily Energy Levels

One of the most straightforward ways to gauge whether your child is getting enough rest is by observing their daily energy levels. Middle schoolers require an average of 9-11 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and functioning. If your child consistently appears tired, lethargic, or irritable during the day, it may indicate that they are not getting enough sleep.

2. Monitor Their Sleep Duration

One of the most effective ways to ensure your Montessori middle school student is getting enough sleep is by tracking their sleep duration. Keep a consistent schedule for bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, and make sure it aligns with their age-appropriate sleep needs. If your child struggles to wake up in the morning or regularly stays up late to complete homework, it may be a sign that they are not getting adequate rest.

3. Observe Their Academic Performance

Sleep plays a pivotal role in cognitive function and academic performance. If your Montessori middle schooler is not getting enough rest, it can impact their ability to concentrate, retain information, and excel in their studies. If you notice a decline in their academic performance or a sudden decrease in their ability to focus on tasks, it might be due to inadequate sleep.

4. Assess Their Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Insufficient sleep can also affect a child's physical and emotional well-being. Pay attention to any physical symptoms your middle schooler may experience, such as headaches, frequent illness, or weight changes. These could be indicative of sleep deprivation. Additionally, keep an eye on their emotional state. If your child is experiencing emotional and physical symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it may be a sign that they need more rest.

Maintaining a healthy sleep routine for your Montessori middle schooler is essential for their overall well-being, academic success, and emotional stability. If sleep-related issues are identified, it is crucial to implement strategies to establish healthy sleep patterns that support their growth and development during these formative years. Adequate rest is a vital component of a healthy and balanced life, and it is a responsibility that parents, caregivers, and educators should prioritize to ensure the well-being of their children.

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What Sort of Sun & Moon Art Activities are Used in Middle School?

Art activities in middle school play a pivotal role in nurturing creativity and self-expression. Among the various themes explored in these activities, the celestial bodies, the Sun and the Moon, stand out as captivating subjects. Utilizing the Sun and Moon as themes in art education offers students a unique opportunity to explore their artistic abilities while fostering an understanding of science and culture.

Symbolism in Art

In many cultures, the Sun symbolizes warmth, light, and positivity, while the Moon often represents mystery, tranquility, and the night. Through Montessori middle school art activities, students can delve into these symbols, creating artworks that express their interpretations of these celestial bodies. This exploration encourages students to think critically about the significance of symbols in art and culture.

Science and Observation

Studying the Sun and Moon in art class can complement science education. Art projects related to these celestial bodies encourage students to observe and depict them with accuracy. Students learn about the different phases of the Moon and the Sun's changing positions in the sky. This fusion of art and science not only enhances their artistic skills but also deepens their understanding of the natural world.

Cultural Diversity

The Sun and Moon hold diverse cultural significance worldwide. In art activities, students can explore how different cultures interpret and represent these celestial bodies. They may create art inspired by Native American sun dances or Islamic crescent moons. Such explorations not only teach cultural appreciation but also promote diverse perspectives.

Mixed Media

Art projects involving the Sun and Moon often encourage the use of mixed media. Students can experiment with a variety of materials, from watercolors and pastels to collage and sculpture. These diverse mediums allow students to express their creativity and convey different aspects of the Sun and Moon, such as their textures, colors, and luminosity.

Emotion and Expression

The Sun and Moon evoke a wide range of emotions in people, from awe and wonder to serenity and nostalgia. Art activities centered around these celestial bodies provide a platform for students to explore and convey their emotions. They may create a painting that captures the peacefulness of a moonlit night or a sculpture that celebrates the energy of a sunny day.

Sun and moon art activities in elementary school offer a rich and multifaceted learning experience. They allow students to delve into symbolism, connect art with science, appreciate cultural diversity, experiment with mixed media, and express their emotions. By exploring these themes, students not only develop their artistic skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, both scientifically and culturally.

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3 Engaging Ways for Middle School Kids to Use Calendars

Middle school is a pivotal time when students start developing essential organizational and time management skills. Introducing them to the effective use of calendars can significantly contribute to their academic success and overall personal growth. Beyond simple date-keeping, calendars can serve as powerful tools for planning, goal-setting, and prioritizing tasks. As examples, consider these three engaging ways for middle school students to harness the potential of calendars in enhancing their productivity and managing their busy lives.

1. Assignment Tracking and Planning

Montessori middle school brings an increased load of assignments and projects. Using calendars to track due dates and allocate study time can be a game-changer. By inputting assignment deadlines, students can create a clear roadmap for their tasks. They can also allocate specific time slots for focused study sessions, ensuring that they complete assignments well before the due dates. Getting into the habit of using reminders ensures that important tasks are never forgotten, and helps students develop a sense of responsibility and time management, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

2. Goal Setting and Progress Tracking

This stage of life is an ideal time to teach students the importance of setting and working towards goals. Calendars can play a pivotal role in this process. Students can break down their goals into smaller, actionable steps and allocate specific days or weeks to work on each step. By setting reminders and marking off completed tasks, students experience a sense of accomplishment as they witness their progress. This practice instills discipline and perseverance, essential traits that extend beyond academics.

3. Extracurricular Engagement and Events

During this period children will spend more time exploring extracurricular interests and participating in various events. Calendars can assist students in managing their commitments effectively. By inputting club meetings, sports practices, performances, and other events into their calendars, students can create a comprehensive overview of their schedules. This enables them to allocate time for both academic and extracurricular activities, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Incorporating calendar usage into the lives of middle school students goes beyond simple date-keeping; it empowers them with valuable skills that will serve them well into the future. These skills not only contribute to academic success but also shape responsible and well-rounded individuals. As students navigate the complexities of middle school and beyond, calendars become more than tools; they become companions in their journey of self-discovery and growth.

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What Kind of Middle School Science Activities Teach Children About Germs?

Teaching children about germs is essential for their understanding of health and hygiene. Engaging middle school students in interactive science activities not only educates them about the microscopic world of germs but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their well-being. These exciting and educational middle school science activities focus on teaching children about germs, fostering curiosity, and promoting good hygiene practices.

Germ Detectives

In this activity, Montessori middle school students will become "Germ Detectives" as they explore the invisible world of germs using ultraviolet (UV) light. They will apply a special gel containing synthetic germs to their hands, representing areas where germs typically accumulate. UV light reveals these "germs" on their hands, making the invisible visible. This activity not only introduces students to the concept of germs but also emphasizes the importance of proper handwashing to keep germs at bay.

The Great Germ Experiment

The "Great Germ Experiment" allows students to discover the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in preventing the spread of germs. Students will work in groups, and each group will be given a "contaminated" object, such as a doorknob, pencil, or toy. They will then be tasked with tracing the movement of "germs" by touching various surfaces and objects in the classroom. Through this hands-on experience, students will gain insights into the significance of regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Microbe Observation

In this activity, Montessori students will use microscopes to observe different types of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They will collect samples from various surfaces and analyze them under the microscope. Through direct observation, students will develop an understanding of the diversity and prevalence of germs in their environment.

Handwashing Experiment

To reinforce the importance of proper handwashing, students can experiment with different washing techniques. They will use a special lotion that glows under UV light to simulate germs on their hands. Students will then wash their hands using different methods, such as a quick rinse, a short wash, and a thorough wash with soap and water. By examining their hands under UV light afterward, they will see the effectiveness of proper handwashing in removing "germs."

Engaging middle school students in science activities that teach them about germs is vital for their well-being and understanding of hygiene. From becoming "Germ Detectives" to conducting microbe observations, these hands-on activities provide valuable insights into the world of germs and their impact on health. Through interactive experiments and discussions, students develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of good hygiene practices.

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4 Interactive Outdoor Activities that Bolster Self-Esteem in Middle School Students

Middle school can be a critical time for developing self-esteem in students. Engaging in interactive outdoor activities not only promotes physical health but also plays a significant role in boosting self-esteem and fostering positive self-perception. By participating in activities that encourage teamwork, personal growth, and skill-building, middle school students will develop a sense of accomplishment and gain confidence in their abilities.

1. Adventure Courses and Ropes Courses

Adventure courses and ropes courses provide students with opportunities to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and conquer fears. These courses often involve physical elements such as climbing walls, zip lines, and high ropes. By engaging in these activities, Montessori middle school students can build resilience, improve problem-solving skills, and experience personal triumph.

2. Team-Building Games and Challenges

Participating in team-building games and challenges outdoors fosters collaboration and promotes a sense of belonging among middle school students. Activities like scavenger hunts, relay races, and cooperative problem-solving tasks encourage students to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another. The shared experiences and successful outcomes in these activities contribute to a positive sense of self and enhance students' belief in their abilities to contribute to a team.

3. Outdoor Sports and Physical Activities

Engaging in outdoor sports and physical activities helps middle school students develop physical skills, improve fitness levels, and boost self-esteem. Whether it's playing soccer or basketball, or engaging in activities like hiking or biking, students can experience a sense of achievement as they enhance their athletic abilities. Physical activities also provide opportunities for students to set personal goals, track their progress, and celebrate milestones, further strengthening their self-esteem.

4. Environmental and Community Projects

Participating in environmental and community service projects empowers middle school students to make a positive impact on their surroundings and develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Activities like planting trees, cleaning up local parks, or volunteering at community organizations provide students with a tangible sense of contributing to something meaningful.

Interactive outdoor activities play a vital role in bolstering self-esteem in middle school students. Adventure courses and ropes courses challenge students to overcome obstacles, while team-building games promote collaboration and a sense of belonging. Engaging in outdoor sports and physical activities helps students develop physical skills and celebrate personal achievements. Lastly, participating in environmental and community service projects empowers students to make a positive impact on their surroundings.

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4 Outdoor Activities That Build Self-Esteem in Middle School Students

Middle school is a time of transition and growth for students, both academically and socially. Outdoor activities can be a great way to help students build self-esteem and confidence during this time. Here are four outdoor activities that can help build self-esteem in middle school students:

1. Adventure Courses

Adventure courses are a fun and challenging way for Montessori middle school students to build self-esteem. These courses typically involve climbing, balancing, and other physical challenges that require students to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. By completing these challenges, students can gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities. This can be an enjoyable and non-competitive form of physical exercise.

2. Team Building Activities

Team building activities are a great way for middle school students to develop self-esteem while working with others. These activities can include scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and other challenges that require students to communicate and collaborate with their peers. By working together to overcome obstacles, students can develop a sense of trust and confidence in their ability to work with others. Team building is an excellent way for children to hone social skills and learn personal responsibilities.

3. Outdoor Sports

Participating in outdoor sports can be a great way for middle school students to build self-esteem and confidence. Whether it's soccer, basketball, or another sport, participating in team sports can help students develop a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. Even individual sports, such as running or cycling, can help students build self-esteem as they work to improve their skills and achieve their goals.

4. Nature Walks

Nature walks can be a calming and reflective outdoor activity that can help middle school students build self-esteem. These walks can provide opportunities for students to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, and to connect with the natural world around them. By spending time in nature, students can develop a sense of peace and self-awareness that can help build self-esteem.

There are many outdoor activities that can help middle school students build self-esteem and confidence. Adventure courses, team building activities, outdoor sports, and nature walks are all great options for students looking to develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence. By participating in these activities, students can develop important life skills and a sense of self-worth that will serve them well throughout their lives.

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The 3 Roles Involved in a Montessori Middle School Environment

Typically, the Montessori-style middle school environment is represented by a triad of roles that include teachers, parents, and students. During class-time, these roles are viewed slightly differently, with the prepared Montessori environment itself taking on a role of its own. This is not instead of the parental role-- much of which takes place at home-- but as a cornerstone in the classroom learning process.

1. The Child

In Montessori education, the child is seen as an active participant in their own learning. The child is encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace and according to their own interests. The child is also encouraged to develop self-discipline, independence, and a sense of responsibility for their own learning. Montessori middle school students are often involved in their own parent-teacher conferences. They take an active role in discussing their progress and goals with their parents and teachers.

2. The Prepared Environment

The Montessori prepared environment is carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of each child. The environment includes a variety of hands-on learning materials that are designed to promote exploration, discovery, and independent learning. The environment is also organized and structured to promote order, concentration, and self-discipline. Montessori students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning process. They are given the freedom to choose their own learning activities and are supported in pursuing their own interests and passions.

3. The Teacher

The Montessori teacher is responsible for creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment that meets the needs of each individual child. The teacher observes the child's interests, strengths, and challenges and provides guidance and support as needed. The teacher also prepares and maintains the learning materials and activities in the classroom, ensuring that they are appropriate and engaging for each child.

Montessori middle school students are encouraged to work collaboratively with their peers. They engage in group projects and discussions that allow them to learn from and with each other.

Together, these three roles of the Montessori triad work in harmony to support each child's development and growth. The teacher creates a supportive and nurturing environment, the child is an active participant in their own learning, and the prepared environment provides the materials and structure to facilitate learning and growth. This approach fosters a love of learning and a lifelong commitment to personal growth and development.

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Why is it Important for Parents to Attend Montessori School Conferences?

Parent conferences at a private middle school may be quite different than the traditional PTA meetings of the past. Montessori is an observational system, so maintaining a line of contact between the Montessori triad-- children, parents, and teacher-- is critical for the success of the child. Here are some of the most important reasons why parents need to be in the loop.

Performance Updates

Montessori middle school conferences are an opportunity for parents to receive updates on their child's academic and social progress. Teachers can share insights into the child's strengths and areas for improvement, as well as offer suggestions for supporting their learning at home. This is a great opportunity to talk about new skills your child is learning, subjects she is showing interest in, and problems or achievements she has talked about at home.

Understand the Montessori Method

Montessori education is a unique approach that may be unfamiliar to some parents. Attending conferences can help parents gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and how it is applied in the classroom. Furthermore, Montessori is not intended as a school-based program alone, so parental involvement can be a huge developmental boost for children.

Parent-Teacher Relationships

Montessori conferences are a chance for parents to build a relationship with their child's teacher. This can help create a partnership between the parent and teacher, which is beneficial for the child's education. In some cases, unwanted behavior patterns can be curtailed by a simple show of solidarity between parents and teachers so that the child understands both parties are on the same team: the child's team.

Build Community

Conferences provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other Montessori parents. This can create a sense of community and provide a support network for parents to share ideas and experiences. One of the tenets of Montessori is to produce great future citizens, but that is also affected by the observations children make of how their parents interact.

Overall, attending Montessori conferences is an important way for parents to stay informed and involved in their child's education, and to support their child's growth and development both inside and outside of the classroom.

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5 Suggestions to Help Teach Your Middle School Kids Internet Safety

Today's middle school students will mature into a much more digitally-pervasive society than their parents have ever known. That makes it very important that this generation of students learn to use the Internet in a safe manner now. Here are 5 tips that address the major security problems Internet users need to be careful of.

1. Careful Contact

Montessori middle school children need to be taught at an early age to protect themselves and their privacy. People are not always what they appear to be online, and new contacts need to be monitored. Similarly, teach your children not to give out certain information like their address and phone numbers without obtaining your approval first. Making new friends is wonderful, but they need your help to guide them safely.

2. Virtual Etiquette

Cyberbullying needs to be avoided. Children should be taught how to communicate politely and why pressuring their peers can be devastating. The tween years can be difficult for kids to get through in the best of circumstances, and everyone benefits when we are kind to each other.

3. Log Out for Safety

It is important to log out of accounts. It may be tempting to get up and walk away from an app when you are done using it, but logging out protects private information and makes it more difficult for someone to "hack" your account. This is a common mistake that children make, and it can cause a lot of problems for everyone - from the account holder, to the people they care most about.

4. Secure Websites

There are two kinds of website URLs that children should learn to recognize. One is the old-fashioned "http:" style website and the other is the more secure "https:" website. The first uses older HTML coding and doesn't provide a secure connection. The second type is only used for secure point-to-point connections while HTML connections may be open to anyone who knows your IP address. Staying safe begins with knowing when the website should be trusted with confidential information.

5. Kid-Friendly Websites

There are all kinds of kid-friendly websites with carefully selected and examined content. Middle school kids may enjoy National Geographic for Kids, Reading Rocket, etc. The point is that there are websites designed just for kids where they can do everything from setting up daily news feeds on kid-centric subjects to using play-based materials that teach them academic subjects in an enjoyable format.

The Internet's importance in our lives is only going to grow over the next decade or so, and that means teaching your kids about Internet safety today will be a lesson that benefits them for many years to come.

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4 Ways You Can Support the Montessori Method at Home

Montessori education is a form of whole-child development. In order to work correctly, middle school children should be presented with Montessori-style opportunities at home. To illustrate how you can do this at home, here are 4 critical aspects of Montessori that can be duplicated in the family environment.

1. A Prepared Environment

While a corner of the home is appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, Montessori middle school kids should be integrated into the regular household environment. Provide your son with his own chair, a table space he can arrange as he wishes, and plenty of access to bookshelves, activity areas, and his own choices for decorations and styles.

2. Communication and Inclusion

Communication is at the heart of appropriate learning. Talk with your Montessori son about his day, offer to help him with troublesome projects, and invite him to join in home activities like cleaning, cooking, building, and maintenance. Inclusion is critical to establishing a firm sense of self-esteem, and that promotes an eagerness to learn and participate. When a middle school child feels like they make a difference, he will be more interested in participating.

3. Encourage Curiosity

Children begin life with a clean slate of knowledge and will spend the rest of their lives absorbing information about the world they live in. For middle school kids, that means being encouraged to study and compare, explore and discover. It may be tempting to rely on your local factories, visit museums, and go for explorations in nearby parks and other public spaces. In the process, observe how your kids react to different things and help them focus their interest on subjects they find the most stimulating.

4. Montessori at Home

It is important that the tenets of Montessori are allowed to become a way of life. Avoid using punishments or rewards to motivate your kids, use positive reinforcement instead. By helping a child become motivated for his own success, you give him the confidence and curiosity to attempt new things, interact appropriately with others, and feel good about his achievements. Ask your child's teachers for suggestions on how you can more accurately continue the Montessori Method after school lets out.

Montessori was carefully developed to recreate the natural way kids learn in a broader, more structured context. To be the most effective, the principles of Montessori should become a common set of ideals in the home itself. From grace and courtesy to discovering the bounty of nature in local parks, supporting the Montessori Method will benefit every aspect of your child's development.

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5 Ways That Gross Motor Skills Affect Middle School Classroom Success

There are two skill sets involved in the proper development of young bodies and minds. The first is the category of fine motor skills necessary for manipulating objects and begins at birth. The second is the area of gross motor skills, an area that is developing continuously from preschool through elementary school and beyond. It may surprise you, but developing gross motor skills goes even further, promoting a healthier, more capable child who is able to consider possibilities and consequences as well as the absorption of a myriad of academic information in the process.

1. Connecting Health and Learning

In Montessori middle school, gross motor skills are necessary for running, jumping, climbing, and throwing. They are also necessary for the proper development of bones and muscles. Research has shown that the exercise needed to develop these skills also promotes better health in general and cardiovascular functions in particular. Consequently, promoting better health results in children who are better able to concentrate, have a higher retention rate.

2. Social Skills

Since most methods of developing gross motor skills involve playing of one sort or another, the process also develops the skill sets necessary for interacting with their peers. From learning the art of sharing to developing diplomatic skills, the practice of developing gross motor skills has a tremendous impact on social skills as well.

3. Emotional Reinforcement

Becoming more adept at performing tasks like catching or kicking a ball builds a sense of self-esteem that children must have to become confident students. Physical activity is also a great way for children to learn to do tasks independently, and that sort of self-reliance is a primary goal of the Montessori Method.

4. Academic Enthusiasm

As mentioned, physically exerting themselves is beneficial for classroom retention and focus, but activity can be used to teach academic skills as well. Math, vocabulary, and science can all be easily incorporated into physical activities, for example. This is a major reason why Maria Montessori considered hands-on activity to be a critical part of childhood education.

5. Critical Thinking Through Activity

Hands-on activities help children develop the skills to make effective decisions, compare options, and solve problems. Montessori education is devoted to total child development, so building important intellectual skills while developing physically and emotionally is an appropriate course of action.

With properly developed gross motor skills, children work on almost every aspect of their development. Physical exercise is necessary for kids to be well-coordinated, build stamina, and teach children to perform practical actions to achieve desired goals.

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Why Does Montessori Middle School Help Children Become Leaders?

Just as the Montessori Method promotes total child development in early education, it also benefits them in many ways during the middle school years. This is the time when kids are starting to really think about things outside themselves, and putting concepts they were taught in early education to work. Things such as grace and courtesy, elements at the foundation of Montessori's Method, are ready to be put into practice, helping children develop into caring, intelligent adults with the skills necessary for becoming tomorrow's leaders.

Learning Self-Responsibility

In the Montessori classroom, middle school students are already practicing the skills of leaders. Instead of being assigned a specific curriculum, Montessori students make contracts concerning their educational goals and choices. Freedom of choice is an important part of Montessori, but learning to be responsible for their own goals and behaviors is priceless for children entering their third stage of development.

Practicing Empathy

Children first begin to relate to the feelings of others during their second stage of development, or the years between ages 3 and 6. In middle school, they will fine-tune their ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes. Working with other students, taking part in community activities, and playing a more active role at home are all instances where practicing empathy-- and humility-- help children become future leaders.

Developing Critical Thinking

In the simplest terms, critical thinking is the ability to solve problems by considering the options available. Learning to think critically also encourages children to take leading roles because solving a problem requires action to implement. Opportunities to apply critical thinking are found everywhere and develop necessary skills for those who will be taking leading roles in the community and workplace in a few short years.

Self-Esteem and Montessori

When children perform an action successfully-- even abstract lessons gained from empathy, responsibility, and critical thinking-- it makes them feel better about themselves and their abilities. Montessori is intended to benefit all aspects of childhood development, including developing the social skills necessary for future leaders to be able to fill those leading roles.

Middle school is when the concepts learned in the early years can be put into practice. Children are already saying polite things and helping each other by this time, but the social constructs they are using before middle school are only an outline of the behaviors that will mold them into success stories during middle school and beyond.

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How Do Montessori Middle School Kids Study The Science Behind Ice Crystals?

Montessori middle schools use the same authentic Montessori approach as you will find in private preschool and early elementary programs. Middle school children love to get their hands on their curriculum too and have the ability to take on more in-depth studies. For example, they have probably already learned how water can be any state of matter, but they are now becoming capable enough to delve into the science behind ice crystals.

Freezer Experiments

Middle school projects include a variety of science applications, and examining ice as it is turning into crystals provides first-hand information concerning when, how, and why ice crystals form. It may take a little practice and some adjustment of your freezer temperature to form ice crystals, but part of the fun of science is the anticipation of results.

Video Examples

After a few experiments and talking over some ideas for why ice crystals form, check out some youtube videos on the subject. If you want to get straight to the science of what is happening, the investigation leads to ice crystal shapes based on the six-sided shape of special water molecules. And by the way, it has been demonstrated in controlled environments that the pattern of snowflakes can duplicate itself, but the odds of finding two identical snowflakes are astronomically high.

The Math of Ice Crystals

Math is at the heart of most scientific investigations, and discovering how math is able to predict the outcome of science experiments can be an amazing discovery for children. Everything from why individual ice crystals are attracted to each other to the reason ice crystals form 6-sided structures is based on the physical sciences, chemistry, and more.

The Montessori hands-on approach to learning is perfect for academic lessons in science, geometry, and more. Maria Montessori recognized that children were able to learn better when they were able to move about and physically interact with their lessons. Ice crystals are only one of many ways you can use science to get your children involved.

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STEM Activities for Middle School Children

Science, technology, engineering, and math are the major components of a middle school STEM curriculum. The idea is that students need to have more emphasis on these subject areas to make them more competitive in today’s increasingly technological society. Because a STEM curriculum often revolves around hands-on activities, these subjects are especially well-suited for the Montessori learning method. The kind of projects that may be restricted to science fairs in public education become daily experiments for individuals and teams in the Montessori learning environment.

Build a Sundial

Building a sundial introduces children to a different kind of clock. Since the only materials needed for a sundial are a stick, some markers, and a small space open to the sunlight, this project provides a great deal of educational opportunity without much, if any, expense. Among the lessons to be learned from a sundial are:

·        Affects of seasons on daylight hours

·        Understanding time segments

·        Sunlight variations based on geographic location

Variations on Volcanoes

Building a volcano is a popular and simple project that teaches children about earth processes, chemistry, and object modeling. The basic design uses a clay, paper-mâché, or other “volcanic” peak, and the eruptions can be created using combinations of household chemicals. There are a variety of ways to build an experimental volcano, each with its own unique properties to be discovered.

Experimenting with Water Filtration

Allowing children to work with different types of materials to create a water filter teaches them about the density and porousness of material, the importance of clean water, and the importance of natural filtration systems such as ponds and swamps. Basic filters can be designed with a plastic bottle, some moss, and ditch water, which makes an excellent jumping off point to learn about larger systems, reverse osmosis, and particle filtration.

Understanding the Block and Tackle

The invention of the block and tackle transformed the way people work by allowing them to accomplish more with less energy expenditure. Because pulleys are such an important part mechanical engineering and technology, experimenting and understanding the principles is vital to a well-rounded education. As part of an educational foray into horsepower and work potential, the block and tackle will give middle schoolers a fun and informative insight. Other important and basic tools in this category include the inclined plane and levers.

In Montessori learning, students are encouraged to investigate cause and effect, which in turn enables them to master the basic principles of the physical world. Everything from building sandcastles to designing a working soapbox racer are more than just fun activities - they are teaching children how science, engineering and technology, all of which are shaped by mathematics, make their world a more comfortable place to live in a way that is engaging and exciting.  

Middle school students at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Cedar Campus learn about STEM through activities in their daily curriculum.  This introduces students to wide variety of ways STEM is incorporated into their lives and could serve as inspiration for furthering their education in these fields once they have completed high school.  Call us today to see the difference of the Montessori curriculum.

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Reinforcing the Importance of Diversity in Middle School

By the age of 11 or 12, adjusting to the diversity of life is a necessity for children. In America, we share cultural roots with every country on Earth, including racial differences, spiritual belief systems, and having different abilities in many ways. Human diversity is a fact of life, and addressing those differences in an important aspect of education in middle school.

Cultural Diversity

Whether your origins are English, Japanese, or Haitian Creole, your household has cultural customs that may not be practiced by your neighbors. In middle school, understanding the cultural heritage of many people helps students interact and be more accepting of others.

Ethnic Attitudes

At the core of many disputes in the world today are ethnic attitudes and bias against our fellow human beings. In middle school, children should be investigating the similarities of all people, learning how our differences in appearance and attitude have come to be. More importantly, focusing on how all of our ethnicities combine to make this a strong nation will add to the richness of classroom activities.

Spiritual Acceptance

A cornerstone of the United States Constitution is our separation of church and state. This does not mean that we should all practice the same faith system or ignore them all completely. It means that everyone’s spiritual beliefs should be accepted equally, and we must all practice tolerance for others. This is a difficult hurdle for many young people to cross, but doing so will open their minds to exciting new horizons.

Differences in Abilities

Most students are physically and mentally similar, but there will always be those who have special needs or difficulties. From dyslexia to missing limbs, the fact that some people are not as able bodied is a good place to learn about tolerance. The classroom is a good place to investigate ways to be helpful and courteous to everyone, even those who are different.

Addressing Bullying

The root cause of bullying lies with the perceive differences between one person and another. Whether it is because of silly differences such as height or weight, or more complex diversities such as cultural misunderstandings or physical disabilities, students need to learn to work together for the common good. It may be tempting to draw artificial lines between those who are like us and those who are different from us, but doing so is more likely to cause problems than to solve them.

The world is filled with diversity. That is what makes our planet an amazing and exciting place. Learning to understand and work within the bounds of our human differences will lead to a more satisfying and successful adulthood. By teaching middle school students the importance of caring and sharing regardless of aesthetic differences, you are enabling them to integrate better in society, and that is a lesson they will benefit from for the rest of their lives.

The teachers and staff at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Cedar Campus encourage students throughout middle school to accept diversity in its many forms. Teachers foster teamwork and focus on teaching the student as a global, well-rounded citizen. Call us today to schedule a tour and learn how our middle school can have a positive impact on expanding your child's understanding of the world.

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