“We’re all gardeners!”

         Hello and happy Monday! Between our ‘Under the Sea’ Exploration Camp and ‘Nature Fun’ Extended Day Camp, the children spent the week learning about our biggest shared space: the environment. Thinking about the massive scale of our community when it comes to our environment—a worldwide community—can be overwhelming. As Westmont does with all its lessons, however, it starts with the small, manageable, and understandable before expanding outwards. While children are encouraged to work independently—building self-esteem and capability—Westmont also cultivates an environment that is inherently communal. The work on the shelves is for everyone to have a turn with, the rug at the center of the classroom is for everyone to sit around, and the garden is for everyone to take care of and harvest from. This community-centric mindset is not learned like a math formula or a set of instructions; the children learn this mindset from each other every day. The children learn to step forward to help one another with a problem and care for a sad friend without hesitation because for them—because of Westmont—there is no other way to be. I see it every day when I sit down next to them as they decorate their own seahorse crafts or gather around to marvel at a grasshopper on the playground. While it sounds contradictory, Westmont simultaneously teaches children to be both independent and community-oriented. 

  I can’t think of anything more representative of Westmont’s emphasis on shared space than the garden in the playground, which was possible because of money raised through the ’18-’19 Ray of Light. Filled with flowers, kale, celery, strawberries, basil, and more, the garden encourages and represents the communal energy of Westmont. This past week the garden has flourished, nearly overflowing, which seems fitting given how much time the children have spent learning about the importance of our environment. From filling up watering cans and rushing over to help the garden grow to simply wandering over to check on the plants, the children love having that shared space—something they can all contribute to and take responsibility for. While we were out on the playground this week I asked the children if they’d like to go check on the garden. As always, they ran over to the garden before I could get another word out. With the garden being so full at the moment, the children and staff are encouraged to eat or take home the produce they’ve grown. As they each pulled off a piece of celery, one child said, “We’re all gardeners!” In one moment he seemed to sum up everything I’d been thinking about: the inherent understanding that everyone has responsibility for the garden. Like I discussed in my previous blog, however, this responsibility actually becomes empowering and satisfying for children at Westmont. Most importantly, just as the garden enhances the children’s community-oriented mindset, the Ray of Light Fund allows Westmont to further cultivate its uniquely communal and independent environment. Have a wonderful week!

Learn more about Westmont's Ray of Light Fund here!

"I'm making him laugh. It's nice to make people laugh."

            Hello and happy summer! My name is Samantha Bittman and I’m going to be taking over the Westmont Montessori School blog and social media as a Social Media Intern for the school (while also remaining a staff member at Extended Day Camp). When summer ends I’ll return to Fordham University for my junior year as an English major, but my educational journey began right here at Westmont. Westmont has been the longest-standing and strongest community in my life. Although it’s been fifteen years since I was a student at Westmont, I honestly feel like I never left. Westmont’s role in my life over time has changed yet never faded. After spending several summers as a Junior Camp Counselor I joined the staff working at Westmont last summer. As I watched the children proudly line up their math bead chains on their rolled-out carpets, proclaiming confidently “I will do it myself,” I was overcome with awe and inspiration. I found myself taking mental notes about the simple yet profound ways that Montessori allows its students to grow creatively. Over the course of the summer I’ll be bringing you along on my journey as I explore what makes Westmont such a unique and inspirational place.

            Looking back on the first week of camp, the phrase ‘respect for others’ immediately comes to mind. As we hear this phrase repeated in workplaces and schools, I’ve found that it often washes over me as an adult. It seems too big of a phrase to unpack even as adults. The meaning of ‘respect for others’ is clear at Westmont; respect fills the intention of every child, teacher, staff member, and Junior Counselor’s actions. I found that little interactions I observed this week both simplified and reminded me what ‘respecting others’ truly means. For example, I heard two children laughing in Extended Day Camp. I could tell right away it was one of those laughs that has you doubled over with joy—the best kind of laugh. When I asked what they were up to, one of the children looked up at me and explained, “I’m making him laugh. It’s nice to make people laugh.” The simplicity of her words and empathy instantly inspired me. The empathy came from a simple place—the desire to create joy for another person. Similarly, when a child asked for help opening his Play-Doh, an older child sitting beside him instantly offered, “I’ll help you!” before I could even get a syllable out. I think that’s one of the unique components of Westmont and the mindset it cultivates. When it comes to solving a complicated problem, children are taught to think long and hard about it and to take their time considering which path to take. When it comes to respecting others, however, Westmont emphasizes simplicity, making kindness and respect long-lasting habits. I’m grateful this week to be reminded of that. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.

What’s the link between outdoor playtime and more concentration in school?

Why do we go outside and play, even when it’s cold and/or snowing?

Research shows that physical activity is linked to better academic performance. But that’s not all… Many kids use their recess time to run around but even those who choose to rest or socialize get a boost from recess.

“Free time helps kids develop communication skills and strengthen self-control, studies show. They learn to cooperate, negotiate, share, solve problems and cope with stress.” (Read more here in the article featured in the Washington Post). Plus, they get lots of oxygen, which helps boost brain activity. So during the winter break, make sure you step out into the sunshine. You can practically do it in your shorts this year!

Welcome to November!

In the early 1960’s, a group of Mendham parents got together and formed what is now our beautiful, thriving school. Hand-in-hand, over the decades, Westmont has built an impressive history in Montessori education and in this community.  This month brings with it an exciting time of renewal for Westmont—it’s our re-accreditation month.

Next week, Westmont is hosting the visiting team for our American Montessori Society and Middles States Association dual re-accreditation. Becoming accredited by the American Montessori Society is a massive undertaking for any school, as it requires hundreds of hours of reflection, preparation, and planning.  The culminating part of our re-accreditation process with both AMS and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is when this visiting team of teaching and administrative professionals comes to the school to meet with teachers, administrators, board members, and parents. They also observe in all classrooms and ensure that educational, safety, organizational, and financial requirements are met.   

The Westmont Montessori School values progress and sees the benefit of self-reflection and goal making to continue to adapt to the changing world and meet the needs of all of our children.  Parents can know with confidence that we offer a quality, authentic Montessori program, in a safe and nurturing school where the teachers are all certified.

If you have an observation you would like to share about our school, share it right here on our blog. Here is one to get you started:

"Westmont has the ability to cultivate a nurturing environment that allows for a student's intellectual growth, while also maintaining a high level of professionalism. While Westmont's focus is on the child (as it should be!), the school is also able to create a family experience and strong community” –Westmont alumni parent 

FOLLOW YOUR CHILD: A Guide to Montessori Principles at Home

Dr. Maria Montessori was a scientist who is known for "following the child". She observed children and devised her approach to education based on a view that each child is naturally eager for knowledge and discovery. It is an approach that values and supports the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.

Following the child is an endeavor that…

Excerpts from the: “Montessori Parent” article By Kathy Carey, MAT

“…entails much observation. And observation, as Montessori teachers know, is a skill and an art requiring knowledge, effort, and patience. Consider the following as some ways to be fully present with your children: 

• Childproofing: We usually do a good job with outlet covers, drawer stops, and so on, for babies, but what about older children? Call it “preparing the environment”: Place and keep televisions, computers, tablets, and phones in public living spaces and set reasonable limits on their use; balance technology with exercise and indoor/outdoor play; and make time for reading aloud and silently in the presence of other family members doing the same.

• Share meals together, especially dinner and its preparation, as often as possible, five nights a week at least. Share with each other your day as well as thoughts and feelings, and resist the temptation to teach: We learn more through discussion and modeling than through lecture.

• Allow children to speak for themselves: Respect their feelings and their intellect, even if they are mistaken in their thoughts or behaviors.

• Show rather than tell. It is the Montessori way.

• Avoid comparison and competition between children, always and everywhere. Each child is entitled to his/her individuality.

• Set up home environments and family interactions that allow choices and freedom to choose. Meals, weekend plans, vacations, and gifts for family members are reasonable areas of choice.

• Understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning. All humans make mistakes; it is what we do with our mistakes that makes a difference.

• Demonstrate active respect in thought, word, and deed for all life. Be the best model you can be. You are being watched. Children who feel loved and respected will develop their singular potential.

Visit the American Montessori Society for more family support materials.

New Season, New Way to Celebrate our Community

The school is a child’s home away from home where a strong sense of community in the classroom helps each child to thrive socially, emotionally as well as academically.  A Montessori classroom focuses on community building and cooperation while supporting the individual progress and development of each child.

This year, as always, we celebrate community within the classroom as well as in our local community. As the leaves are getting ready to turn, and the smell of fall is in the air, The Westmont School is getting ready to celebrate the fall season together at Mendham’s annual Harvest Hustle. In addition to sponsoring the event, our school has set up a Westmont Team for the 5K run that will take place at Mendham Borough Park (Intersection of Mountain Avenue and Park Avenue) this coming Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 (see schedule here).

Join our Westmont team for the run! Or come walk, visit our Westmont tent & do a fun, fall craft or just enjoy our wonderful Westmont community.  And don’t forget to cheer on our Westmont Team participants—hope to see you there!