We experienced a very sad episode in our lives last week. A former student of mine died in his sleep at the age of 20 from complications related to sleep apnea. Through the funeral I thought about Justin’s sweet nature, his angelic little 4-year-old face surrounded by a halo of shaggy blond hair. He lit [...]
Blog
Education for Life
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
It’s that time of year again – sunlight shining where it hasn’t in months, snow falling when you really don’t think it will, giddy rehearsals for the Earth Day play, teachers planning to close out this school year with the all the pomp and circumstance that is due. As teachers happily discuss summer plans, I [...]
The Quiet Crisis in Science
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
I was recently part of a group invited to examine the education curriculum at a local university. Someone commented, “We could reduce the number of science and math classes – our teachers see science and math and they run.” I couldn’t help but blurt out, “How are the children ever going to learn to love [...]
Dual Language vs Dual Immersion
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
These are hot topics in the Park City public schools this year – “dual immersion”, “Spanish immersion”, “French immersion”. Public schools have been experimenting with the immersion approach where half the day is taught in English and half the day is taught in a second language. Park City public schools hope that dual immersion Spanish [...]
The Light In Their Eyes
Monday, December 12th, 2011
I ran into an old friend the other day. She regaled me with how her little boy, a former student, who is now 25, is enjoying a very successful career as a model. He was the beautiful little 3-year-old who was interested in everything, seemed to learn to read by osmosis, always knew something amazing [...]
I love my job!
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
I love my job! I get to wander in and out of classrooms every day, talk to little friends, teach a few odd classes here and there, dress up as Typhoid Mary and Queen Isabella and organize teacher workshops, conferences and parties. I get to visit schools throughout Utah and everywhere else I may go. [...]
Parent/Infant Program
Friday, October 7th, 2011
Soaring Wings Montessori School gave birth to a new program a few weeks ago – a class for parents and infants. The principle is the same as in all Montessori classes – the room is carefully prepared with activities specific to the needs of the children. The teacher is trained in the developmental aspects of [...]
A Child’s Choice
Sunday, September 18th, 2011
The Montessori philosophy is built upon the concept of promoting independence by giving a child choices. When the student walks into the classroom, whether she is 18 months old or 11 years old, the teacher greets her and asks, “What would you like to do today?” A toddler student sees something attractive and heads toward [...]
Toilet Learning
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Montessori philosophy sets the sensitive period for learning to use the toilet at 18 to 24 months. Paper diaper manufacturers recommend starting at age 2 or 2 ½. The advent of super absorbent paper diapers has made it more comfortable for the child to wear diapers and easier for parents to put off the process [...]
Dual Language Instruction
Saturday, July 2nd, 2011
What a hot topic this has been in the Park City public schools this year – “dual immersion”, “Spanish immersion”, “French immersion”. Public schools have been experimenting with the idea for decades. Park City public schools hope that dual immersion Spanish classes will provide an accommodation for the growing number of ESL students. There’s nothing [...]
Helping Your Child Learn Lifetime Health Habits
Friday, June 17th, 2011
Establishing independence is key to instilling a healthy lifestyle in your child from an early age and a fundamental part of your child’s experience at a Park City Montessori school. Children with autonomy in their eating habits are likely to continue those habits throughout the rest of their lives. Contrast that with strict, parent-enforced rules [...]
Multi-age Classes
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
The elementary class is out for their weekly field trip on a fall afternoon, enjoying the sunshine and the smell of sage as they hike up a trail to meet a naturalist who promises them a close look at wild birds she’s been banding. Most of the older children stride ahead with one of the [...]
Montessori Assessment
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
The family is gathered around the dinner table after a busy day. There is the sound of munching, a few knock-knock jokes, some adult conversation, the cook is complimented on the meal and then someone asks, “What did you do today in school, Mary?” Mary replies, “Nothing.” A parent says, “Your teacher told me you [...]
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Friday, January 14th, 2011
One question often asked of us by parents is: when is my child ready for school? At Soaring Wings our answer is always the same: as soon as your child is walking independently and beginning to use and respond to verbal cues. At Soaring Wings, we strongly believe that Early Childhood Education offers children a [...]
The Season of Peace
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
What a special time of year this is! The twinkling lights make the long nights beautiful, everyone is thinking about others, kitchens are alive with wonderful aromas, there is a party on every street and the mail brings daily greetings from loved ones. At school the usual geography lessons give way to studies of winter [...]
