Bureau of Tourism

We've launched a new project, called Bureau of Tourism. It offers ideas, instructions and observations on experiments and activities that we conduct in Summer School. Our tour guide on this “Passport to Summer”, Charlotte Wood, has a wonderful way of expressing how the Summer activities manage to capture the Montessori spirit and add a sense of adventure.

Typically, in a Montessori environment, children learn individually, at their own pace. In Summer, however, since we experience an influx of students who are not familiar with Montessori, we try to apply these exact same principles, of independence, of self-discovery, of learning without knowing your learning, to a group setting. Take a look. Our hope is that you will be inspired to follow the blog, which will be updated regularily - perhaps you'll even be inspired to make some of the creations on your own! Hope you enjoy. Happy Summer!

Passport to Summer

Tomorrow, we start Summer School! We couldn't be more excited. This year, we're launching a Passport theme. Each week will be an entirely different adventure. Are you ready?

Montessori Blueprints

 

We have some very exciting news to share. One of our parents, Hugh Weber, along with Bobby George, has just launched a Kickstarter project, called "Montessori Blueprints". Check it out! 

The ambition of "Montessori Blueprints" is to increase awareness about Montessori education. For years, we've been trying to find a way for students, parents and alumni to share their passion.

Well, we think we've found it. With this project, we're creating a series of museum quality blueprints of some of the most famous Montessori activities: Pink Tower, Binomial Cube and Cylinder Blocks.

Our hope is that you'll want them in your home, in your office, or, perhaps, most importantly, in your children's bedrooms. Next time you walk into a doctor's office, or a lawyer's office, check their walls!

We only have thirty days, from now, to make this happen. We hope you can help us out. Spread the word! Let us know if you have any questions.

We're looking to Hire. Join us!

Hello. We're growing, and we're looking for someone to grow with us. We have a unique culture here at Baan Dek. We think it's a pretty special place. We also think you can help us make it better. Interested? We want people who imagine things differently, individuals who want to be a part of something bigger than any one of us. Yes, that BIG. We don't want employees. We want passionate, hard working optimists. Of course, rigor and precision is important, but so is joy and attitude. We strongly believe that quality teachers are our best assets. Qualifications? We're thinking at least one year of experience is a good starting point, but if you're just starting out, please contact us just the same. Perhaps Apple says it best, when they welcome their new dreamers.

It can be different. It can be better. Join us! Email us: join@baandek.org.

Outdoor Learning Environment

Now that we're getting settled in the new space, and winter has finally receded, we had the opportunity to create our very own custom made outdoor learning environment. With the help and vision of the Van Buskirk team, we're proud to show you some images. Take a look at the flower and herb beds! They're carefully positioned directly beneath the classroom windows so when they grow, the children will be able to see them from inside. We also had a balance beam, a few child sized picnic tables, a tire set, and tree stumps installed. Vines and bird feeders to follow! 

Learning Happens Everywhere

Where does learning happen? Learning takes place, everywhere. In Montessori, and in life we would argue, there is no distinction between learning inside and learning outside, apart, of course, from the surrounds. In our estimations, learning takes place everywhere, and this is an important point to addresss. Yesterday we planted flowers and herbs and vegetables in our new beds. Here's a snapshot of one of our students watering the newly planted flowers. After digging the dirt, securing a place and planting the flowers, he proceeded to get water in the watering can, sprinkling the new flowers. When the weather permits, we leave the doors to the outside space open, often setting up outdoor activities for the children to engage with.

Exploring Geometry

Montessori, following a tradition that starts with at least Rousseau, believed that children come to understand the world through their senses. Experience, says Montessori, is the foundation of knowledge. As she explains, to learn, an emphasis must be placed on the process of learning, as opposed to the product. Watch as this three year old engages with the geometry cabinet. Watch her careful, deliberate movements, as she explores.

Imagine: Playing Outside

We love playing outside. We love exploring nature. More than anything, though, we enjoy the company of our friends. We sit and think. We run and dash to imaginary finish lines. We converse about the weather. We discover ants, where we didn't think ants could be. Oh, and spiders too! We chase down shadows, trying to understand why the sun is always on the other side of the school. We peer into the rocks, searching for answers to the questions that we've invented ourselves. We pet London, the dog. We spin and twirl, hoping to dance for the entire afternoon. We stare at the sky. We tell stories. We sit with our teacher in the shade. Sometimes we hold hands and rush our fingers through the grass. Other times, we sit in a small group, and discuss private things. You see, for us, learning doesn't just take place inside. We also learn outside. 

Lost & Found

We've long been fans of the work of Oliver Jeffers. As a matter of fact, one of our very first students gifted the school a copy of one of his original titles. From that moment on, we've been absolutely hooked to his work. With that in mind, we're pleased to announce that we'll be showcasing his film, Lost and Found, at the Washington Pavilion on June 1st, in the Belbas Theater. We'll offer two showtimes, 11 am and 1pm. We only ask that you please register for a ticket. Watch the trailer! Thank you!

Safety Pin Activity

Watch as she engages with the Safety Pin Dressing Frame Activity. Yes, safety pins! Disclaimer, the video is three minutes long, which is almost half the amount of time she spent on the material. Watch as she carefully maneuvers her fingers, slowly and methodically removing the pins before preceding to fasten them again. Note the impeccable concentration, the remarkable determination and her willingness to keep trying until she accomplishes her task! She did it!