Quinn casually suggested “Let’s pretend we’re going to college” to her sister Rose the other day as they got out of the car for summer school. The statement took my breath away and for a moment my heart stopped. My first reaction was to scream “No you will not missy!” because despite only being five and six I know their childhood will pass in the blink of an eye. In seven days my two girls will start elementary school. I am still in shock.
For the past four years we have intended on enrolling our girls at a local Montessori elementary school. State budget constraints and community politics made me question the longevity of the school’s charter this year. After a long discussion my husband Shad and I decided to enroll our girls at the neighborhood elementary school instead.
While I know in my heart this is the right choice for my family I am conflicted inside because I am very passionate about the Montessori Method. For the last four years our girls have thrived in ways I had never expected, in my opinion because of Montessori. As we get closer to the start of the school year I still fear a traditional education will cause the light of curiosity in their eyes to dim.
Shad and I decided Let’s Lasso the Moon. A wise friend of mine, upon retiring after thirty years of service to the Montessori community, told me a child is like the moon reflecting the light in their universe. This analogy has always stuck with me. Our children echo our parenting style, our religious beliefs, our creativity, and our curiosity.
Each month our family will choose a group topic to study ranging from bugs, to birds, to photography, to music, to the moon (and beyond). We will share our study guides, activities, books, movies and more.
Together let’s stoke that flame by providing hands on, self paced, collaborative, challenging, enjoyful learning. Let’s encourage divergent thinking, instead of convergent thinking; innovation instead of standardization. Grab your child’s interest while it’s hot. Let your child follow their interest wherever that passion leads, however quickly it leads them regardless of what other children their age are working on. Giver your children a lifetime love of learning. See the light in your child’s eyes.
Grab your rope. Let’s Lasso the Moon, together.
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