Learning isn’t just for the children
Quality Toddler & Preschool Education Since 1989
Fall 2011
At Montessori Schoolhouse, the learning isn’t just for the children who attend our programs. Recently, two of our own teachers, Kathy Glimenakis, Toddler Program Directress, and Jenn DeMarrais, Toddler Classroom Assistant, attended a conference centered around topical issues currently being discussed nationwide. The first conference was held locally at Keene State College, and although the discussion was six-hours long, the instructors came back reenergized and more informed about the factors that play a part in the development of healthy children. Specifically, the discussion centered around childhood nutrition in combination with physical exercise and the dangers of second-hand smoke as well as the consequences of the often overlooked issue of third-hand smoke. The session explored the interconnection among nutrition, physical fitness, and childhood obesity rates, and, to illustrate the severity of the issue, explained how one doctor is actually writing prescriptions for exercise for children to give to their parents. It is important that awareness and education surrounding of all of these issues is integrated into our own Montessori programs.
The second conference, entitled Wild Play, presented by David Sobel (Antioch New England Professor and author of a new book with the same title), was also attended by our own Toddler Program Directress, Kathy
Glimenakis. It focused on the advantages and sense of wonder created through outdoor play and supported the idea that allowing children to engage in these activities would help them develop skills such as creativity and reasoning, which are more relevant to a well-developed child. Again, this presentation helps reinforce the philosophies of Montessori learning in which the importance of outdoor activities and exploring nature through imaginative play helps make a happier, healthier child.
69 Washington Street, Keene, NH 03431 | 603-352-3301 | MSHOCC@myfairpoint.net
