{"id":359,"date":"2016-11-21T14:45:03","date_gmt":"2016-11-21T14:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/?p=359"},"modified":"2016-11-21T16:48:44","modified_gmt":"2016-11-21T16:48:44","slug":"seasons-of-gratitude-and-giving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/21\/seasons-of-gratitude-and-giving\/","title":{"rendered":"Seasons of Gratitude and Giving"},"content":{"rendered":"

This time of year inspires many of us to reflect on all that we are grateful for and to look for opportunities to help others.\u00a0 Indeed, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays invite us to treasure what we have and to share with those in need. \u00a0<\/strong>Statistically, food banks receive the majority of their donated supplies during this time of year, and according to the Digital Giving Index produced by Network for Good, over 30% of annual giving occurs in the month of December (charitynavigator.org<\/a>).\u00a0 People are very generous during this traditional \u2018season of giving\u2019, which makes a tremendous difference to those in need.<\/p>\n

It is commendable that people, reminded of the needs of others during the months of November and December, take action and contribute to various charities.\u00a0 However, students at The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy (MCA) are learning that there is something to be thankful for every<\/em> day of the year and that there are ways to help those in need during every<\/em> season.\u00a0 As part of the Montessori Peace Curriculum, the MCA community annually takes part in supporting a charitable organization.\u00a0 This year, MCA students, teachers, staff, administration, and families are working together to support the Girls on the Run of New Jersey East<\/a> (GOTR) organization through a variety of efforts throughout the school year from September through June.\u00a0 The season of gratitude and giving at MCA extends through all four seasons as the children learn about and take part in a variety of activities to support the organization.\u00a0 As MCA students learn about respect and kindness in their everyday interactions and lessons at school, they also learn about civic responsibility and discover how everyone can play an important role in making the world a better place.<\/p>\n

Part of the Montessori Peace Curriculum involves teaching children how to express themselves appropriately.\u00a0 At the beginning of every school year, Montessori teachers spend significant time engaging their students in \u201cGrace and Courtesy\u201d lessons so that children learn the polite way to greet teachers and friends, to ask for help, and to use the polite \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you\u201d responses that go such a long way when interacting with others.\u00a0 They are taught to wait for their turn when someone else is speaking, to offer to hold the door for someone behind them in line, to return classroom materials to where they belong, and to treat everyone in the same way they would like to be treated.\u00a0 They practice peaceful conflict resolution. \u00a0They learn responsibility for their belongings as well as for their words and actions.\u00a0 While these things may seem small, they are significant in developing a peaceful and respectful community at school.\u00a0 Learning to care for their classroom, for their classmates, and for themselves helps children gain appreciation for the people, places, and things in their lives.<\/p>\n

Once the Grace and Courtesy lessons have become the norm in the classroom, the children are ready to discover how their actions and interactions outside<\/em> of the classroom can make a positive impact.\u00a0 Simple things like sharing a smile when walking down the street is one way to extend kindness to others in the simplest of ways.\u00a0 Picking up a piece of trash on the playground helps protect our environment.\u00a0 Setting out a bird feeder provides nourishment when it is hard for birds to find food on their own.\u00a0 Little acts of kindness make a big impact. Through these actions, children become aware that there are many things that they can do to contribute to the world in a positive way.\u00a0 The children then come to realize that there are many different types of needs among the people in and around their communities.\u00a0 They learn about different organizations that work to help others, and the school\u2019s annual charity event becomes incorporated into their classroom discussions and activities.<\/p>\n

\"Montessori<\/p>\n

To kick off this year\u2019s initiative for Girls on the Run, MCA students participated in a mini fun-run at MCA\u2019s Harvest Family Fun Picnic at Mayapple Hill in South Mountain Reservation.\u00a0 In addition to taking part in other seasonal activities at the picnic, the children enjoyed donning capes and tutus and running through a small obstacle course to \u2018get running for Girls on the Run\u2019.\u00a0 The school has set a goal to collect $5000 to sponsor 20 girls in the GOTR program in underserved areas.\u00a0 The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy Family of Schools and Services, MCA\u2019s parent company, has pledged to match donated funds up to $2500, and rapidly, donations have already started coming in to support this great cause.\u00a0 To view our progress, please visit our special Girls on the Run fundraising page.<\/p>\n

\"Girls<\/p>\n

\"gotr-cta\"<\/a><\/p>\n

To help the MCA students keep track of the donations, teachers designed a special bulletin board display at each campus.\u00a0 Using the famous Montessori Pink Tower as a progress chart, each of the ten pink cubes represents $500 in donations.\u00a0 The children will see that when the flag marker showing how much money has been raised reaches the smallest cube on the top of the tower, they have reached their ambitious goal!\u00a0 In addition to accepting monetary donations for Girls on the Run, MCA is collecting new or gently used athletic wear to share with the girls in the program.\u00a0 Items such as sneakers, sweatpants and sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and headbands are just some of the items that are already filling the bins at each MCA campus.<\/p>\n

\"Montessori<\/p>\n

Students become involved in each year\u2019s charitable cause through many avenues that reach beyond fundraising.\u00a0 Students are educated about the organization in age-appropriate lessons and discussions, and a variety of activities help them gain insight and develop greater interest in each year\u2019s chosen charity.\u00a0 Just some of the upcoming projects related to this year\u2019s Girls on the Run initiative include class presentations on health and fitness by our school nurse and local athletes, demonstrations of Girls on the Run activities by organization representatives, and creating a \u2018paper sneaker marathon\u2019 display throughout the MCA hallways.\u00a0 The culminating event will take place at the Girls on the Run 5K in June where MCA students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of capacities to support the organization.\u00a0 More information about each of these activities will be forthcoming throughout the year.<\/p>\n

It is important to note that the students\u2019 means of contributing to the community reaches beyond taking up collections from family and friends.\u00a0 MCA students gain awareness about the needs of others in their communities through class discussions and then brainstorm ways that they can help in a hands-on, meaningful way.\u00a0 Student-driven projects from past years have included hosting lemonade stands, holding bake sales, washing cars, and offering to do chores in exchange for a donation, to name a few.<\/p>\n

Just last spring, MCA students set up an information table in front of a local food establishment and created posters explaining the work that was being done to help others by one of their chosen charities for that year.\u00a0 As people passed by, the children engaged them in conversations about the charity and informed them about what they could do to help.\u00a0 This type of outreach provides the students with the opportunity to share their knowledge, practice public speaking skills, and connect with the people of their community.<\/p>\n

\"Montessori<\/a><\/p>\n

The children learn that every effort to help others, big or small, is worthwhile.\u00a0 They become educated about needs within their communities and then become empowered, seeing that children can, and do, make a positive difference in their communities and throughout the world.\u00a0 Through these activities, our students come to realize that when people work together, the collective efforts make an impact that can positively affect people\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Working together to better the lives of others is at the center of Montessori\u2019s vision of peace through education, and MCA strives to keep this spirit of gratitude and giving alive throughout every season of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This time of year inspires many of us to reflect on all that we are grateful for and to look for opportunities to help others.\u00a0 Indeed, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays invite us to treasure what we have and to share with those in need. \u00a0Statistically, food banks receive the majority of their donated supplies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[1],"tags":[182,189,192,44,190,194,184,185,193,138,188,144,52,145,53,181,140,147,137,195,191,183,187,186],"coauthors":[13,27],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_3049.jpg?fit=1400%2C933&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7icff-5N","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1304,"url":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/12\/understanding-montessori-math\/","url_meta":{"origin":359,"position":0},"title":"Understanding Montessori Math","author":"Tori Inkley","date":"June 12, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"by Arati Joshi, Early Childhood Head Teacher \u201cChildren display a universal love of mathematics,which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.\u201d~ Maria Montessori Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori Method of Education, believed that a child is born with a \u201cmathematical mind\u201d. From birth, children\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Early Child Education"","block_context":{"text":"Early Child Education","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/category\/early-child-education\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2024-06-12-at-4.04.15\u202fPM.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":603,"url":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/14\/reflections-at-the-montessori-childrens-academy\/","url_meta":{"origin":359,"position":1},"title":"Reflections at The Montessori Children’s Academy","author":"Alex Chiu","date":"January 14, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"As we enter this new year, we thought we\u2019d take a look back at just some of the MCA special events and highlights from September through December. In just a few short months, the children have experienced so much both inside and outside of the classroom. Reflecting upon the fall\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Early Child Education"","block_context":{"text":"Early Child Education","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/category\/early-child-education\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/FIREFIGHTER-VISIT-300x225.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":269,"url":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/11\/five-questions-to-ask-at-a-preschool-open-house\/","url_meta":{"origin":359,"position":2},"title":"Five Questions to Ask at a Preschool Open House (Repost from October 2016)","author":"Alex Chiu","date":"January 11, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"As this is a common time of year for families to begin their preschool search for the next school year, we would like to once again share with you some pointers when attending a preschool Open House. 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Not only do we acknowledge Valentine\u2019s Day on February 14th with little exhibits of love and kindness for those around us, but we also celebrate Montessori Education Week February 24th \u2013\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Early Childhood Education\"","block_context":{"text":"Early Childhood Education","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/tag\/early-childhood-education\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/happy-place-quilt-2-300x256.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":806,"url":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/06\/celebrating-montessori-education-week-at-mca\/","url_meta":{"origin":359,"position":4},"title":"Celebrating Montessori Education Week at MCA!","author":"Alex Chiu","date":"March 6, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"By Alex Chiu \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 A sampling of MCA student projects on display at local libraries for Montessori Education Week We at The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy celebrate Montessori education each and every day, but for one week out of the year, we join together with schools from around\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Early Child Education"","block_context":{"text":"Early Child Education","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/category\/early-child-education\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":253,"url":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/16\/sing-for-peace-international-day-of-peace-celebration-2016\/","url_meta":{"origin":359,"position":5},"title":"Sing for Peace!: International Day of Peace Celebration 2016","author":"Alex Chiu","date":"September 16, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"September 21st may not be a date you recognize, but around the world and in our Montessori community, we look forward to celebrating the International Day of Peace on this day.\u00a0 Established by the United Nations in 1981, the International Day of Peace began as a way to promote a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Giving Back"","block_context":{"text":"Giving Back","link":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/category\/giving-back\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Montessori Children's Academy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image1.jpg?fit=1200%2C809&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image1.jpg?fit=1200%2C809&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image1.jpg?fit=1200%2C809&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image1.jpg?fit=1200%2C809&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image1.jpg?fit=1200%2C809&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=359"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":368,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359\/revisions\/368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=359"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themontessorichildrensacademy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}