Harborlight Montessori News

May

Observing Life Cycles and Understanding Metamorphosis

5/16/2025

All seven Children's House classrooms are anticipating the emergence of beautiful butterflies

“We must study the correlation between life and the environment. In nature all is correlated. This is the purpose of nature. Nature is not concerned just with the conservation of individual life or with the betterment of itself. It is a harmony, a plan of construction. Everything fits into the plan: rocks, earth, water, plants, man, etc. ” - Maria Montessori, the 1946 London Lectures

Children's House classrooms explore botany and biology by first learning the simple difference between living and non-living. The children, even at the age of three, can eagerly share that "living things" need food and water (nourishment), can breathe, and will grow. It is not uncommon to walk into a Children's House classroom in the fall and find everything (including teachers and children) labeled with the words "living" and "non-living."

These simple studies then lead to the difference between "plants" and "animals." The natural world then comes alive, pardon the pun, as students begin to observe and classify different specimens from the Plant Kingdom and explore the unique characteristics of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects. The spring, of course, is the perfect time to concentrate on our insect friends. Including, of course, the fan favorites....butterflies.

Is there anything more impressive than watching caterpillars crawl to the roofs of their little habitats, create J formations, and then silently begin the phenomenal metamorphosis that happens inside their chrysalis ...only to emerge two weeks later as a butterflies? I think not.

Please ask your children about their caterpillars so that they can share this experience with you. And, stayed tuned as this life cycle continues.

Nurturing Scientific Observation Through Botany in Children’s House

5/15/2025

“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.” - Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood

Children’s House is filled with botany lessons at this time of year. These activities offer young children more than just an introduction to the world of plants, they provide a vital foundation for scientific thinking and observation. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that children are naturally curious about the living world and interest in nature is powerful for learning.

Botany studies start when young children begin to care for a classroom plant, match leaf shapes, or explore parts of a flower. They are practicing observation, classification, and attention to detail. These foundational skills are essential to scientific inquiry. The Montessori botany materials in the classroom include the puzzle of the parts of a leaf, flower, and tree and are designed to isolate specific characteristics that invite the child to notice, compare, identify, and ask questions.

Botany also encourages a sense of awe and respect for life. When children participate in planting seeds or observe the changes in a sprouting bean, they begin to understand natural cycles and the interconnectedness of living things.

These lessons support the development of the scientific mind, a mind that observes with care, thinks with curiosity, and acts with reverence for life. It’s a beautiful example of how the Montessori approach prepares children to engage with the world around them.

February

"Reading in the snow—where adventure begins, no matter the weather."

2/12/2025

The Power of Read-Aloud: Enhancing Literacy and Finding Joy in Reading with Children

2/10/2025

We want to take a moment to share with you the incredible impact that reading aloud can have on your child’s literacy development.

Here, in our classrooms, the teachers are hard at work being more intentional about their read-aloud practices. To deepen our collective understanding and continue improving this method, Harborlight hosted a Teacher Professional Workshop on Intentional Read-Aloud last Wednesday evening – yes after their long day of teaching! Following a tasty meal and a Head of School report from Mike, the teachers separated into small groups to dive into their training. These workshops focused on best practices for selecting meaningful literature and specifically learning about student engagement during read-aloud sessions - guiding making predictions, using moments to connect text to personal experiences, and choosing open questions to encourage conversation and reflection.

Re-Enrollment is Due Today - February 1st

2/1/2025

Please log-in to find your re-enrollment (due today 2/1). Have questions? No problem, please contact Rachel McAlpine rmcalpine@harborlight.net.

Admissions decisions for new students will be sent on Monday. First round return date is 2/15.

January

JANUARY 24, 2015 – 10 years ago today, Cece

1/25/2025

During Harborlight’s Winter Trimester, middle school (6^th – 8^th) students have their class schedule condensed into a 4-day week, with Fridays dedicated to skiing and snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain. But, this isn’t just about hitting the mountains for fun—it’s an opportunity for our students to develop important life skills that go beyond the classroom.

Having one less day each week to accomplish their learning goals provides students with a challenge to manage their time more efficiently. They learn how to balance schoolwork, homework, and afterschool activities. Whether it’s submitting schoolwork before the skiing day, adjusting afternoons to attend homework club, or eking out a final assignment or chapter on the early-morning bus ride, they gain a sense of how to prioritize and organize their commitments. The aim here is for our students to begin healthy habits early and appreciate a work-life balance for overall well-being throughout their lives.

Skiing and snowboarding require focus, preparation, and an understanding of personal safety. Students take personal responsibility for themselves in a variety of ways: managing their own equipment, making sure they pack everything they need for the day, eating a healthy lunch during break, staying aware of their surroundings, and being mindful of pre-set times to check-in with the group or teachers. They are also prepared to look out for their classmates—whether it's helping a friend navigate the chair lift for the first time, boosting the confidence of a classmate on a tricky slope, or simply sticking together as a group. This sense of accountability builds confidence and a deeper understanding of the importance of community.

Much like the Project Adventure unit during the Fall Trimester, skiing and snowboarding offers the perfect Going-Out experience for our students to step outside their comfort zones and take on new challenges. Both beginners and the experienced skiers have a lesson, each time learning new skills and overcoming obstacles. The rest of the day teaches perseverance, resilience, and the ability to fail (more like flop) and try again—It’s about learning how to push limits and take risks, skills that are essential for growth.

This 4-day school week isn’t just about having more free time—it’s an opportunity to engage their world in a whole new way. Graduates leave Harborlight not only with academic knowledge but with a deep sense of responsibility, independence, self-reliance, and the ability to take on challenges with a positive attitude. After this experience they’re ready to tackle whatever comes next…. the next thrilling run down the mountain… Karen or Laura’s next test … A big role in Katie’s play… high school and beyond!