Remember the classic children’s storybook "Caps for Sale?" A peddler meanders slowly through his village, taking great care not to upset a towering stack of caps on his head. Some of us, like the peddler, may feel as though we’ve never worn so many hats – and that every single step is a balancing act. We parents are guiding our children through daily work plans; tending to households that need much more attention now that they’re occupied all day; and keeping up with our jobs, whether at home or out on the front lines. Meanwhile, we're managing our own anxieties while striving to model calm and composure for our kids.
All of us at Greensboro Montessori School hope you are taking time each day to reflect upon the many things you are doing well, and to let go of what isn’t perfect. Remember that even the peddler took time for a nap! Through your emails, notes, and photos, we see the many daily victories you are accomplishing with your children. Though we are apart, we are celebrating by your side.
We’re also continuing with our celebration of health care professionals in the last week of our letter-writing challenge.
Take a look at Kevin’s invitation
to join this effort, and show your love for the essential workers in our school community and beyond. And don’t forget to take care of yourselves with our many
support services for students and parents
. We hope you can take part in our upcoming online events for new knowledge, affirmation, and encouragement.
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Resiliency in Times of Crisis
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Join us tonight at 8 p.m. for an inspiring and informative conversation with Jessica Glazer, Center for Creative Leadership senior faculty member and GMS Toddler parent. Jessica will share five actionable ways you can leverage resiliency in challenging times. So we can prepare for all our participants,
registration closes at noon today,
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There are also
two more chances to grow your parenting toolkit with expert advice from parent educator Joyce Ann Sparks. Joyce Ann will help you navigate these uncharted waters with children at home.
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Sibling Rivalry
Turning Chaos into Coexistence
Tuesday, May 5
8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
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Punishment vs. Discipline
Turning Control into Self-Control
Tuesday, May 12
8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
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Remote Learning Highlights
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Primary students enjoyed their first Live Lessons this week, courtesy of world music teacher,
Betsy Bevan. Betsy has scheduled two music lessons for every Primary classrooms. Lawson enjoyed his lesson with other second- and third-year students from Primary 4 on Tuesday. Primary 4 teacher,
Gail Keefe, and associate head of school,
Nancy Hofer, also joined!
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Last week,
Kathrine Gwynn, taught Lower Elementary students about the color wheel. This week, Katherine asked students to use their knowledge of color to visually represent what's in their hearts.
Her video lesson inspired one family, who sent us their child's artwork and shared how Katherine's insightful lesson is "sparking important conversation" in their home.
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Every year, Junior High students prepare for and participate in "The Great Debates." Debate topics are drawn from content the students have studied in history classes during the preceding weeks. This year's final debate featured 12 debaters virtually arguing their cases to peers and judges alike over Google Hangouts.
Click here to learn more about The Great Debates.
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Resources for Students and Parents
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Every week we'll share several resources for students and families that might be of help to you during your time at home. Have you seen a great idea online? Do you own or are you connected to a business that has some complimentary, mission-aligned, and virtual activities you think other families would enjoy? If so, please
email them to us, so we can include them in our recommendations.
- Wide Open School: A virtual treasure trove awaits parents and students at Wide Open School, powered by Common Sense Media. You can plan your child’s daily schedule, take virtual field trips, discover STEM activities, play games that support emotional well-being, and so much more at this mega-hub of family friendly resources.
- Illuminated Manuscripts: Did you know people have been creating luminous illustrations to accentuate their writing for thousands of years? Join Lower Elementary’s celebration of Writing Week with this fascinating lesson on illuminated manuscripts from our own Mary Jacobson. Click here to see how your children can try their hand at this ancient art form.
- Great Greensboro Camp-In: Roll out your sleeping bags and stock up on s’mores: the Camp-In is coming! Check out the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department’s video lessons this week to create camp snacks, learn songs to sing around the fire, and transform your yard – or living room – into the great outdoors for this fun virtual event, coming this Saturday, May 2.
- North Carolina Zoo: Missing your favorite animals from North Carolina's renowned zoo? Pay them a virtual visit! This site offers live animal encounters throughout the week, as well as critter coloring pages, science experiments, and awesome arts and crafts ideas.
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Follow the links below to review previous schoolwide communications:
- Finishing the School Year with Remote Learning, April 29, 2020
- The Pinwheel: We're Here to Help, April 22, 2020
- The Pinwheel: Remote Learning Edition, April 18, 2020
- The Pinwheel: Remote Learning Edition, March 29, 2020
- Next Steps for Greensboro Montessori School: Remote Learning through May 15, March 26, 2020
- The Pinwheel: Remote Learning Edition, March 22, 2020
- Remote Learning with Greensboro Montessori School, March 17, 2020
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Resiliency Seminar Tonight
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Date:
Thursday, April 30, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Location:
Google Hangouts
A 90-minute, interactive conversation about resiliency and how this important attribute can serve us during challenging times. Registration closes at noon.
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Date:
Tuesday, May 5, 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Location:
Zoom
Learn specific techniques for turning chaos into coexistence between siblings in this 45 minute coaching session with Joyce Ann Starks.
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Punishment vs. Discipline
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Date:
Tuesday, May 12, 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Location:
Zoom
Learn specific techniques to pivot your child's desire for control into self-control in this 45 minute coaching session with Joyce Ann Starks.
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Enjoy these family-submitted Photos of the Week of remote learning in action!
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Help us build our Photos of the Week! Did you know you can also upload photos to Vidigami! We've created albums for "Remote Learning Photos" for each of our classrooms. Please start uploading photos from your in-home learning experiences to share with your friends and teachers. We'll curate photos from each week to share with our community through The Pinwheel.
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Greensboro Montessori School
2856 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
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