a day in the life
“In a world of overwhelming influences, words cannot express how truly grateful I am as a mother for Rachel Blessing and Plymouth Forest Montessori.
We were prepared to move or drive a much longer distance to ensure that our son received a good education free of pointless screen time and inattentive teachers.
After his first day at PFM my son was happy, more communicative, and exhibiting more thoughtful behavior. It was really apparent that the change in environment and experience really influenced him.
Rachel actually speaks to the children, makes eye contact, and helps them learn appropriate social skills.
We have toured a few schools/daycares and no other teacher was as present, thoughtful, and knowledgeable as Rachel. In the brief time I have known her she has influenced me in such a positive way as a mother.
Supporting Plymouth Forest Montessori is supporting a happier, healthier, and more conscious educational experience for Plymouth and Sheboygan County families with young children.”
Sample Schedule
8:00 am Arrival
8:15 am Morning circle
8:30 am Outdoor adventures
9:30 am Return to the indoor space
11:30 am Outdoor adventures
12:00 pm Closing circle and pick up
Arrival
Class begins outside in the nature play space. The adult dropping off the child will make sure the child has used the restroom and put away their backpack or other belongings. The adult then takes their child to the outdoor play area (dressed for the weather) to join the educators.
Outdoor Adventures
Children play in the outdoor play area. Play-space activities include climbing, water play, sand play, snow play, fort building, digging, and gardening. The class might also take walking field trips to nearby natural areas for exploration and observation
Morning Circle
Children take part in conversation, greet one another, and learn about the day’s topic. We will sing some songs, and tell or read stories.
Indoor Montessori Time
Children have time to choose an activity among the different interest areas of the indoor or outdoor spaces. This allows children time to develop and grow in developmental areas through focus and gained competency with an activity. Children may choose activities that include but are not limited to: practical life activities such as washing and polishing, sensorial materials like the pink tower, color tablets and metal insets, early literacy work and learning letters, early math work and counting. In a Montessori Forest Classroom there is a robust science area with found objects and the botany puzzles and cabinet. All lessons are individually given to students to maximize their concentration, independence and coordination.
Closing Circle
We may gather on the sun porch to say goodbye before families pick up the children. Or it could be outside, where we assemble under the maple tree, sing a song, say goodbye and await families to pick up and sign out the child.
“My wife and I were thrilled when we first heard there was a Montessori school opening near us. Since our son was born we had wanted to send him to one. When we expressed interest, Ms. Rachel met with our family and made us feel comfortable right away. We really love the merging with nature at this school. Our son is benefiting immensely from being outside in the wonderful Camp Anokijig area. We are so excited to watch our son grow and appreciate nature at Plymouth Forest Montessori. ”