Learning at Hudson Montessori School takes place far beyond the walls of our classrooms with regular field trips, collaborative community projects, sleepaway camp experiences, and so much more. While the school has only been in session for about a month, our students have spent much time outdoors, exploring new places and reinforcing the concepts learned inside the classroom.
For example, when our students learn about simple machines, we don’t just talk about it in a classroom or look at photos in a textbook; we take them to the playground to observe pulleys, wheels, and what we mean by a “fulcrum.” These hands-on, real-life examples make lasting impressions with our students, driving home all these concepts in a concrete and easily understood way.
Here are examples from the past month showing how we inspire discovery in our students from a young age.
Fosterfields Historical Farm (Primary: Preschool and Kindergarten)
Some of our younger learners in our Primary classes recently enjoyed a bus ride to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morristown. Singing “Wheels on the Bus” could not compare to what they experienced on the historic farm.
The students learned how farmers care for their animals, including cows, pigs, horses, ducks, goats, and sheep. The children learned about harvest time on the farm, including picking corn, milling it, milking cows, and churning butter. They also got to try their hand at it. The day ended with a delicious picnic-style lunch.
Day in the Life of the Hudson River (Lower Elementary to Middle School)
Armed with thermometers, water quality test kits, and nets, our Elementary and Middle School students recorded vital data on several species that call the Hudson River Estuary home. Our students joined thousands of New York and New Jersey students along the Hudson River for the annual Day in the Life of the Hudson River & Harbor. The Hudson River Estuary Department of Environmental Conservation sponsors this event with Columbia University Climate School.
Our students proudly participated in this longitudinal study of the Hudson River and the living things that inhabit it. While most participants in this program are high school students, we extend this opportunity to our youngest students, starting from first grade and up. We are the only STEM-certified elementary school in New Jersey by the National Institute for STEM Education; we know our first graders are ready since we prepared them for this day in Kindergarten!
Camp Mason (Middle School)
Middle School students enjoyed a bonding experience at a three-day sleepaway camp earlier this month. Campers spent their days canoeing, hiking, and rock climbing in the beautiful forests of the Delaware Water Gap area. During a survival skills class, they learned how to build a campfire and a shelter, bonded and nurtured friendships with team-building exercises, and had tons of fun during a nighttime campfire with S'mores.
To learn more about Hudson Montessori School's interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach, the Montessori philosophy and methodology, or how the school fosters the love of learning for its students, the school welcomes parents to learn more for children aged 2 to eighth grade at our upcoming open houses.
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