Montessori Class Updates

Two Months In: Growing Independence and Community at Peninsula Roots Montessori

It’s hard to believe we’re already two months into the school year! The energy and excitement in our Montessori classroom are undeniable as students continue to grow in independence, confidence, and curiosity every single day.

From the very first days of school, we’ve watched children take ownership of their routines — putting on their own socks and shoes, packing up their belongings, and even helping one another when a friend needs a hand. These small daily acts reflect big developmental strides. They show what Dr. Maria Montessori meant when she said, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” By allowing children to do for themselves, we see their joy and self-assurance blossom.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our students have also been busy exploring the world beyond our classroom walls. Place-based learning — connecting education to the local environment and community — is a cornerstone of our Montessori approach.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve:

• Helped the Noble House with yard cleanup, collecting sticks and preparing the grounds for the season ahead.

• Had a visit from Gibraltar Fire & Rescue where we learned about fire safety and emergencies. Thank you to Fire Chief Andy and the amazing

• Taken a trip to the Fish Creek Market, where children selected and purchased a snack for the class — a perfect real-world lesson in practical life and independence.

• Visited our local library to choose new books and spark fresh interests.

• Enjoyed time at nearby parks, where we observed nature, climbed, ran, and soaked in the beauty of Door County’s fall colors.

• Made weekly visits to the local smoothie shop, where we enjoy a sweet, fruity treat and practice grace, courtesy, and gratitude in a real-world setting.

Each outing has been an opportunity for children to connect with their community, learn responsibility, and experience the joy of purposeful work.

Joyful Work in the Classroom

Inside the classroom, our students are just as busy! Every day brings opportunities to:

• Practice fine motor skills through cutting, buttoning, and pouring.

• Build independence by cleaning their own dishes and caring for the classroom environment.

• Found beauty in nature through flower arranging, pumpkin gutting and watering our class plants.

• Explore early academics — counting, sorting, and sounding out letters — at their own pace and according to their interests.

Through these hands-on experiences, children gain not only academic readiness but also confidence, coordination, and concentration — the true foundations of lifelong learning.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the next part of our school year, we’re excited to continue blending academic discovery with hands-on experiences that nurture the whole child — mind, body, and spirit.

Every day, our students remind us that learning is a joyful journey. Whether they’re mastering new skills, showing kindness to a classmate, or marveling at a falling leaf, they’re growing into capable, curious, and compassionate citizens of the world.