Montessori Moms and the search for Mrs. Prickly

by | Aug 23, 2019 | Uncategorized

Guest post from our CDS family: Mandi  – Mrs. Prickly, a small, pink, stuffed porcupine taught my 4-year-old a valuable lesson. Through nothing more than a glorified bean bag with a smile, that toy showed that there are good people in the world, and not so good people in the world, that there are people who will have your back, and people who will literally steal from a baby. The story begins on a night like any other, a family outing to Chipotle. Each kid grabbed a toy to occupy them at the table, Emma brought Mrs. Prickly. She proudly set up her friend on the seat next to her and proceeded to eat. During the meal, her 2-year-old brother began acting-up, and having compassion for other people, and not wanting to have the screaming baby in the restaurant, we decided to leave. In our haste, we forgot the beloved stuffie. The mom-error was quickly discovered, and we returned within the hour. I went to the counter only to find that someone had taken Mrs. Prickly and not turned her in to the lost and found. Disappointed that a parent would let their child take someone else’s obviously loved toy, I checked back every day to see if someone, noticing the NOT-YOURS toy, returned it. Time passed and no luck. The people behind the counter apologized for not having her and said they would keep an eye out. Soon after, I complained to my friend, a mom from my daughter’s class. The Primary classes become small families; the children care for each other, and the parents form a community (cliché...
Better Hearing & Speech Month

Better Hearing & Speech Month

by | May 2, 2016 | Uncategorized

Are you concerned that your kids spend too much time on tablets, smartphones, or other devices? Do you have fewer conversations with your kids than you’d like because of technology distractions? Do you find yourself constantly asking your kids to lower the volume on devices because you can hear the music blaring through their earbuds or headphones? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a typical parent in the digital age. These are struggles for most of us as technology increasingly becomes central to our lives and our children’s lives. During May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates Better Hearing & Speech Month. Given that, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the important roles that verbal communication and personal interaction—free from technology distractions—play in children’s academic and social development. Kids today are using devices for hours every day—time that once was reserved for talking and reading, interactive and imaginative play, outdoor experiences, and other activities. Yet, the primary way young children develop their speech and language abilities is through verbal exchange—talking and reading with parents. This is a precursor for their own reading abilities and overall academic success. Children also learn from hands-on experiences. Educational apps can play a part, but they are in no way a replacement for what is learned through person-to-person communication. As we head into the summer months, when children no doubt will have more time to use devices, consider carving out some device-free time each day. You may be surprised by how little they (and you) miss it! Another pressing issue related to technology use is...

A Recap of the 2016 International Trip

by | Apr 12, 2016 | Uncategorized

Our middle school students have returned from an eleven day adventure in Germany and Austria! The week began in Munich, Germany with tours of the greatest sights of the city including the Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Nymphenburg Palace. They even took a day trip outside Munich to visit two of King Ludwig IIs royal residences: the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein and the palace of Linderhof. And of course they made a short stop to shop in nearby Oberammergau, because no trip is complete without great souvenirs for family and friends! En route to their next residence in Salzburg, they visited Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps. Our students and chaperones enjoyed a guided visit of the historic Salt Mines of Berchtesgaden with its slides, underground lake, salt cathedral, and more. They even visited the beautiful mountainside retreat of Obersalzberg. The first day in Salzburg began after a delicious breakfast including plenty of Brötchen,Wurst, and Obst. The group then savored a morning sightseeing tour of Salzburg… And sight see they did! Mirabell Palace, Mozarteum (University of Music), Trinity Church, Horse Bath (a favorite of Animal Science Director, Ms. Gillette), Festival Halls, Hellbrunn Palace, Frohnburg Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and Mozart Square were just a few of the stand-outs. The day finished with a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mozart Residence. Tuesday began with a travel to the picturesque Salzkammergut for a guided tour. There our CDS adventurers enjoyed the numerous lakes and mountains, visited the famous “White Horse Inn” in St. Wolfgang, and enjoyed a boat ride on Wolfgangsee. Finally they departed Salzburg for Vienna, Austria, and en route, stopped in the historic city of...