Often when I observe children working in a Montessori classroom it reminds me of listening to a lovely symphony; thus was the case this morning. It began with a time of tuning up. The children arrived slowly over a period of about 10 minutes. As they entered the room they started their routine by washing hands and selecting an activity; that is when the music began. A couple of children warmed up in the library, glancing through familiar titles. Three banded together to assemble a floor puzzle of the Presidents, and one soloist carefully arranged silk flowers in 6 different vases and then decorated each of the tables. It was a lovely harmony of activity and spontaneous socialization.
During our morning meeting, one could almost hear the unison as the children recited pledges, read Bible verses, and shared prayer requests. Although their ages and grades are varied, their spirit of curiosity, and joy unite them. It is a lovely sound. By the end of the day I had observed many choruses produced by this very alive yet soothing group of musicians. The youngest and newest member enjoyed repeating his part several times--rehearsing it over and over to perfection. The more seasoned players delighted in tutoring their less skilled colleagues while building their own self confidence. The melodies were enchanting.
Some days the tempo is more stimulating, and the volume less soothing, but today the orchestration was perfect and the music delightful.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Praying Boldly
Last week our pastor, Andy Stanley, challenged our prayer life a little. He suggested that often we pray mundanely and do not ask God for Boldness. While I agree with him, in principal, I believe that throughout the journey of this school I have consistently asked God to bless us in such a way that only He could get the credit. I also believe I have been faithful to give Him all the credit every step of the way.
I have been asking Him for 2 or 3 more students this semester. Two would get us to the financial 'break even' point and three would give us a little breathing room. So after last Sunday's message, I boldly asked Him to please direct 2 or 3 students to us now. We only want to enroll children that He brings, but surely there were a couple out there who simply had not found us yet.
That being said, it has been a rough week. My husband was out of town on business all week, I got sick on Tuesday and missed 2 and a half days of work, and our teacher had a medical emergency with her eldest daughter and missed a day and a half--not our best week. But I had Boldly asked God to send us some students NOW, and with what I can only attribute as some Heavenly humor, He chose to answer my prayer. Not only did He send us 2 students, but they are siblings whose parents have been looking for a Christian Montessori school for a long time, and they came to visit us while I was sick and Sherry was distracted!!! "when I am weak, He is strong." They are great kids, our students fell in love with them and see them as an answer to their prayers (yes the children have also been praying for more students), and I really believe that they will be a great 'fit'.
So we are thanking God for His perfect timing and grateful for the challenge to ask God for big things--things only He can do, and to ask with boldness!
I have been asking Him for 2 or 3 more students this semester. Two would get us to the financial 'break even' point and three would give us a little breathing room. So after last Sunday's message, I boldly asked Him to please direct 2 or 3 students to us now. We only want to enroll children that He brings, but surely there were a couple out there who simply had not found us yet.
That being said, it has been a rough week. My husband was out of town on business all week, I got sick on Tuesday and missed 2 and a half days of work, and our teacher had a medical emergency with her eldest daughter and missed a day and a half--not our best week. But I had Boldly asked God to send us some students NOW, and with what I can only attribute as some Heavenly humor, He chose to answer my prayer. Not only did He send us 2 students, but they are siblings whose parents have been looking for a Christian Montessori school for a long time, and they came to visit us while I was sick and Sherry was distracted!!! "when I am weak, He is strong." They are great kids, our students fell in love with them and see them as an answer to their prayers (yes the children have also been praying for more students), and I really believe that they will be a great 'fit'.
So we are thanking God for His perfect timing and grateful for the challenge to ask God for big things--things only He can do, and to ask with boldness!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Kids say the cutest things
During the month of December the children attempted to memorize the first 19 verses of the second chapter of Luke, and because of the poetic nature of the language, we opted to have them learn the King James Version. To help them with understanding, we selected about a dozen of the words we felt they might not know and typed them on small cards with definitions on other cards, thus creating a matching lesson. To introduce the lesson I reviewed them at group time by asking the children if they knew what the word meant. The words included "abiding", "with haste", "espoused", etc. Of course the children did not know any of these words, but then I asked if anyone knew what "abroad" meant, and one of the younger boys excitedly waved his arm, "I know, I know--a girl" he said proudly! :)
(BTW, they all learned the first 15 verses perfectly and most got all the way through verse 19!)
At lunch last Sunday, we were eating with my daughter and her best friend Maureen. During the mealtime discussion my daughter told a story about her boyfriend who is a deployed marine. Ryan thought for a moment and said, "Hey mom, Maureen and marine are homonyms, right?" I think he is getting it!!
(BTW, they all learned the first 15 verses perfectly and most got all the way through verse 19!)
At lunch last Sunday, we were eating with my daughter and her best friend Maureen. During the mealtime discussion my daughter told a story about her boyfriend who is a deployed marine. Ryan thought for a moment and said, "Hey mom, Maureen and marine are homonyms, right?" I think he is getting it!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
We're Back!!
It is impossible to believe that we are 2 weeks into the new year and that we have been in school for four months!! I know you think I have abandoned the blog; I simply needed a little hiatus, but hopefully I am back and thrilled to report to you on our first semester.
As I have consistently stated, this school is the direct result of God leading us and we pray that everything we do is only because of His blessing. We had some specific goals and He has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. First of all--God brought us the perfect teacher to begin our journey. Miss Sherry is not only an extremely competent reading and math teacher, but she is compassionate, caring, and very dedicated. She and I work so well together. She is definitely the lead teacher, but her weaknesses are my strengths and my strengths are where she is weak. In a small school we both wear several hats, and have many non-conventional duties, but we share them and for the most part our days are filled with joy!
We asked God to send us the children He wanted to be here. I am disappointed that He brought so few--mostly because it means that Edgar and I must financially support the school for much longer, but am so thankful for the five we have!! The big WIN is that I can assure you, the changes we have seen in our students over the last few weeks can only be attributed to God! We knew that many of the students came to us with a low self esteem and/or a dislike of school, so our first goal was to create an environment where children loved to learn and would feel successful. I truly believe we have met that goal! On the days when I become frustrated with the lack of prospective students, I go into the classroom and look at the incredible children that He has given us! They are learning, they interact more like siblings than peers, and they are feeling so much better about their own abilities.
Lastly, I have loved seeing the children grow in their understanding of God's Word and their desire to learn about Him. We have seen their prayers mature, their ability to memorize scripture increase, and their ability to apply the truths they are learning expand. We are on an incredible journey together and we are so grateful for the opportunity. We still need your prayers, and we long to have more students because we know their are more children who need to be here (and we need the money) but we are more confident today than we were 6 months ago, that this is exactly what we need to be doing!!
As I have consistently stated, this school is the direct result of God leading us and we pray that everything we do is only because of His blessing. We had some specific goals and He has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. First of all--God brought us the perfect teacher to begin our journey. Miss Sherry is not only an extremely competent reading and math teacher, but she is compassionate, caring, and very dedicated. She and I work so well together. She is definitely the lead teacher, but her weaknesses are my strengths and my strengths are where she is weak. In a small school we both wear several hats, and have many non-conventional duties, but we share them and for the most part our days are filled with joy!
We asked God to send us the children He wanted to be here. I am disappointed that He brought so few--mostly because it means that Edgar and I must financially support the school for much longer, but am so thankful for the five we have!! The big WIN is that I can assure you, the changes we have seen in our students over the last few weeks can only be attributed to God! We knew that many of the students came to us with a low self esteem and/or a dislike of school, so our first goal was to create an environment where children loved to learn and would feel successful. I truly believe we have met that goal! On the days when I become frustrated with the lack of prospective students, I go into the classroom and look at the incredible children that He has given us! They are learning, they interact more like siblings than peers, and they are feeling so much better about their own abilities.
Lastly, I have loved seeing the children grow in their understanding of God's Word and their desire to learn about Him. We have seen their prayers mature, their ability to memorize scripture increase, and their ability to apply the truths they are learning expand. We are on an incredible journey together and we are so grateful for the opportunity. We still need your prayers, and we long to have more students because we know their are more children who need to be here (and we need the money) but we are more confident today than we were 6 months ago, that this is exactly what we need to be doing!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Open House
What a whirlwind week! The renovations went well, but as usual everything took longer than we had planned. Inspections and weather put us two days later than we had hoped, but our contractor did a great job, and Brian and Joe got everything painted and decorated in record time! Thanks to my sister who came up for the week, our good friend Joe, and our teacher Sherry, we pulled it all together in time for the Open House on Friday. We will need to work on the office and finish up some of the lessons in the classroom, but for the most part the room is all set and we are quite pleased with the results.
Thanks for some of your suggestions on marketing. We are more aggressive on the Internet and now that our signs are up we are getting more calls. Here are a few pictures:
This looks a little cloudy, but Chris did a great job on the front doors!
Once inside, you are ready to enter the Children's House! There is an area for visiting children.
This is a shot of the library
This is from the language area--looking into geography with art in the background
Part of the math area
The grammar area
We had a great time at the Open House and appreciate everyone who came out to see us!
Thanks for some of your suggestions on marketing. We are more aggressive on the Internet and now that our signs are up we are getting more calls. Here are a few pictures:
This looks a little cloudy, but Chris did a great job on the front doors!
Part of the math area
The grammar area
We had a great time at the Open House and appreciate everyone who came out to see us!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Suggestions welcome
Marketing is an interesting thing. There are so many options and so little money. People need to know that we exist.We have a pretty specific target audience and a clear vision The classroom will be stunningly beautiful, the materials are amazing, the teachers are so dedicated and excellent, the curriculum is proven, but we must "get the word out".
Last month we did a quarter page (expensive) ad in a local magazine and only got one email response; yesterday I learned why: we printed the wrong phone number!! I couldn't believe that I missed that--I approved the copy that had an 8 not a 5. The upside is that I spoke with the very gracious lady whose number we did print and she assured me there had been several calls--but of course she did not know the correct number to give them. Ugh, I can't believe this, but it is done and now I must move on.
We do have another ad coming out in a "state of the schools" annual publication, but it won't be distributed until early August. We also have a tentative date for an Open House, and we need alot of people to attend, but I am not sure the most cost effective way to let people know about it.
Theater ads would be great, but much more expensive than what we can afford.
We have a working relationship with a very talented, local photographer, www.ananchel.com and they will invite their clients and even give a discount coupon to all who attend. What are some other ways we can let people know about our school? I appreciate any suggestions you have. We know there are children near us who are struggling with learning and who have lost their self confidence. Our school CAN help them. Would you please help us let them know? Please comment here if you have any suggestions. Our website is www.mchnf.org.
Lastly, if you missed the last post, we urgently need prayers for this Tuesday morning, June 29. We need our plans to be reviewed and passed so we can start construction on the renovations Thursday morning, July 1. Thanks so much!
Last month we did a quarter page (expensive) ad in a local magazine and only got one email response; yesterday I learned why: we printed the wrong phone number!! I couldn't believe that I missed that--I approved the copy that had an 8 not a 5. The upside is that I spoke with the very gracious lady whose number we did print and she assured me there had been several calls--but of course she did not know the correct number to give them. Ugh, I can't believe this, but it is done and now I must move on.
We do have another ad coming out in a "state of the schools" annual publication, but it won't be distributed until early August. We also have a tentative date for an Open House, and we need alot of people to attend, but I am not sure the most cost effective way to let people know about it.
Theater ads would be great, but much more expensive than what we can afford.
We have a working relationship with a very talented, local photographer, www.ananchel.com and they will invite their clients and even give a discount coupon to all who attend. What are some other ways we can let people know about our school? I appreciate any suggestions you have. We know there are children near us who are struggling with learning and who have lost their self confidence. Our school CAN help them. Would you please help us let them know? Please comment here if you have any suggestions. Our website is www.mchnf.org.
Lastly, if you missed the last post, we urgently need prayers for this Tuesday morning, June 29. We need our plans to be reviewed and passed so we can start construction on the renovations Thursday morning, July 1. Thanks so much!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Riding the Roller Coaster
Sometimes the ups and downs of living a life of faith are like riding a roller coaster--exciting, thrilling, terrifying, and can make one's stomach do awful things. This week has been like that. The high points include knowing that we are only a few days away from taking possession of the leased space, talking with some great potential parents, meeting an amazing teacher who wants to support and encourage us, and finalizing the furniture order. But the lows were pretty deep and twisted. When our contractor went to the county office to begin pulling permits he was told we needed the Architect to draw new plans and they could not review them until July 20th; this is almost three weeks later than our "countdown to opening" schedule!
I have said over and over that this whole project is a result of God's prompting and not only do we depend on Him "to meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus", but we want to make sure that everyone who even hears of us will know that it is His school. We pray that things will happen in such a way that ONLY God can get the Glory. He continues to answer that prayer by placing obstacles in our path that require divine intervention! We need our plans to be reviewed, THIS Tuesday and we need them to be passed--we are on our knees with anticipation. I did speak to the man at the planning office with whom I had met a few months ago and pleaded my case. He said he would "see what He could do" and I was thinking 'great' and I will see what God will do! :)
On a more personal note, our family enjoyed a wonderful visit with family in California--the time went too quickly. Edgar's dad is fading fast; he is in the last stages of cancer and at this point we are praying for a peaceful and painless ending. We are reminded again that ALL things are under His control.
I don't really like roller coasters, I tend to be more of a carousel kind of girl, but I am so thankful that at least I know Who is at the controls on this ride I am on! As always, your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know--thanks for journeying with us!!
I have said over and over that this whole project is a result of God's prompting and not only do we depend on Him "to meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus", but we want to make sure that everyone who even hears of us will know that it is His school. We pray that things will happen in such a way that ONLY God can get the Glory. He continues to answer that prayer by placing obstacles in our path that require divine intervention! We need our plans to be reviewed, THIS Tuesday and we need them to be passed--we are on our knees with anticipation. I did speak to the man at the planning office with whom I had met a few months ago and pleaded my case. He said he would "see what He could do" and I was thinking 'great' and I will see what God will do! :)
On a more personal note, our family enjoyed a wonderful visit with family in California--the time went too quickly. Edgar's dad is fading fast; he is in the last stages of cancer and at this point we are praying for a peaceful and painless ending. We are reminded again that ALL things are under His control.
I don't really like roller coasters, I tend to be more of a carousel kind of girl, but I am so thankful that at least I know Who is at the controls on this ride I am on! As always, your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know--thanks for journeying with us!!
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