OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Students work daily to care for our land. With 5.5 acres of prairie, wetland, woodland, and oak savanna, there is always purposeful work to do. Through managing invasive species and encouraging native plants, they learn what makes a healthy ecosystem.
Students interested in studying the parts of a plant begin their research in their classroom with books, and then take their studies outside to the real plant.
Nature Journaling
In their first year of Lower Elementary, students are given their nature journals. A coinciding activity to receiving their journal is the construction of their nature journal bag. Each student sews and personalizes a bag to carry their journal and pencil outdoors. Nature Journaling is a time for reflection and observation in the natural world.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION & MOVEMENT
“Children develop their brains as well as their bodies through movement, and in the process of concentration, self-discipline, and perseverance with an active interest, the foundations of character are laid. To give our children a fine start in life we must see that their surroundings satisfy their need for activity and development, remembering at the same time that our own part is not that of instructor and interferer but of helper and friend."
- Maria Montessori
Movement and physical education are key enrichment programs at MSLF. Toddler and Primary children have movement work during the morning work cycle, an option that is particularly important for young learners, as it aids in development of concentration, balance, and perseverance. Older children have PE in the afternoons, using our ample outdoor space as much as possible for running, games and relays.
MUSIC
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COOKING & GARDENING
Organic Garden - our Edible Schoolyard
MSLF’s Organic Garden is an important part of the Outdoor Classroom curriculum. Students at every level learn the basic lesson of how to plant a seed and care for its growth into a plant. Utilizing our garden beds, greenhouse and individual classroom patio containers, plants are grown year round!
Markets are a regular event at MSLF. Students harvest and wash vegetables to prepare them for market. Elementary students run the market by promoting and selling. Valuable lessons are learned as the students add up the totals for market shoppers, receive cash payments, make change and learn the importance of customer service. Students from every classroom have an opportunity during the school day to shop at the market, as well.
Garden to Table
The organic garden at MSLF provides and abundance of produce for cooking lessons! Students bake, dehydrate, preserve, and prepare a wide variety from their harvests. Many of these items are offered for sale at our markets.
Montessori School of Lake Forest
Montessori School of Lake Forest