Very now and then, there is a presentation of teachers at our Montessori school about a subject important for the education of our kids. This time it was about independence. Of course Montessori education implies a lot of independence, what why is it so important.
The presentation started with the class of 3-6 year olds, called primary. With examples from the class, we saw how the kids are gently maneuvered to be self sufficient (tying shoes to choosing their own work) and how they are let free to make mistakes and learn from them. (breaking a glass to spelling phonetically.) Especially the spelling was very interested. When a kids is trying to spell a word and asks a teacher how to make the "u" sound to write America, the teacher gives the letter "u" instead of "a". This goes on until the kid is ready to learn the proper spelling of words.
In the lower elementary (6-9), we saw how the children are give a general story about a part of history and tools to dig in whatever is interesting for them. They have freedom to choose their work partners, pursue their interests and work independent from teacher and a curriculum.
In upper elementary (9-12), they are allowed to do research on subjects they are interested in. After doing research at school, they can organize a trip to a museum or a college, where ever they can get more information about the subject. They have to plan all the trip details, get permissions, contact the authorities and people in question, find a parent to drive them to the location and after the trip, send thank you notes.
These were interesting, but the creme de la creme was the presentation from the two secondary level (12-14) teachers. At that level, the independence really finds its use. The children are self sufficient, as individuals and as together as a group. They follow a tough curriculum with the freedom to choose their own pace. Next to the studies they do, they also plan these trips (3 per year.) They literally have all the responsibility, choosing the place, getting the directions, planning cooking, finances, everything. I wouldn't be able manage such a complex process, it's so much work. The trips aren't without purpose. They build, they help, they discover... They use everything they learned from all the way from primary to that day. They are self sufficient, independent and harmonious as a group.
when we started Montessori education with Miss A at the Young Children's Community (18 months to 3 year), we would say with other parents that it would be so nice to be in that classroom. We wished we were at that age and in there. Now I prefer Secondary. The only problem is, even though I would manage Young Children's Community without problem, I am not so sure about the Secondary level. I doubt I have the life skills the kids get from all those years at the Montessori School.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Back to life
Last weekend was "back to life". Friday evening, we were invited to Melinda's house for a dinner with her and Tony's family. This time, we said "yes". I tried to rest during the day to be able to make it, and I did.
When we arrived, I loved the expression on especially Lillian and Amelia. They were genuinely excited. Tally to Miss A from the hand and they were gone for the rest of the evening. P had a nice conversation with Tony's husband and we got to know their families better.
Saturday morning, Miss F had her b-day party at the bowling place. 9 girls and 1 boy bowled for an hour. Then we had some cake in the party room. It was great, the bowling place arranged everything for us, we hardly had to do anything. P has a video of the kids literally screaming a song - all of them!
Even though it was all well arranged, I came home exhausted. But there was no time to rest. P went to play tennis with Paul for a short while - which probably looked like anything but tennis!! Then we left for Deniz's house. We saw them one whole year ago. The little Alexander was not so little anymore, more like a giant 2 year old. The girls had Alexander had a blast. They are so welcoming and nice, we ended up leaving pretty late. Of course in good old days, late would be 1 am (with the kids) or later (without the kids.) It was 10.30 when we arrived home. Still I had to pay for it the next day.
Sunday, Paul came for a crepe breakfast. So I got up, made crepes and had a major bleeding that scared the sh.. out of us. Now we know that it's all OK, but at the moment, I literally screamed when I saw what was happening. That same day, after quite some doubt, P left for Europe. This is his first trip since 3 months!!
Looks like I'm OK, the baby is OK and I manage the household - not without hiccups- without P. I even went to swim today, for 12 minutes!! 12 long minutes. Had to sleep on the couch for 1,5 hours after that, but I did swim!!
When we arrived, I loved the expression on especially Lillian and Amelia. They were genuinely excited. Tally to Miss A from the hand and they were gone for the rest of the evening. P had a nice conversation with Tony's husband and we got to know their families better.
Saturday morning, Miss F had her b-day party at the bowling place. 9 girls and 1 boy bowled for an hour. Then we had some cake in the party room. It was great, the bowling place arranged everything for us, we hardly had to do anything. P has a video of the kids literally screaming a song - all of them!
Even though it was all well arranged, I came home exhausted. But there was no time to rest. P went to play tennis with Paul for a short while - which probably looked like anything but tennis!! Then we left for Deniz's house. We saw them one whole year ago. The little Alexander was not so little anymore, more like a giant 2 year old. The girls had Alexander had a blast. They are so welcoming and nice, we ended up leaving pretty late. Of course in good old days, late would be 1 am (with the kids) or later (without the kids.) It was 10.30 when we arrived home. Still I had to pay for it the next day.
Sunday, Paul came for a crepe breakfast. So I got up, made crepes and had a major bleeding that scared the sh.. out of us. Now we know that it's all OK, but at the moment, I literally screamed when I saw what was happening. That same day, after quite some doubt, P left for Europe. This is his first trip since 3 months!!
Looks like I'm OK, the baby is OK and I manage the household - not without hiccups- without P. I even went to swim today, for 12 minutes!! 12 long minutes. Had to sleep on the couch for 1,5 hours after that, but I did swim!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
What was he thinkig!!
P wanted a manly dinner yesterday. Me and the girls had drumsticks from the over, one for each, two for me. P BBQed for himself, a huge, I mean HUGE steak. He put delightedly half an onion on it and took a glass of wine. Fine!
When it was bed time, and don't forget about my extreme smell sense thanks to the pregnancy, he decided to chat with me in bed. Chat? It's more breathing to my face - which became purple in no time. I had to jump out of the bed to not to puke. He was approx. 1 meter from my face but Gosh, I can smell a burb from 3 meters!... So P is not so happy with me because I just cannot stand him smelling to my face - he says he will get a new wife -, but I think he should be happy. I almost moved myself to the guest room last night, but I didn't do it. (and seriously a new wife? who would ever stand that smell and take him??) He just had to turn his back to me.
This is not a complain posting. I am actually doing so much better - knock on the wood -, I didn't puke for 7 days. I celebrated this by going to the pool and swimming like an 80 year old lady for 10 minutes. But well, it's an achievement. I even went to have lunch with Fauzia and didn't fall asleep at the table. We will go to the doctor tomorrow, I am very excited about it. Miss A will be with us, she is out of school then. When F heard this, she had to cry so hard!.. Luckily, she has a playdate with Dagny after school, that was enough to cheer her up.
Just before I finish, I just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear that Hester and family will move to Singapore. I think it's great for them, but it's just so sad to see another friend leave. Well, I wrote it before: who ever we become friends with tends to move away, to a far far country. So beware!
When it was bed time, and don't forget about my extreme smell sense thanks to the pregnancy, he decided to chat with me in bed. Chat? It's more breathing to my face - which became purple in no time. I had to jump out of the bed to not to puke. He was approx. 1 meter from my face but Gosh, I can smell a burb from 3 meters!... So P is not so happy with me because I just cannot stand him smelling to my face - he says he will get a new wife -, but I think he should be happy. I almost moved myself to the guest room last night, but I didn't do it. (and seriously a new wife? who would ever stand that smell and take him??) He just had to turn his back to me.
This is not a complain posting. I am actually doing so much better - knock on the wood -, I didn't puke for 7 days. I celebrated this by going to the pool and swimming like an 80 year old lady for 10 minutes. But well, it's an achievement. I even went to have lunch with Fauzia and didn't fall asleep at the table. We will go to the doctor tomorrow, I am very excited about it. Miss A will be with us, she is out of school then. When F heard this, she had to cry so hard!.. Luckily, she has a playdate with Dagny after school, that was enough to cheer her up.
Just before I finish, I just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear that Hester and family will move to Singapore. I think it's great for them, but it's just so sad to see another friend leave. Well, I wrote it before: who ever we become friends with tends to move away, to a far far country. So beware!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Nausea
I wish I didn't make a posting like this. I was actually planning to write couple things that I still have to put here, like the trip to Yellowstone or my mom's visit. But the nausea and the dizziness is just taking my days over. I cannot function at all. Poor P, he has to do everything. He's like a single dad. And he tries so hard, I feel bad for being the weak one. Normally I am the one who "takes care", and I like that role. I cannot cook, it makes me puke. I cannot even think about going to the supermarket. The idea of all the food around makes my stomach upset. The only thing I do is to sleep. Today, I brought the kids to school - yes I managed that! - then I slept from 9.30 until 11.00. Then I picked up Miss A. After her lunch, I somehow managed to position myself on the couch around 12.30pm and when I checked the time, it was 3.00pm. I didn't really sleep, I could still hear the little one walking and talking. I even remember giving answers to her questions, but oh boy, I was in another world!
I'm almost in my 12th week. That means almost the end of the 1st trimester. I hope this time, unlike the other pregnancies, I will really feel good in my 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I am looking forward to it! Cross your fingers!
I'm almost in my 12th week. That means almost the end of the 1st trimester. I hope this time, unlike the other pregnancies, I will really feel good in my 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I am looking forward to it! Cross your fingers!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sting at Ravinia
I had to get up at 4.30am to get those lawn tickets. Sting was sold out before the tickets were available for non-members. We wanted to have pavilion tickets, sit and listen... No hurry to get a nice picnic spot - not meant for us. But it's Sting at Ravinia, we were lucky that we could go!!
At 4.45pm, Chris came over and picked me up. I had the blankets and the portable chairs. We went to Ellie's. She had this heavy picnic basket and some great cheese and other nibble food. Chris brought us to the door of Ravinia. Well, not without a hassle. The police held all the roads and Chris rolled down the window and said everyone that I am pregnant to get us as close as possible - not a lie, but quite embarrassing!!. The doors were open at 5.00 and Ellie and I entered Ravinia at 5.20 to find out that it was as packed as possible, already! It was so busy that we had to squeeze by a garbage can and steal some space (6 inches) from a poor guy who would wait another hour for his party to arrive.
Then Ellie started putting up our picnic. Real plates, real glasses, a vase with flowers, candles, etc. I tried to lift her picnic basket later, it was as heavy as a dead horse!! Wonder why... I have to give it to her, though. We had the best looking picnic around!
Just before 7.00, P, Chris and Steve arrived. 7.30 sharp, Sting started to sing. We sat there and had good food and talked to good friends for the first half. Then P and Steve left t take a look at the stage. After them, left Ellie. After she came back, the three of us left for the stage while "Every Breath You Take" was playing. We got to the edge of the lawn and peek through heads to catch a glans of Sting. Ellie was dancing and trying to keep this one gut away from her. In the mean time, Chris was making her way to the fences that separate the lawn and the pavilion seats. Ellie didn't follow. All of a sudden Chris and I were standing in front of the gate. Chris said to the girl who was checking the tickets something about me being pregnant(!!??) and tried to get us in. The girl said something back which I didn't hear. Nevertheless, I knew she wasn't letting us in.Couple minutes later, the girls turned away for a second and I felt Chris pull me forward. The girl did a last attempt to stop me, but I didn't even look at her (if I did, I would have gone back) and we were in the pavilion. Half way through, there was a guy from security checking tickets. We said we were sitting behind somewhere and that we left he tickets with our party. Chris literally held the guy's head and said "Everyone is taller than me, please let us through." He smiled, but didn't move away. We listened to couple of songs there, half way to the stage. Sting was already so close, I was happy where we were. But then the unexpected happened and the security guy said his colleague to take over and left. The other guy didn't understand what he was supposed to do and followed the first one to ask him what the matter was. Before they could secure the path, we moved forward. We were now in front of the stage, just couple people before us, left to Sting. We could see the orchestra, the sweat on the faces of the musicians and all the expressions. The guitarist was playing right in front of us.
This was still not enough. Slow by slow, Chris made our way to Sting and at the encores we were literally standing in front of him. There was nothing but the security between us. It was truly amazing. And Sting came back for 5-6 times. He sang all those beautiful songs while we were watching him from 1,5 meter distance!! Too bad the end had to come and he and the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) left. Later we heard that P and Steve got tickets and were sitting in the pavilion, somewhere close to the fences. They didn't want to believe we were so close to Sting and of course we didn't have any camera - or phone with a camera - with us. But well, the memory is clear and fresh in our minds and we will always remember how we made our way to the stage, Chris and I. Chris, you are the crazies and really awesome!!
At 4.45pm, Chris came over and picked me up. I had the blankets and the portable chairs. We went to Ellie's. She had this heavy picnic basket and some great cheese and other nibble food. Chris brought us to the door of Ravinia. Well, not without a hassle. The police held all the roads and Chris rolled down the window and said everyone that I am pregnant to get us as close as possible - not a lie, but quite embarrassing!!. The doors were open at 5.00 and Ellie and I entered Ravinia at 5.20 to find out that it was as packed as possible, already! It was so busy that we had to squeeze by a garbage can and steal some space (6 inches) from a poor guy who would wait another hour for his party to arrive.
Then Ellie started putting up our picnic. Real plates, real glasses, a vase with flowers, candles, etc. I tried to lift her picnic basket later, it was as heavy as a dead horse!! Wonder why... I have to give it to her, though. We had the best looking picnic around!
Just before 7.00, P, Chris and Steve arrived. 7.30 sharp, Sting started to sing. We sat there and had good food and talked to good friends for the first half. Then P and Steve left t take a look at the stage. After them, left Ellie. After she came back, the three of us left for the stage while "Every Breath You Take" was playing. We got to the edge of the lawn and peek through heads to catch a glans of Sting. Ellie was dancing and trying to keep this one gut away from her. In the mean time, Chris was making her way to the fences that separate the lawn and the pavilion seats. Ellie didn't follow. All of a sudden Chris and I were standing in front of the gate. Chris said to the girl who was checking the tickets something about me being pregnant(!!??) and tried to get us in. The girl said something back which I didn't hear. Nevertheless, I knew she wasn't letting us in.Couple minutes later, the girls turned away for a second and I felt Chris pull me forward. The girl did a last attempt to stop me, but I didn't even look at her (if I did, I would have gone back) and we were in the pavilion. Half way through, there was a guy from security checking tickets. We said we were sitting behind somewhere and that we left he tickets with our party. Chris literally held the guy's head and said "Everyone is taller than me, please let us through." He smiled, but didn't move away. We listened to couple of songs there, half way to the stage. Sting was already so close, I was happy where we were. But then the unexpected happened and the security guy said his colleague to take over and left. The other guy didn't understand what he was supposed to do and followed the first one to ask him what the matter was. Before they could secure the path, we moved forward. We were now in front of the stage, just couple people before us, left to Sting. We could see the orchestra, the sweat on the faces of the musicians and all the expressions. The guitarist was playing right in front of us.
This was still not enough. Slow by slow, Chris made our way to Sting and at the encores we were literally standing in front of him. There was nothing but the security between us. It was truly amazing. And Sting came back for 5-6 times. He sang all those beautiful songs while we were watching him from 1,5 meter distance!! Too bad the end had to come and he and the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) left. Later we heard that P and Steve got tickets and were sitting in the pavilion, somewhere close to the fences. They didn't want to believe we were so close to Sting and of course we didn't have any camera - or phone with a camera - with us. But well, the memory is clear and fresh in our minds and we will always remember how we made our way to the stage, Chris and I. Chris, you are the crazies and really awesome!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Too much
Yes, finally we did too much. The kids cannot sleep, Miss A. has a cough and they are both not sleeping! I wish I could say we will have a nice and quite day tomorrow. No way! I cannot go to bed while the girls are both awake, so I will write.
Yesterday we had the cutest phone call. It was Pippa, a friend of Miss F. I first didn't understand who it was. It's the first time a friend of the kids calls us. She wanted to ask if Miss F. was available for a play date. We had the swimming and Ravinia, so I said no. "But", I said, "tomorrow morning, she is available." Pippa had to think a minute. "Sure" she said. I suggested that she asks her mother. "OK", she said "I will ask her and call you back in a minute." and she hang up. It was so cute that it didn't occur to her to put the phone down, ask her mother and come back. Of course we had to leave, but her mother called this morning. Miss F has a playdate tomorrow morning. She is so excited.
When Pippa hung up, Miss F. said "was that Pippa? I can't do that!" And I know she can't, my little shy daughter. Just so funny to hear it from her. I think after this, she might actually consider calling someone. She knows that it's possible.
We celebrated Sheila's birthday today. Other than that, we didn't do too much. Still the kids are very tired, and somehow not ready to sleep. I just hope nobody gets sick.
I saw the first firefly in the backyard. The beauty of summer!!
Yesterday we had the cutest phone call. It was Pippa, a friend of Miss F. I first didn't understand who it was. It's the first time a friend of the kids calls us. She wanted to ask if Miss F. was available for a play date. We had the swimming and Ravinia, so I said no. "But", I said, "tomorrow morning, she is available." Pippa had to think a minute. "Sure" she said. I suggested that she asks her mother. "OK", she said "I will ask her and call you back in a minute." and she hang up. It was so cute that it didn't occur to her to put the phone down, ask her mother and come back. Of course we had to leave, but her mother called this morning. Miss F has a playdate tomorrow morning. She is so excited.
When Pippa hung up, Miss F. said "was that Pippa? I can't do that!" And I know she can't, my little shy daughter. Just so funny to hear it from her. I think after this, she might actually consider calling someone. She knows that it's possible.
We celebrated Sheila's birthday today. Other than that, we didn't do too much. Still the kids are very tired, and somehow not ready to sleep. I just hope nobody gets sick.
I saw the first firefly in the backyard. The beauty of summer!!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Chinese Acrobats at Ravinia
Some people have flexible bones. That's what it is. How can you otherwise explain those acrobats' tricks. Try to put your chin down on the ground, reach over with your feet and touch the top of your head. That's what they do, those acrobats.
I took the kids tonight to the Chinese Acrobats at Ravinia. Their first Ravinia experience, and it was spectacular. (oh, how missed P, too bad he couldn't make it!!) I watched as much as possible those two little girls with huge eyes, laughing, clapping, jumping on their seats in total excitement. I told them how me and daddy came to Ravinia for concerts, had a nice picnic with friends and listened to music. Miss F. asked if there was also a guy standing on one hand on six chairs. No, we had just music. Ohhh... How am I ever going to bring them to one of the classical music concerts, their expectations is more of visual spectacle. At 9.15 pm, on Skokie Highway driving home, Miss F. said she can do a trick herself. Totally proud of herself, she crossed her legs like a fakir and put her nose against her shoes.I guess I will see a lot of strange acrobatics from the girls in the coming days.
Just a short recount of the day: last night's storm faded away for just a while. In the morning, we saw a piece of the sun. Then the rain started again. We were planning to meet Fauzia and her kids at the park, but instead they came over and brought some bagels. Yam! She came with Kareem who ended up playing with Miss. F. and Ameena who re-discovered her old friend Miss A. After they left, we had dinner for lunch - it was most logical thing to do since we were having PBJ's for dinner! Then we went to Chiro and then to the girls' last swimming lessons at our gym. Miss A. and her friend Tristan were amazing. They were probably showing off to the new teacher who will take over from our Tom. Tom is leaving LifeTime. He is the one who thought both Miss A and Tristan how to swim, so we will miss him! Anyway, the two, just like it was no deal, started swimming doggy style and half way turning on their back. No problem. The proud smiles and the laughter... Two weeks ago, I remember seeing a little girl crying in the pool, saying she didn't want to swim. She did remind me to Miss A., but probably it was another girl! Since it was Miss A.'s last lesson with Tristan, I let them play together in the pool. This means that I didn't have the chance to sit closer to Miss F. Well, I know she does quite well, and I can still see her from distance. However, she had a short lesson. A storm was approaching. Everybody had to leave the pool. I didn't mind it a lot. We still had to go to Ravinia. We had dinner (PBJ's) in the car and just after the rain stopped, arrived to the Ravinia parking lot. Then we are back to the acrobats... What a day!
I took the kids tonight to the Chinese Acrobats at Ravinia. Their first Ravinia experience, and it was spectacular. (oh, how missed P, too bad he couldn't make it!!) I watched as much as possible those two little girls with huge eyes, laughing, clapping, jumping on their seats in total excitement. I told them how me and daddy came to Ravinia for concerts, had a nice picnic with friends and listened to music. Miss F. asked if there was also a guy standing on one hand on six chairs. No, we had just music. Ohhh... How am I ever going to bring them to one of the classical music concerts, their expectations is more of visual spectacle. At 9.15 pm, on Skokie Highway driving home, Miss F. said she can do a trick herself. Totally proud of herself, she crossed her legs like a fakir and put her nose against her shoes.I guess I will see a lot of strange acrobatics from the girls in the coming days.
Just a short recount of the day: last night's storm faded away for just a while. In the morning, we saw a piece of the sun. Then the rain started again. We were planning to meet Fauzia and her kids at the park, but instead they came over and brought some bagels. Yam! She came with Kareem who ended up playing with Miss. F. and Ameena who re-discovered her old friend Miss A. After they left, we had dinner for lunch - it was most logical thing to do since we were having PBJ's for dinner! Then we went to Chiro and then to the girls' last swimming lessons at our gym. Miss A. and her friend Tristan were amazing. They were probably showing off to the new teacher who will take over from our Tom. Tom is leaving LifeTime. He is the one who thought both Miss A and Tristan how to swim, so we will miss him! Anyway, the two, just like it was no deal, started swimming doggy style and half way turning on their back. No problem. The proud smiles and the laughter... Two weeks ago, I remember seeing a little girl crying in the pool, saying she didn't want to swim. She did remind me to Miss A., but probably it was another girl! Since it was Miss A.'s last lesson with Tristan, I let them play together in the pool. This means that I didn't have the chance to sit closer to Miss F. Well, I know she does quite well, and I can still see her from distance. However, she had a short lesson. A storm was approaching. Everybody had to leave the pool. I didn't mind it a lot. We still had to go to Ravinia. We had dinner (PBJ's) in the car and just after the rain stopped, arrived to the Ravinia parking lot. Then we are back to the acrobats... What a day!
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