We have officially wrapped up this school year. Actually we finished about 3 weeks ago, because this momma was running on fumes and I simply refused to power through. But as I look at pictures from the school year I want to make sure I chronicle as much as I can.

The kids really enjoyed Geology unit study from The Good and the Beautiful. This was our first time using an official curriculum (we’re a Montessori family, so while we do have Montessori materials and albums, it is tailored to our needs) and I’m pleased to say that this curriculum was definitely one will use again. One lesson the children liked in particular was about Sedimentary Rocks. Forming the rock layers from household items was their favorite part and apparently, they enjoy the feel of chia seeds because they kept sticking their hand in the bag to run their fingers through the seeds. This was a reminder for me that children of all ages continue to need sensory input from a variety of sources.

FYI: we did supplement the curriculum with an experiment book, pictured below.

We used beads, beans, shredded paper, seeds and rice for our “sediment” and the various textures and sizes of the “sediment” really appealed to them. As they formed the layers they talked about which material was larger or prettier (hence my daughter’s input) and which sediments can be found in nature.

The most gratifying moment for me did not happen during the lesson, but later in the week when we were driving on the highway. We passed a cliff like area that we have passed at least 100 times in my 7 year olds lifetime, and on this particular day he said, “look I see the layers”. I was so happy that he was able to apply what he learned in the lesson to the real world. I think learning takes place at the intersection between education and application. This lesson is one that I hope stays with them for a lifetime.

-Happy Montessori