Toddlers and Adolescents - a magnetic attraction

Dr. Maria Montessori noted an affinity between children in the 1st plane of development (toddlers) and the 3rd plane of development (adolescents).  Toddlers and adolescents seem magnetically attracted to one another.  It is magical to observe.

How's the Water?

Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School 9th year Biology students investigate the water quality of the school's pond.  

The students used a kick-net to collect samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates.  We found damselfly and dragonfly nymphs and even a mayfly nymph!  Mayfly nymphs will only live in very high quality water with lots of dissolved oxygen.

This aquatic study is part of a species inventory the students are undertaking of the entire property to determine the level of biological diversity of the farm.

Students Bicycle from DC to Harper's Ferry

Bicycle Odyssey

Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School students and guides cycled from Washington, DC to Harper's Ferry on a 3 day bicycle and camping trip.  

Here's part one of the travelogue:

Georgetown

We love simple machines

Experiencing the power of levers at the locks

The mighty Potomac River

Taking a break to admire the geology of Great Falls

The teepee tent

I love this tent!

A peaceful evening on the river

A Volunteer Park Ranger helps us with the maps

Eggs cooked on the Coleman stove for breakfast by the culinary crew

Carrying gear 0.5 mile to the second camp site

The only hill: from the trail to the camp

Ready to go on day two

Montessori Farm School on Rappahannock Farm Tour!

Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School students led tours of the farm and school, demonstrated how to spin and dye wool, served fantastic homemade food, and helped young children paint pumpkins during the 2010 Rappahannock Farm Tour.

Join us for 2 Fun Filled Days on the Rappahannock Farm tour: Sept 25th and 26th

Join us Saturday and Sunday

Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School is a stop on the Rappahannock Farm Tour again this year.  

Join us any time between 10 am and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th.

Ongoing Events:
Student led tours of the farm and school all day (meet the pigs, chickens, and sheep!)
Paint pumpkins

Schedule (both days):
11:00-1:00  Lunch: Homemade Pork BBQ (made with Farm School pork), quiche (made with Farm School eggs), apple crisp, mashed potatoes and more!

10:30  Learn to spin wool into yarn.
11:30  Learn to dye yarn
12:30  Introduction to Montessori Farm Schools
1:30    Learn to spin wool into yarn
2:30    Learn to dye yarn
3:30    Planting seeds in the Hoophouse for the Hungry

Hoophouse for the Hungry - Students Work Together to Make Fresh Food a Reality

Filling the raised beds with topsoil

Students from Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School and Rappahannock Public Schools' Farm-To-Table program worked together last week to move a mountain of topsoil and gravel into the Hoophouse for the Hungry.

Connecting the hoops

The Hoophouse will be used to grow fresh, nutritious, produce for Rappahannock Food Pantry clients during colder months of the year.  It will also be used to grow plant starts in the spring so local residents will be able to start their own gardens.

Raking the topsoil smooth

The Hoophouse for the Hungry is a wonderful intergenerational community project bringing together middle school students; Master Gardeners; professional builders, landscapers, gardeners and chefs; and community volunteers.

Old Rag - Traditional First Day of School

Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School Students begin the 2010-2011 school year with our traditional hike up Old Rag.  It was a beautiful day and we were rewarded with spectacular views.