Family Nature Adventure and Open House at Apple Valley

May 20th was Family Adventure and Open House day at Apple Valley Montessori School.  Many families had gathered on this lovely afternoon  for an opportunity to find out more about the school and its naturalist program by joining in the fun. 

The call to adventure began with the sounding of the conch shell. Children ran from the playground and adults gathered around as Mr. Diflorio (better known to the children as Mr. D), staff naturalist at AVMS, announced that we were ready to begin our  discovery of the natural habitats surrounding the school.  We would explore the garden, the woods, and the vernal pool area. 

Off we went, sun screen on and water bottles in hand! We first gathered at the herb garden, where Mr. D. pointed out the Frog Belly plant and showed us how to make the plant look just like that—a frog’s belly—by blowing into it.  We discussed wild edibles.  (Mr. D had a wild edible feast with the children in elementary one day recently—I will post that blog later with some fantastic recipes, including nutweed pie!)   

Mr. D explained how the outdoor adventures at AVMS are linked to Montessori education—all the senses are used: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling—that in the doing one learns deeply and with appreciation.  The children at school experience an outdoor adventure like this every week all year round (and every day Mr. D comes into the classroom to work with small groups of children on nature and science) . We stomped on through paths and woods to the vernal pool noting various plants and trees we passed.  One parent remarked on how Mr. D surely knows every single plant and its use in the acres and acres surrounding our school. Some plants are edible, others are not, but may have other uses, such as for making cordage, or primitive rope. Another plant stalk was quickly transformed into a whistle when blown through. 

Our finds along the way were many and varied: one child spied a fox hole; another found a turkey feather; and later we noted the well-trod path of a deer. 

We ventured to the vernal pool--low this year due to the mild winter.   A few weeks ago the children spent time here looking at fairy shrimp, toads, and other inhabitants of the vernal pool.  We found out that in the winter the children hike this way on snowshoes.  From fall to spring--through sun, rain and snow--they experience the changing seasons intimately through their school-year adventures. 

When I was a child I remember fondly spending hours in the woods--how wonderful that our children get such a varied, rich outdoor experience while at school.  Not only do the kids run gleefully through the fields and along the wood's paths, but they learn from a seasoned naturalist and investigate along the way. I can only think that what they learn (both in and outside the classroom) will stay with them their entire lives and inform and shape who they become. This opportunity to have a walk led by an expert naturalist and the privilege to get a peek into the adventures our children experience was truly a gift and a great way to spend the afternoon.

Upon returning to the school we were offered a refreshing and healthy snack under the shade of the crab apple tree. 

To round out the events of the afternoon we went inside to the beautiful classrooms for presentations discussing the benefits of Montessori education in general and AVMS in particular.  

We were also treated to a talk by Audrey Newton, founder of AVMS, who spoke of the school's 30 year history.  We were able to personally meet many of the teachers and staff and we learned quite a bit of how this type of child-centered learning is put into practice day-in and day-out, year-after-year in the Apple Valley classrooms. 

On June 3rd at 1-3:00 AVMS will offer another nature adventure and open house.  An event not to be missed!