MCA Elementary Brings the Arts to the Millburn Seniors

I couldn’t help but smile as I listened to an MCA Elementary student compliment one of the Millburn Seniors on her artwork. With excitement in the child’s voice, she said, “I like how you did that. The sun is bursting with color into the rainbow.” This took place when the MCA students visited the Millburn Seniors on April 29th for a choral presentation, to share lunch, and to work on artistic projects together.

The art projects all started with a blank canvas. Each elementary student at MCA prepared two canvases: one for the student and one for the student’s Senior counterpart. The Seniors enjoyed listening to the students share their knowledge regarding the use of water colors, and together, each painted a masterpiece. These paintings will serve as a reminder of their time spent together during the 2015-2016 school year. The interpersonal connections made by the “painting pairs” were evident by the hum of conversation, the many smiles, and the general sense of warmth in the art room. It was beautiful to observe how the age difference between the partners made no difference in their ability to engage in conversation and enjoy the activity together!

In addition to creating beautiful artwork, some incredible memories were made during this visit. While at the Bauer Community Center, the MCA students also performed several choral pieces, led by the school’s Music Teacher, Mr. Marco Vergara. The pieces included Little Liza Jane, Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me, and Kookaburra. As the room filled with applause, the students took a bow, each beaming from ear to ear. Upon returning to school, the students began recapping the day to anyone who would listen One student remarked, “I know they really enjoyed our performance by the smiles on their faces and the loud hand claps at the end.”

Community relationships such as this allow The Montessori Children’s Academy to continue broadening its students’ horizons and offering opportunities for them to make connections with the world in which they live. This is also an excellent example of a key Montessori ideal – a lifelong love of learning – in action in our community.

For further information about the school and our programs, please visit our website www.TheMontessoriChildrensAcademy.com. With campuses in Short Hills, Morristown, and Chatham, The Montessori Children’s Academy is “Educating Today’s Child for Tomorrow’s World”.