Mountain Village School News

Today, nutrition is the mission...in today's newsletter, we'll take a slightly different format and devote our time to multiple issues related to eating. Our Mealtime Philosophy As adults, it's widely understood that sitting down and sharing a delicious and thoughtfully prepared meal is one of life's real joys. Breaking bread together is a way humans have connected with one another for thousands of years. In short, while meals nourish the body, they in many ways nourish the spirit as well.  Our belief is that we should teach children to have the same type of appreciation for mealtimes, and hold them in high regard. Here are just a few of the important aspects of snack and lunch time here at school: We treat food respectfully. We avoid throwing food or intentionally dropping/spilling our meals. We do however, understand that messes are a natural part of eating as toddlers and young children learn to use cups and utensils properly. If we spill, we clean up after ...

We hope you had a wonderful week, here's the news from Mountain Village School. *Next week's issue will be focused on nutrition! Nature Corner Activity: Let me explore all that interests me while outdoors with you. I might have a lot of questions about what I see. You don't have to need to have all the answers. We can think about it and wonder together. Why?: Exploring and figuring things out both on my own and with your guidance creates greater learning than just being given information.  Classroom Happenings Infant I: On Thursday and Friday we had afternoons where the entire class spent time outside. This time was wonderful; the babies loved exploring together and investigating the grass. We have lots of solid food eaters in the class, and it seems like every day we grow and develop new skills. We continue to work on being gentle and aware of others around us. A note for parents: Please be sure to label food containers and lids, so we can be sure they make it ...

It's been a very busy week here at Mountain Village School, here's the long and short of it... Upcoming Nutrition Issue Another reminder, this month we will feature a newsletter focusing on entirely on nutrition. If you have recipes, tips, or other ideas to contribute, let us know at mountainvillageschoolvt@gmail.com The Throws of Summer, and Those Pesky Ticks! As the beautiful stretch of weather continues expect that we will be spending as much time out of doors as possible (And, on second thought, we'l be out even when it's not so beautiful too!) While ticks can hop a ride onto a human anywhere, many of the children in the upstairs classrooms venture out into wild areas multiple times a week, so it is a good practice to give your children a daily once over to check for ticks.  In the past, ticks have not been a major problem in our state, but in recent years ticks in Vermont have become more common. Here's a helpful guide to these pests from the Vermont ...

Almost Famous This week the children of the Pre-K class became local media sensations as a picture of their epic walk made The Stowe Reporter . In case you hadn't heard, the kids trekked to the Rec Path, then continued on their way to the Swimming Hole, and back, with stops for both morning snack and lunch.  Upcoming Nutrition Issue In the month of July, we will have entire newsletter that focuses on the topic of nutrition! Do you have any recipes that your children can't get enough of? Have a hot tip on where to get farm fresh fruits and veggies on the cheap? Share, share, share! We would love your thoughts, suggestions and questions for our upcoming nutrition issue. E-mail us: mountainvillageschoolvt@gmail.com, and of course, stay tuned! Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say: Effective Communication with Young Children Communication. When exactly did it become so tricky? In our working lives, or personal relationships we find ourselves...

A very fast newsletter this week, back to our regular format next time! Nature Corner Activity: Have me help you when you do work outdoors. I can help rake grass or leaves, dig in a garden, sweep sand, pull weeds, arrange rocks, or even spread wood chips. Why?: When I am regularly exposed to green spaces for play of physical activity, it can lead to better motor coordination, fewer attention problems, and an increased ability to concentrate.  As Seen at MVS     Thanks for Reading! -Sam 

Happy Father's Day We hope all you dads are enjoying some quality time with your kiddos. Here's a little soundbite for your special day:  "The only way I can describe fatherhood--it sounds stupid, but--at the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas , you know how his heart grows like five times? Everything is full, it's just full all the time. " -Matt Damon  Got Nature? Happy Summer. As we bask in this longest day of the year, we want to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of nature in the lives of young children. While we love getting outdoors in every season here at Mountain Village School, we can certainly appreciate the ease and wonder that summer days bring; there is much to explore, much to experience, and much to learn from the world around us. So, why nature? Well, for a simple explanation... More specifically, the positive impacts of outdoor, nature based play is backed by a wealth of scientific research. The Natural Learning I...

Summer. The Longest Day. It's right around the corner. Can you feel it? We can! Life as a Frog... "Think of it," said Frog. We will skip through the meadows and run through the woods and swim in the river. In the evenings  we will sit right here on this front porch and count the stars...      ~From Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad are Friends A few frogs made their way to school this week (thanks, Mike!). On Friday, the Pre-K class relocated them to a cozy spot in the woods near a pond, shade and plenty of little tadpole friends.  Here, one of the Pre-K students reenacts the small frogs jumping to their new home. One has to wonder about the life of a frog. At the ready in prime hopping position. And here....we.... Go! Classroom Happenings Infant I: The babies in Infant I enjoyed an artwork experience this week. The children manipulated colored ice cubes and paper inside zip bags.The results were impressive to...