Wonder, Encounter, and Preparing for Easter

March was a month rich with wonder, deep concentration, and spiritual preparation. As we journeyed closer to Easter, the classroom was filled with meaningful work, thoughtful conversations, and moments that revealed the beauty of how children learn, grow, and encounter God.

✝️ Encountering the Kingdom of God

Throughout March, the children explored several parables of Jesus, inviting them into wonder and reflection.

They encountered:

• The Precious Pearl (Matthew 13:45–46)

• The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)

• The Leaven (Matthew 13:33)

Rather than simply being told what these parables mean, the children were invited to wonder:

• “Maybe the pearl was more beautiful than all the others.”

• “Maybe the merchant wanted to give it to Jesus.”

• “One will grow bigger… one might turn green!” (during the leaven experiment 😊)

Through hands-on experiences—like mixing dough and watching it rise—the children began to see that the Kingdom of God is something alive, growing, and deeply valuable. 

🌿 A Classroom Rooted in Faith

Faith continued to be woven into everyday life:

• Daily prayer and reflection

• Weekly Mass together

• Continued integration of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

• Preparing hearts for Easter through prayer, kindness, and generosity

As one child joyfully proclaimed:

“Look! Jesus not die no more!”

A simple, profound expression of Resurrection hope.

🧠 Deep Work & Growing Independence

March brought a noticeable deepening in focus, independence, and academic growth.

Children engaged in:

Practical Life

• Grinding coffee, grating cinnamon, sanding wood

• Folding towels and caring for materials

• Food preparation (lemonade, cucumbers, eggs)

• Strengthening fine motor skills (pincer grasp work, paper tearing)

Language & Literacy

• Segmenting and blending CVC words

• Recognizing sight words in books

• Exploring early reading skills

• Clapping syllables and sorting sounds

Math & Discovery

• Counting and matching quantities

• Introduction to the decimal system

• Early addition work

• Exploring magnets, biomes, and even the Stone Age

The classroom was alive with purposeful activity—each child growing at their own pace with confidence and curiosity.

🎨 Creativity, Exploration, and Joy

Hands-on creativity remained a highlight of the month:

• Watercolor painting exploration

• Collage work using torn paper

• Dyeing Easter eggs (and discovering wax resist!)

• Music exploration with instruments

• Riddles, games, and imaginative play

Even simple moments—like holding snails or arranging flowers—became opportunities for discovery and delight. 

💛 Growing in Emotional Awareness

March also brought opportunities to grow in emotional maturity and communication.

With time changes and shifting routines, we worked closely with the children to:

• Express emotions clearly and respectfully

• Practice using gentle voices

• Build awareness of others’ space and concentration

• Strengthen self-regulation

Simple tools—like practicing loud and quiet animal sounds—helped children better understand how to manage their voices and emotions.

🤫 The Beauty of Concentration

One of the most powerful themes this month was concentration.

We saw this through:

• The Silence Game, where children practiced stillness and awareness

• Designated workspaces to support focus and reduce overwhelm

• Long, uninterrupted work cycles

• Deep engagement with individual lessons

The classroom was often marked by a quiet hum of purposeful activity—a sign of true Montessori work.

🌸 Community & Shared Experiences

March was also filled with meaningful shared moments:

• Parent-Guide Conferences, celebrating each child’s growth

• Show & Tell experiences with family participation

• Collaborative activities like making lemonade or preparing food

• Time outdoors enjoying beautiful spring-like weather

These moments strengthen not only learning, but community and connection.

🌿 Looking Ahead

As we move into April and toward Easter:

• The children continue preparing their hearts through faith and reflection

• Families are encouraged to continue nurturing faith through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) opportunities

🙏 A Final Reflection

“The child does not grow weary with work but increases his strength. He grows through work…” — Maria Montessori 

March reminded us that children are constantly growing—

in mind, in heart, and in spirit—when given meaningful work, loving guidance, and space to wonder.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter season.