Frog Song Preschool

A Community for Mindful Learning

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The right work at the right time

December 15, 2022 by Claire Lundy

As the Frog Song children have come in from outside lately, they have felt a pressing need to change finto warm, dry clothes. Things being what they are, this sometimes requires a look in the Spare Clothes Drawer. And, day after day, I seem to offer a sweater, sweatshirt, pants, or seemingly-perfect socks that, when held up to the actual child in need of a spare, could not possibly fit. Then it occurs to me, or they point it out themselves: I’m offering something that fit a child last year, but just doesn’t fit any more. 

It’s a reminder of the value of observation, and observation is at the heart of Montessori education. We strive to offer just the right thing at just the right time. When we get it right, it’s beautiful:

Children do real work

Choose their work freely

And their work inspires concentration (which the rest of the classroom community protects)

So how do we know when a child is ready for something? We observe with interest and curiosity, and join in when we see a space for something we can offer.

We allow others to unobtrusively observe as we learn and practice what we know. 

We accept that a work or game that fit last year might well be too small, but with variation, can grow a little larger. By creating freedom within guiding limits, we encourage that variation.

In a world of standardized sizes, standardized tests, and standardized expectations, we worry. Will she ever learn the letters and the sounds? Will he ever learn how to politely ask friends how to join in their game? When will these drawings become representational instead of abstract? At a time of year when gatherings of family and friends can lead to comparisons, it is especially important to extend grace and openness to ourselves, our children, and each other. When a real concern emerges, it is valuable to reach out to people we trust, including professionals like teachers, therapists, and pediatricians. But, absent these barriers to growth, we actively believe that the children to choose challenging work for themselves, work with joy and concentration, and know when to ask for help and when to reach for the next just-right thing.

A place of their own!

February 28, 2022 by Claire Lundy

It has been a wonderful year so far at Frog Song Montessori Preschool. It has been especially fun this year to watch the children begin to see and feel like the classroom is their very own place to learn, work, explore and engage socially! As adults in the environment we try to foster this by sitting back as much as possible and allowing the children the space to take initiative. If we follow the children around and clean up after them then we take away the opportunity for them to spontaneously and independently do it themselves. We have seen a HUGE drive in the children to care for the classroom themselves and below are some photos to see what kinds of things they have been up to!

Misting leaves of plants!
Grating soap to make bubbles for scrubbing works!
Scrubbing a dirty art mat!
Polishing wooden things!
Folding, sorting and putting away classroom laundry!
Washing, rinsing and putting to dry the classroom dishes!
Sorting pencils into the right holders!
Scrubbing a dirty table!

Life at Frog Song

February 23, 2021 by Claire Lundy

Fortunately we were able to open last fall with a small group of ten children! With our unique access to the outdoors we were able to open our classroom door and create a free flow situation from the indoor to the outdoor environments. The teachers and children alike have been thrilled to be in community together. After being closed for 6 months it was clear that being together was the best next step for.. EVERYONE! Take a look at the photos below to see for yourself!

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2020 by Claire Lundy

Our 2019-20 school year has gotten off to a fantastic start! The children have been busy working, learning, exploring and creating…

We ended our 2019 with a delicious pancake pajama party! After a busy but cozy morning work period the children helped to cook and prepare a pancake feast, put all the tables and chairs together and clean up when we were all finished. The collective effort was a wonderful way to spend our last day before the two week winter break!

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For more information:
info@frogsongpreschool.org
503-475-9257

Here's a beautiful video of the Frog Song class taking a nature walk around the Dharma Rain property.

Interested in enrolling? Email us to be placed on our waitlist for the 2023-24 school year.

  • Home
  • Our Program
    • Daily Activities
    • Montessori and Mindfulness
    • Summer Camp 2022
    • Immunizations
  • Staff
  • Enrollment – (2023-2024)
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

info@frogsongpreschool.org · (503) 475-9257

Address: 8500 NE Siskiyou St · Portland OR 97220

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