This past week included time for professional development for much of our staff. Though students did not have classes on Friday, the lead teachers were utilizing what Google calls 20% time as a foundation for the day.

Several companies have engaged their employees in what has been called FedEx Time, or 20% time. At its foundation, it encourages employees to work on projects of personal interest or passion. The only requirement is that they are accountable to the group and share what they learned during that time.

 On Friday, your children's teachers learned about many things including: testing the water in our stream, aphids in our woods, meshing Montessori math with other math curriculum, memory and learning, anxiety in children, and how to improve the teaching of Montessori's Great Lessons. They took the time to wonder, to think and to consider how to make their teaching practice better. They shared their learning with the group, perhaps prompting others to consider something new, or to think about it in a way they hadn't previously. It was a day that provided the space for learning, for rejuvenation and for adding some tools to their toolboxes.

 What we know about learning, whether we are children or adults, is that space is needed - space for curiosity, wonder, creativity, building connections and making sense of the many ideas that come our way. This is what Maria Montessori knew so well and what happens for your children every day as they use their work cycle. They have the time to wonder, try new things, make sense of their world and learn. 

When was the last time you took a few hours to do this? You make it possible for your children each day. Take some time. The things you'll learn are amazing.