Creating a Friendship

Since its beginning, the community of teachers, parents and students at TNSM has worked diligently to successfully achieve the goals and aspirations of Maria Montessori. Constantly pursuing opportunities to engage children in real-life learning, 2004 presented an unprecedented possibility. It would be the first year of a true, Montessori going-out experience. An experience extending from research texts and Fundamental Human Needs Charts to first-hand exchanges of hello and ohayo gozaimasu, laughter and play in the TNSM woods. It was an opportunity unlike any other, an opportunity to welcome other children from half way around the world into our Montessori environments and then to be provided the same welcome within their own. A real cultural and humanitarian exchange.

Since 2004, children from Japan have been welcomed annually to TNSM in the spring. Each, ages 6-12, have enrolled in our classes, engaged in our lessons, shared of their own school experience and become a friend within our community. Each summer then, any interested 9-12 year old from TNSM may travel to Japan for at least ten days. While there, they visit schools, catch and engage in various aspect of the culture and enjoy an opportunity to re-connect with familiar faces and friends.

In a few short weeks, nine excited and interested kids from TNSM will make the trip to Japan once again. They will further this community's efforts to present hands-on experiences that enhance friendships and engage us all in world citizenry. Stay tuned and watch our posts- it's going to be beautiful.