Learning to Grow at Mountain View Montessori School Gardens

Earlier this week, I was invited by Kerry Seymour, a Nutrition Specialist at UNCE, on a tour of an exemplary classroom garden in south Reno. The Mountain View Montessori School is governed by the philosophy that recognizes the child as his or her own leader in their educational journey. Dr. Maria Montessori, for whom the school is named after felt that, "The first duty of an education is to stir up life, but leave it free to develop."

The main garden area with raised beds and hoop house frame. Carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, squash, corn and beans are all grown in the garden. The "three sisters" technique is used as a method for exploring North American history.

When you enter the school you will find no grade books or numbers on the doors distinguishing age. There are no fancy projectors or high tech computer equipment. But there are simple things such as compost bins, silverware and china to dine with, laundry tubs, shovels, trowels, writing utensils, paper, tools, a worm bin, pet fish, parakeets and plants. Hands on learning is essential to the school's model for teaching students about "practical life" activities.

 

After being thoroughly impressed with the inner workings of the school, we moved outside to see how the external world has direct impact on the learning environment. Cooking, gardening, building and other hand arts have been integrated into this approach, and a certain division of labor has evolved. Younger children are responsible for planting and harvesting vegetables and herbs in the gardens. Elementary students prepare lunches with the foods harvested. Adolescents learn how to maintain and analyze the use of hydroponic gardening and aquaculture for a full circle approach to sustainable living.

The hydroponics room offers a controlled environment for growing lettuces and other leafy greens.
Although the pineapple trees on the right will not survive winter in the high desert, they will be exported to benefit the students micro economy.

Sitting on nearly 3 acres, the school's landscape has evolved over the years to include: a main garden space, several herb gardens, trellis' of meandering grapes, berry patches, fruit trees and beautiful flowers to attract pollinators. There are also several sheep on the property, and the principal's dog Ruby wanders around freely. In the future there are plans to restore the native vegetation along a nearby riparian area, which will expand the boundaries of a more natural environment and continue to encourage stewardship of the land. 

A valuable reminder.

For more information about Mountain View Montessori School:  http://www.mountainviewmontessori.com/home.html