I am continually in awe of the education my kids are receiving. I figure it's a combination of Montessori and their particular teachers, but they manage to make every moment matter.

I showed up at David's class for his birthday circle. Everyone was working quietly and independently. When the teacher rang a bell, every person put one hand in the air and one close to their lips in a shh gesture. Well, everyone except one who was still holding his pencil. So, she had them to do it again, but she said, "Don't worry if you're not done your work. We'll have time to do it later." And then she added, "Should you ever worry at school?" And the class chorused back, "No!"

The birthday circle itself combined lessons on civics, astronomy, geometry, fractions, and manners. Later on David shared gluten-free carrot cake with the class, which they all adored. And they made him a compliment book. David is now walking around thinking of himself as kind, fun to play with, and centered during work time. As well he should.