These friendly pilgrim maids grab a postdinner hug.

The approach of Thanksgiving was a special time at The New Century School. Each class explored the meaning of being thankful and participated in seasonal activities. The primary classes got to really embrace the season and reenacted a Thanksgiving feast. Because the primary classrooms are Montessori, there, students learn by doing, by really being in the moment. Mrs. Lawson’s and Mrs. Lazarony’s classes planned a traditional pilgrim and Native American get-together for the day before Thanksgiving, for example. They hosted, as pilgrims, and each invited one of the preprimary classes to join, playing the part of the Native Americans. After first voting on the menu, they next prepared the feast during class on Wednesday morning. Once more, the Montessori curriculum demonstrated its efficacy. During food prep, even the youngest primary students, at age 3 years, were adept at cutting apples, popping corn, and arranging the dishes. Their experience with the Sensorial and Practical Life materials stood them in good stead for this big celebration. The students also made hats and headdresses and decorated a Thanksgiving-themed table runner, bringing art into the history lesson.

The Chinese immersion preprimary students (Native Americans) joined Mrs. Lawson’s primary students (pilgrims) for the Thanksgiving meal.

Mr. Sellers’ class also celebrated both the holiday and the spirit of togetherness by collaborating on a big pot of Stone Soup. The students got the hands-on experience of preparing the veggies and cooking the soup as well as a great lesson in cooperation: if everyone contributes just a little, no one goes hungry. They read the book to lead in to their delicious project.

The primary students discuss the concept of this soup as well as its merits. Many had seconds!

Perhaps one of the nicest aspects of these celebrations was that they offered several ways for parents to be involved—either by joining the feast, volunteering with prep and/or clean-up, or contributing food for the feasts to name a few. In fact, having access to what our kids are doing day to day is one of the nicest things about TNCS in general, and something to be extremely grateful for.

Speaking of grateful, here are some of the things that our primary friends wanted to say thanks for during their feast:

• Julia: My little brother and my family.
• Dylan: I’m keeping it a secret for my family.
• Mia: Food.
• Dez: Mommy. Oh, and Daddy.

The rest declined to comment! Too busy tucking in!

The stone is located bottom left; everything else was edible!

Mr. Sellers’ primary students celebrated Thanksgiving by making stone soup, another exercise in togetherness.

The primary students prepared much of this healthy and yummy feast all by themselves!

Raaahhh rahhhh, indeed!

Mommy and pilgrim child.

Caption this image . . .

Trying to restrain himself . . .

This pilgrim waits patiently for the feast.

Volunteer mom and son.

Even grandmas joined the feast!

I’m cute, and don’t you forget it.

Everyone pitches in with the help of parent volunteers.

Another parent volunteer helps serve.

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’. Keep that turkey rollin’.

POPCORN!!!!!!!!

The primary students really enjoyed hosting their younger friends!