SoDu Parents Posse
  • Blog
  • About
  • Want to sponsor SoDu?
  • SoDu Merchandise

Montessori Children's House of Durham

11/13/2015

 
Picture
Picture
Montesorri Children's House of Durham has been building foundations for intellectual, moral, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual competence in children across the Triangle for nearly 40 years. MCHD was the first school in North Carolina to become an Accredited School by the American Montessori Society and today is one of only 6 schools in the state of North Carolina to maintain this ranking. Their focus has always been on utilizing the principles of Maria Montessori to "educate young people to have a sense of the grand order of the universe, to assume their rights and responsibilities, to find joy in learning, and to delight among the peoples and in the places where they live". The school has grown over the years, moving to a gorgeous new facility in 2012. I recently took a tour of the facility and met so many wonderful teachers and truly got a sense of what sets MCHD apart. 
You can see Montessori Children's House of Durham in action below, where you can truly get a glimpse into how absolutely magical of a school it is.

Picture
What sets the Montessori method apart from the rest is how incredibly intentional the methodology is. Teachers work to notice what a child's passion is and use that to give individualized instruction. Instead of teaching to the test, they truly teach to the child, taking the time to truly make the process interesting and the subject fascinating, which results in the kids absolutely loving learning.

Picture

The classrooms themselves at MCHD are so peaceful. They also play an important role in the educational philosophy. Children can be easily overwhelmed with too many things so there is intentional placement of certain items, which are switched out as determined by the teachers. A minimalist approach also makes it easier for children to take care of their space, and know what goes where when they clean up. 



Picture
The first stop on our tour was the toddler program. MCHD is happy to announce they are growing their toddler program, specifically designed to develop language, cognitive and motor abilities in children ages 18 months through 3 years. 18mo - 3 year olds currently can attend 3 or 5 halfdays a week but in 2016-17 the program is expanding to offer full care as well. 
The highly trained and kind teachers are there to guide the children's growth as they find friendships, and instilling collaborative work while uniting the toddler’s strong sense of independence with practical success. The toddler room is comprised of 2 classes, the maximum number of students in each class is 12 and they each have 2 teachers, so the ratio is 6:1 or lower. Each class also has two class parents to coordinate volunteering in a variety of ways. For some parents that may mean coming into the classroom, for others with a busy work schedule it may mean helping coordinate the spring fling festival or the like.

MCHD explains what makes their toddler program so unique, "Each year begins with an orientation period that allows for a smooth transition away from a primary caregiver into what is often the child’s first community of peers. The environment is rich with materials to stimulate conversation and the development of language, with manipulatives, pre-math materials, science and nature exploration, and activities for sensory exploration and gross and fine motor development. Children are introduced to art and music from various cultures and have many opportunities for creative expression. Practical life skills relate to care of self and the environment, including toilet learning. Activities often are multi-dimensional: work washing a table, for example, involves both large and fine motor skills, memory recall, logical sequencing of steps, and vocabulary building."

Picture

One concept we talked about in my tour was the MCHD application of the montessori philosophy on grace and courtesy. For example, sharing doesn't mean just giving the wanted item to another child, it's negotiating a more complex process of polite waiting and experiencing the beauty of delayed gratification. The opportunity for teaching is in this conflict of two children wanting the same thing. It's teaching children to use words to express their desire, helping the second child to wait and look for a signal that the first is done, and more.

One thing about MCHD that was very touching is how considerate they are of the children's emotional needs. Visitors to the toddler program observe the class through two-way glass in hidden observation rooms, because at that age, children's fear of strangers disrupts the learning environment and seeing an adult often reminds them of their parent. Avoiding that unncessary worry reinforced the school's respect for the children and their autonomy. 

Picture
MCHD moved into their new facility in 2012 and one benefit is all of the space they have.
Their multipurpose building is utilized as a gym for physical education during inclement weather, and adjacent rooms include music, reading enrichment and an art studio. It also has a full kitchen and can be used as an auditorium for guest speakers and seminars after hours for the community. It's also the after school space, where they offer enrichments, including yoga, karate, soccer shots, dramatic arts, movement and dance, craft making, Lego engineering, philosophy club, odyssey of mind, music lessons and more. Elementary students are challenged with enriching after school clubs, including Odyssey of the Mind, Chess, and Philosophy and Ethics. After school is a wonderful program at MCHD, one of the reasons is that you can enroll in it full time or use it in a drop in manner, which is incredibly helpful to parents.
​You can see in the photos below that the outdoor spaces are full of opportunities for gross motor play and letting their imaginations run wild. The classrooms are bright and uncluttered, making for a space where children can concentrate without being overwhelmed.

Picture
The MCHD practice on specials is to offer them all on one day, instead of interrupting the learning throughout the week. Their specials for the elementary school are Spanish, art, music, PE, and more.

As a former art teacher I was really impressed with their art program. MCHD's art teacher has been at the school 20 years! As you can imagine, she really knows how to help children express their artistic side. It's more than just art for students as well. Several times a year, they offer a parent child art class on Saturdays and even some adult classes. What a fantastic bonding experience for families!

Picture




​Learning at MCHD in the multi-aged elementary school is a holistic process. They don't simply get information from books or the teacher, but gain knowledge from a multitude of sources. For example, children in the Upper Elementary planted and grew a vegetable and herb garden, tended it gently to help it sprout, and once everything had grown, they picked it all and combined it into a caprese salad, which they offered to administrators and other classes. Start to finish, it was all about learning how to grow, working on patience while it grew, how to cook, and the importance of giving generously - so many lessons learned just from one garden!



Picture


​Lower Elementary children, Grades 1-3, are truly coming into their own to take responsibility for their weekly work plan and build time-management and resource skills. While traditional academic studies are individually adjusted to each student’s proficiency, all students get daily exercises in spelling, math, handwriting, grammar and reading in addition to weekly intensive lessons in Music, Spanish, and Art.

Picture
Upper Elementary children, Grades 4-6, are doing more advanced work in mathematics, history and cultural studies, geography, natural science, writing, literature, foreign language, arts, and music, building on skills gained in their Lower Elementary years. Montessori education emphasizes an "expectation of community service to affirm the sense of social interdependence emerging at this age. Students collectively create a respectful, self-reliant community." What really impressed me was how the final year of sixth grade culminates in a year-long project focused on representing a country at the Montessori Model United Nations in New York City, with instruction in advanced research and presentation skills on real-world topics, such as the ecological sustainability of refugee camps in Tunisia. What is truly to me the most unique part about Montessori education above all else is how much the children love to learn, as evidenced abovein the smiles as children play in the creek behind the school, or in their school play shown above.

Picture
If all of this sounds amazing, it's because it is. MCHD has worked extremely hard over the years to give children a world class education. I could tell just from my morning witnessing the children and teachers in action that they are deserving of their glowing reputation.
For up to date news and great articles on their blog, check out MCHD's facebook page.
Luckily for you, MCHD has several upcoming informational sessions and tours, starting in just a couple weeks. Simply RSVP at the number above. Information about the tour as well as additional dates are on the website. 
Private tours and observations are also available by appointment daily. So go and see what I experienced - a school unlike any other. 

Picture
So if you are looking to really offer your child a unique,
gentle, and empowering educational experience,
​you owe it to yourself to check out the one of a kind
​Montessori Children's House of Durham. Tell them SoDu sent you!

FTC required disclosure: The above post is a sponsored advertisement. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!

Nido is Neato!

6/3/2015

8 Comments

 
Picture
After childbirth, many women find their job situation has changed. They might feel the pull to stay home and leave their job entirely. They might change their position so they can work from home, which means juggling caring for their child with working, or hiring a nanny. Or they might go back to work, but miss their new little one. No matter what field a new mom is in, it's a difficult decision to make. 

This is where nido comes in. 

nido is the Triangle's first coworking space to offer childcare. It is built upon the idea that we have to go beyond work/life balance and aim for work/life integration. At nido, a variety of people can come together - freelancers, telecommuters, small business owners, or anyone that needs a place to work that isn't a workplace. They can gather in a modern but calming office environment while their children are in the same building, immersed in a nourishing Montessori-based daycare. It truly solves that problem so many of us, myself included, have to face. 

When I was a new mom in 2008, my hours were cut and I was asked to work part time from home. I would have loved to be in a space with other adults - working from home can feel so isolating, especially if you're new to the parenting thing. It would have been really reassuring to know my son was right down the hall getting amazing care, and that we could keep flexible hours as we needed. If this setup sounds as dreamy to you as it does to me, read on!


So what is coworking? At its core, coworking is a community that brings together a group of professionals that would otherwise be isolated in their home offices (or making do in makeshift places like coffee shops without printers and spotty wifi). Coworking creates opportunities for socializing, connecting, and collaborating in person with people you would otherwise never meet.
Coworking is the future, and here are some numbers from Fast Company to prove it:
  • 71% report a boost in creativity since joining a coworking space
  • 62% said their standard of work had improved in a coworking space
  • Almost 90% of coworkers report an increase in self-confidence
  • 70% of coworkers feel healthier than they did working in a traditional office
  • 64% of coworkers are better able to complete tasks on time
  • an impressive 50% of coworkers were happy to report an increase in income
  • 80% of coworkers expanded their business network and (in some ways just as essential) 92% said they'd increased their social circles (something hard to do if you're working from your dining room table)
The nido space serves parents that work remotely or run small businesses. Members include designers, teachers, software developers, photographers, writers, and other professionals. The bright new space at is both beautiful and functional with long tables and plenty of access to electric outlets, connection to fast wi-fi, and a wireless printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. There is also a craft room, conference room, break room, and telephone room. Did I mention that your membership also includes one free yoga class per week as well as multiple events? nido is conveniently located at 902 Broad St, near Whole Foods, Joe van Gogh, and many small Bull City businesses. It's easy to get to, close to everywhere, and hard to leave because it's so welcoming! nido is truly all the best parts of an office, but without a boss, timeclock, muzak, cubicles... need I go on? 
What about the kids? Here's where it gets amazing. The nido coworking space connects seamlessly to their Montessori childcare program.  nido has three classrooms: an Infant room, a Toddler I room, and a Toddler II/Preschool room. Their Montessori program is run by Jeannene Schnell, a professional educator with over 30 years experience working with toddlers and preschoolers. She has a real commitment to working with parents to customize the classroom to suit each child's needs. nido members participate in their child's education by occasionally serving as classroom assistants. Members can interact with their child when needed throughout the day, and nursing mothers can feed their children whenever they need to. It's a working mother's dream honestly!
Picture
Co-Founders Lis Tyroler and Tiffany Frye say it best:
"At nido, we want to simplify things for parents who are looking for a flexible lifestyle that allows them to have focused time to work while their children are also engaged in a developmentally appropriate environment. Our members value being involved with their child's education and want to be close to them during the day, but they also recognize that they need some space and quiet to do the other things in life that are important to them."
Picture
Tiffany tells her personal story of why coworking works for her and her family: "I went back to work in my home office when my daughter was 3 months old. For a while, this was fine - great, even! But things did not remain so ideal - as soon as Ada became mobile, the days became stressful. At any one time, I either felt like I was under-performing in my job or under-performing as a mother. When I looked for options for remote workers that needed childcare, I found that there were none. There were great coworking options in the Triangle, and great daycare options, but nothing that would let me have both under the same roof. So I sat out to create nido. After a year of exploring different ways to make this happen, nido started as a residential co-op in my house in the fall of 2014.  The response was so great that we decided to move forward on opening a non-residential location and building our team."  
Tiffany is not only the co-founder, but also a writer, editor, and will be teaching yoga at nido. She is a great example of how this space suits her many needs as a mom and a professional. 

How does it work? First, drop by, meet the co-founders and educators. See the amazing space. Let your kids explore. There may still be time for a trial day before the summer term starts - check to be sure. Then when you're ready to join, nido offers a variety of membership levels, from 5 half days per week to a drop-in option. nido is currently accepting new members to start for the summer term cohort. Summer term starts on June 15, so hurry up and enroll already! 
Picture
She's obviously not alone, because Durham is abuzz with news of nido!

"I am an original member of Nido -- back when we did all the childcare ourselves and met in the founder's house. 
My almost 2-year-old son has loved the Montessori experience he gets in the classroom and I have been amazed at how much I can accomplish in 4 uninterrupted hours. My son and I have both made wonderful new friends.  It has been perfect for us. For me, Nido has been a wonderful way to enrich my child's life while adding some much needed balance to my own."                        - current nido member

"I toured the new Broad Street location with my son, husband, and mother-in-law. My son had such a good time playing with the toys in the toddler room that I think he would have been happy to stay for hours. We were all very impressed with the way the classrooms and coworking space were laid out within the charming older home setting. Lis and Tiffany have clearly put their heart and soul into this new location. My mother-in-law approved!"                                       - Thoughts from the open house from guest Rachel 

Picture
Lis, a photographer, was a founding member of nido and her passion quickly became instrumental in the daily operations. When Tiffany decided to expand, she asked Lis to join as her partner. Lis has taken over managing the coworking elements of nido and loves being able to nurse and nap with her toddler. She finds it really rewarding to watch her child engage in the meaningful work that Montessori education facilitates while she finds fulfillment in her own work next door. Lis trained as a social worker, but found the demands incompatible with her idea of motherhood, since nothing like nido existed at the time. She feels passionately about using her social work experience to bring this unique model to parents in the triangle. 

So if you've wondered if coworking really is the wave of the future, 
or if at the very least it can save your sanity as a parent and make you work smarter, 
come meet nido now!

Updates at: https://www.facebook.com/nidodurhamcoop
Membership details and so much more at: http://www.nidodurham.com/

Picture
FTC required disclosure: In exchange for a blog post, I was paid by the advertising sponsor (aka pardner). Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner in their advertising. May seem silly but legally I gotta say em. Congrats for reading the fine print.
8 Comments

    About us

    SoDu Parents Posse was created in 2012 to build a community of families in Durham.

    Loading


    Picture
    Visit our sister site: Stir Crazy Moms' Guide to Durham! It's an invaluable community resource with links to reviews on everything from parks to restaurants!
    Picture
    Enter promo code SODUPARENTSPOSSE for a free domain registration (A $15 value)! And don't forget to say that soduparentsposse@gmail.com referred you!

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All
    1870 Farm
    3D Fiber Lashes
    Amy Arcos
    Amy Poehler
    Anna Carson Dewitt Photography
    App
    Art
    Ashley Rankin Collins
    Autism
    Baby Shower Cakes
    Bags
    Baker
    Bath
    Beauty
    Beer Flight
    Birds
    Birth
    Birth Announcements
    Birthday Parties
    Blood Drive
    Blue Dolphin Aquatics
    Body Butter
    Bonnie Hacker
    Book Club
    Bull City Art
    Bull City Studio
    Cake
    Cakes By Lala
    Carolina Friends School
    Carpe Diem Cleaning
    Carrie Richardson Fry
    Cary
    Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill Schools
    Charity
    Chinese
    Christmas Trees
    Claire Heymans
    Clay
    Cleaning
    Color
    Cosmetics
    Coworking
    Cr2f
    Crafty
    Cupcakes
    Custom Art
    Custom Crafts
    Cut
    David Cobb Murals
    Dessert
    Diana Cathart
    Dichroic Glass
    DIY
    Dog Trainer
    Do It Local
    Doula
    Durham Art
    Durhamkingpin
    Durham Schools
    Earrings
    Education
    Elizabeth Hodgson
    Elizabeth Johnson
    Elska
    Emerge
    Erin Clayton Burnette
    Essential Oils
    Etsy
    Fabric
    Fairy Hair Flare
    Feeding Disorder
    Fine Art
    Flip4Kids
    Food
    Foreign Language
    French
    Fundraising
    Gardening
    Giveaway
    Glass
    Graphic Design
    Greens
    Grow It Yourself
    Growth Charts
    Gustafer Yellowgold
    Haircut
    Hair Salon
    Hand Sewn
    Hillary Bruce
    Hodgson Educational Consulting
    Holistic Health Care
    Hollow Rock
    Homemade Happy
    Homeschool Classes
    Honey Hive Home
    Hot Stone
    I9 Sports
    Invitiations
    It Works!
    Jabali African Acrobats
    Jamberry
    Jams
    Jennifer Rollman
    Jewelry
    Kellie Bellie's
    Kellie Walter Furin
    Kickball
    KidBright USA
    Kidpower Workshops
    Kids Clothing
    Kids Farms
    Kindness Calendar
    Knit
    Kristen Snyder Thompson
    Kylee Sollien
    Labor
    Larissa Rimkevicius
    Lauren Soignet
    Leanna Carter
    Learning Disabilities
    Life Coach
    Lindsay Handrich
    Lisa Mangino
    Little Bee Birth Partner
    Live Performance
    Lopa Patel
    Love Like Twine
    Marcia Martin
    Marcia's Best Dogs
    Mascara
    Massage
    Massage Envy
    Massage Therapy
    Memorial Day
    Merge Records
    Mini Sessions
    Mom And Dad Are Fighting Podcast
    Montessori
    Murals
    Music
    Nails
    Newborn Portraits
    Nicolle Lynch Hawley
    Nido
    Nursery Decor
    Occupational Therapy
    Old Mill Farm
    Organizer
    Ornaments
    Outside The Mom Box
    Pediatric Physical Therapy
    Perfectly Posh
    Personalization
    Pet Help
    Photography
    Photos
    Piedmont Wildlife Center
    Pilates
    Pillows
    Plates
    Pop Art
    Portraits
    Posh
    Postpartum
    Postpartum Hemorrhaging
    Preschool
    PT
    PT For Children
    Rebozo
    ReCharge Pilates And Barre
    Reclaimed Wood
    Red Cross
    Reenie Sue
    Relaxation
    Ronald McDonald House
    Salon
    School
    Sculptures
    Sears Farm Road Park
    Shea Davis Prospero
    Shopping
    Skin Facials
    Slate
    SoDu Parents Posse Blood Drive
    Soothing Soles Reflexology
    Southpoint
    Spanish
    SPD
    Speech Therapy
    Sponsored Post
    Sports
    Stella & Dot
    Stir Crazy Moms' Guide To Durham
    Summer Camp
    Summer Camps
    Sun Star Farms
    Supplements
    Swim Lessons
    Swim Team
    Tennis Camp
    Tennis Clinic
    The ArtsCenter
    The Garden Salon
    The Produce Box
    Therapy
    The Scrap Exchange
    Thirty-one
    Tinkergarten
    Toddler Classes
    Valerie Glassman
    Veterans Day
    Volleyball
    Volunteer
    Waka
    Wall Art
    Watercolor
    Wedding Invites
    Wood
    Woodwork
    Wraps
    Young Living
    Younique

Proudly powered by Weebly