the future

marvelous way in which all is provided for no breath of wind goes lost, no beat of the butterfly’s wing is aimless and senseless. And with appreciation comes gratitude.”

The close relationship between living beings and their environment is observable and relevant for Upper students. Phenology offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learned during history, biology, and geography lessons. During outings around campus, students observe and record data on the effects nature’s cycles and conditions have upon the phenophases of organisms. Upper students participate in a nationwide collection and reporting of phenological data; researchers say it is important to study how changes in the timing of pollination, insect emergence, and animal migrations affect one another due to changes in climate. A deeper appreciation is formed as the sounds of nature, emerging or falling leaves, forms and colors of life are now made more apparent. With this new awareness of how the world functions, gratitude and respect washes over students and adults. Montessori shared, “All things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity. The idea helps the mind of the child to become focused, to stop wandering in an aimless quest for knowledge. He is satisfied having found the universal center of himself with all things.” Is it any wonder that no matter the age, one feels a sense of peace and connection when we spend time in nature?

Montessori claimed the Cosmic Task of adults is to be “Keepers of the Earth”. Upper is doing our best to prepare our students for the task ahead.