Community service is a vital part of the Upper Elementary cosmic education. The purpose of the cosmic curriculum is to prepare students to be life-long, contributing citizens. Learning to live and work together in a peaceful world, as well as helping others, is essential for developing confident, respectful citizens of the world community. In addition to the leadership and help given to others within the school, the upper elementary students have weekly trips to Emeritis at Arborwood, an assisted living and Alzheimer facility. The students interact with the residents, helping them with memory skills and having social interactions. The residents, in return, share their life stories and add a bit of knowledge to the younger students.
The children take many of our Montessori materials from Early Childhood and Lower Elementary with them to the facility. The children work with the various materials as they help the Alzheimer residents with memory skills. Music is also a great stimulator. When the children begin playing the piano, the reaction of the residents is joyful. One woman, who rarely speaks or responds, sat next to the piano with a rapt expression on her face and actually lifted her hand and began to tap the keys in order to make music. Another resident came dancing in from the hallway. One gentleman sat down and played a beautiful piece for our children. Ask your children about their experiences to hear some heartwarming stories.
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