Our new labyrinth: A path to peace and discovery

We are excited about the new addition to our outdoor learning environment, a beautiful, winding labyrinth. This offers our students a designated space for meditation, reflection, and quiet moments in their busy school day and fits well with our new MindUP curriculum. It's a natural extension of our Montessori philosophy, which values a child's need for purposeful work and a connection to the natural world.

Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has a single, non-deceptive path to the center and back out again. This makes it an ideal tool for children to practice mindfulness and self-regulation. By following the path with a calm body and an open mind, students can quiet their minds and reduce anxiety, strengthen their focus and concentration and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and peace.

The new labyrinth is already a beloved part of our campus. It was nice to watch many of the students walking the labyrinth as a part of our recent International Day of Peace celebration.  During their recess time, children can be seen walking the path deliberately, finding a quiet moment for themselves. It serves as an excellent resource for our peace corner, offering a valuable tool for children who need a moment to collect their thoughts. We are finding more ways to use it every day and hope you get a chance to stop in and take a walk with your child sometime. Thank you very much to the Daffodil Circle members for making this beautiful addition a possibility.

Steve Maas

Physical Education Specialist

Steve began his employment at The Children's House in the fall of 1992 in Suttons Bay as an assistant in Nadine's Primary classroom. The following school year he transferred to the Traverse City location, then being housed in the First Congregational Church at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. He worked with three to six year old students for several years until TCH began offering daily physical education in 2003.

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A Montessori Approach to Discipline