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The Importance of Awe & Wonder in a Montessori Classroom

From the Head of School: The Importance of Awe & Wonder in a Montessori Classroom
Recently, I attended a workshop on the importance of self-care led by Carrie Grimes at a Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) conference. She spoke about intentionally seeking moments of joy—finding awe and wonder in everyday life. Simple moments such as savoring a cup of coffee, admiring flowers, or watching a sunrise or sunset can meaningfully reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bodies. 
 
As I listened, I felt deeply grateful that the foundation of Montessori education is built on cultivating awe and wonder in children. From the toddler level onward, students go on nature walks and pause to observe birds, flowers, mushrooms, and all the small miracles of the natural world. 
 
I vividly remember giving a lesson many years ago on the Fibonacci sequence in nature. Afterward, we went outside to search for flowers and leaves that reflected the sequence. It turned into a joyful afternoon as students explored and discovered the patterns on their own. That memory continues to inspire me and reminds me how grateful I am that my own children led me to the world of Montessori and WMS.
 
With gratitude and warm wishes for the holiday season—may all your days be filled with joy. ✨
 
Sunita Pailoor
Head of School
 
“Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.”
- Maria Montessori
 
Winter Break (no school for all students) is Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. 
  • Child care/camp is available on December 22 and 23 (registration is now closed).
  • WMS campuses will be closed from December 25, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
  • School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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