Petersham Montessori students learn about the Thanksgiving holiday

PETERSHAM – On Tuesday, Nov. 26, students gathered with head teacher Cheryl Calcari to discuss the Thanksgiving holiday, while teachers Pam Manjourea and Lynn Scott finished preparing platters that the students had started of sliced vegetables, cheese and fruit salad.

Parent and board member Krysten Harty came to assist with the feast. While the food was prepped, she set the table with plates, napkins and utensils.

Before the children left their cushions, they were asked to recognize which of their classmates were out sick and pray for them to get well soon so they could enjoy Thanksgiving with their families.

Once all the students had gathered at the table, another prayer of thanks was said, and everyone began to eat. Most children accepted a variety of foods on their plates and some attempted foods that they wouldn’t normally eat, like cucumbers and apples. A homemade ranch dressing provided for dipping made vegetables more fun and tastier for many children. The teachers opted for homemade ranch as an alternative.

The students ate their own homemade butter (made a previous day by shaking heavy cream in takeout containers) with rolls or allergen-free cornbread. A parent of a student with allergies provided the cornbread, and several children took many helpings, using tongs to serve themselves and develop their fine motor skills.

Before leaving for the day, the children gathered on the sensorial mat to listen to Manjourea read “The Night Before Thanksgiving” by Natasha Wing. Students left for home having practiced counting blessings, considering others and developing life skills.