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by Altitude Digital

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The Gratitude Tree: Celebrating Two Years of Montessori Minds

As Montessori Minds celebrates its second anniversary, we wanted to create something that reflected who we are — a community built on connection, care, and shared growth. That vision took shape in The Gratitude Tree, a collaborative project designed by our children, families, and educators.

Why a Gratitude Tree?

Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful practices we could share with children. By pausing to notice what we’re thankful for, we nurture empathy, resilience, and joy. Our tree provides a space for everyone in our community to express thanks in their own way — with words, drawings, or even small photos.

Sustainability at the Heart

True to the Montessori spirit, the project was hands-on and environmentally conscious. The tree was built from reused cardboard boxes and recycled materials. Children cut, paint, and assembled the branches and leaves, transforming everyday items into something meaningful. It’s a reminder that sustainability is not a slogan, but a daily practice woven into the way we live and learn.

A Circle of Thanks

  • Children: expressing gratitude for friendships, lessons, and discoveries.
  • Parents and carers: sharing appreciation for educators, moments of growth, and values nurtured at home.
  • Educators and staff: reflecting on teamwork, growth, and the small daily victories that make Montessori Minds thrive.

Each message became a leaf, and together, they formed a tree that told the story of our shared journey.

Learning Through Making

This project also connected directly to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). The Gratitude Tree nurtures:

  • Identity: pride in contributing to a collective project.
  • Community: a sense of belonging and reciprocity.
  • Wellbeing: hope, reflection, and positivity.
  • Learning: problem-solving, creativity, and design skills.
  • Communication: the practice of expressing ideas and emotions.

An Invitation to the Stakeholders

Staff and families collected a gratitude tag at reception and write a message or add a photo with their child. Thanking the child safe practices, the environment of MM and above all, the staff.
Staff expressed their feelings and their experiences of the years they’ve been with Montessori Minds. Children put the cherry on the cake when they hung the drawings of the things they associate with this second home.

Reading the tree together creates a simple but powerful ritual — one that builds language, empathy, and connection.

Growing Together

The Gratitude Tree will remain on display throughout our anniversary month, serving as a living artwork and a symbol of unity. We invited every member of our community to contribute, reflect, and celebrate.

As Montessori Minds enters its third year, we remain deeply thankful — for our families, our children, and our team. Together, we’ve planted something meaningful, and we look forward to many more seasons of growth and learning.

 

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