Each year brings special moments in our Outdoor Community, but this spring offered an extraordinary opportunity for the children in the Yellowstone Primary Community. Through the windows of their classroom and during daily garden time, the children had front row seats to a breathtaking journey—the life cycle of a hummingbird family.
It all began with the discovery of a delicate nest, expertly woven and nestled in a protected corner of our outdoor community. From there, the children observed every step of nature’s beautiful process: the careful building of the nest, the laying of tiny eggs, the miraculous hatching, and finally, the tender care the mama hummingbird gave her two growing babies. Daily, we marveled at their growth, and soon, we celebrated their first flights into the world.
This marks the third season in a row that hummingbirds have returned to build their nest in our outdoor community. It has become a treasured tradition for our children to witness the miracle of life unfolding right before their eyes. The excitement was contagious—during garden time last week, we carefully took down the now-empty nest to allow the children a closer look. Holding the nest sparked awe and thoughtful conversations about nature’s care, precision, and beauty.
The spirit of community extended beyond just the Yellowstone Community. One of our primary children, full of enthusiasm, proudly carried the nest to the playground to share it with our Pre-Primary friends. Watching the children connect over this shared experience was a heartwarming reminder of the deep bonds formed through exploration and discovery.
Moments like these embody the heart of our Montessori environment: nurturing curiosity, observation, respect for life, and a profound connection to the world around us. We are so grateful for the chance to witness this natural wonder together—and we eagerly look forward to welcoming our feathered friends back next spring!