living things

Julia and Montessori friends explored living things using plastic objects.

Living things need air, water and food, she said. Like animals. Like us. We are talking animals.

As we live and breathe, said Aiko, scribbling in her creative notebook. She read the fine print. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations. Education is a business. Parents paid. Managers/teachers managed.

Eat fear and stay dependent, said a parent spoon feeding their child past their bedrhyme. Here, she said, let me carry everything for you. 

The child said, how much does conditioning cost?

Now or in the long run, asked the parent.

During class on a balcony overlooking a plastic playground, security guards and kitchen women shucking peas, an administrative woman stood silent as a 7th grade girl cut her nails. Why, said Aiko. They didn't conform to school policy, said the woman. We must have standards. 

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail, said Julia.

Nelson, another five-year old genius said, yes and we need stories. Our brains are wired for stories.

Am I safe?

What is the sound of one hand clapping?

What happens next?

What's essential is invisable to the eye, said a boy on a planet with a flower.

Don't think. Look, said Julia.