Eagle Scout project of time and outdoor chairs donated to Princeton Montessori School

PRINCETON, N.J. - Dec. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Princeton Montessori School now has its own outdoor Reading Nook for students to enjoy. Yasin Ahmed, Eagle Scout candidate, donated over 136 hours towards the installation of the beautiful Readers Nook and garden in the grounds of the school.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s quote, “The land is where our roots are.  The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth,” provided Yasin’s starting inspiration.  In keeping with this quote, Yasin planned a quiet and peaceful outdoor sanctuary consisting of a reading nook of four Adirondack chairs, two tables, and a small garden to attract butterflies.

Along with the help of his Boy Scout troop and some adult advisors, Yasin’s project of building the chairs and tables and installing the small garden took him over 136 hours of work from June to October at a cost of $650. He began by developing detailed work plans and cost estimates, and enlisting his helpers.  Several local businesses donated or discounted some of the materials he needed.  After many hours of preparation and planning, both on site and in the workshop, he was ready to begin the work.

Yasin utilized the EDGE method of instruction with his troop members: Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable. He began each part of the construction and planting with an explanation of the task. The next step was his demonstration of how he would like each task to be completed. Along the way he was able to guide his helpers with small corrections as needed, enabling them to complete the various tasks on their own.

Each day that the weather cooperates, students and teachers are using the chairs at recess or when there is a need for a small meeting. They have enjoyed learning about the history of Adirondack chairs, which Yasin provided to them. The history of these chairs dates back to 1903 when the first chairs were made in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, fashioned from eleven pieces cut from one piece of hemlock or basswood.

Between the beginning of Yasin’s project and the installation, Yasin graduated from Princeton Montessori School and began his freshman year at Peddie in Hightstown. His project will live on and will be enjoyed by countless Middle School students in the years to come.