The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. — Maria Montessori Preparing a child for life is an immense responsibility, and one parents and dedicated educators do not take lightly. Throughout my tenure in education, I have witnessed the pendulum swing several times. Long…
Independence
“Let me do it!” is commonly heard among young children. It’s their plea for independence in their pursuit of discovery. This can be a daunting request for an adult: It goes against our instincts of taking care of our children. But just the opposite is true, if we provide opportunities for our children to try…
Aha! Moment
It was an ordinary day in the classroom, when suddenly “You’ve got it!” said a teacher to a grinning child. The boy’s expression was priceless: part surprise, part joy, and pure pride. These are cherished moments for teachers, fueling our passion and love for teaching. The road to Aha! Moments is not the same for…
The Art of Storytelling
The teachers and I adore being captive audiences for our children. Not a day goes by when a child doesn’t stop me and ask to share her/his experiences from the weekend, a trip, etc. I could happily pull up a chair and indulge in their enthusiasm all day. It is priceless to watch their expressions…
Community
Our school classrooms are bustling little communities of learners, not only sharing a common space but also developing a special bond. It warms my heart observing how naturally the children take responsibility for each other and are genuinely concerned about others’ welfare. “May I help?” is a regular question we hear each day. Community is…
Helping Children to Help Themselves
We are often tempted to step in and “help” our young children with daily tasks. However, each time we do that we are sending a message that we don’t feel they are capable and thus are limiting our children’s desire to learn new skills. We encourage perseverance and boost problem solving when we allow children…
Exploring the World – One Sense at a Time
Maria Montessori studied children in their environment. She observed that children with physical disabilities limiting one or more of their senses were able to sharpen their remaining senses in order to take in information. She took that knowledge and designed the Montessori classroom and its rich sensory experiences. She purposely intended for each Montessori material…
Keep the wonder alive
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at lease one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in. — Rachel Carson
Journey to Montessori
My Montessori journey is short, but what I have gained surpasses those few years. I was introduced to the Riverview Montessori School and the Montessori Method, in July of 2012. I was immediately drawn to the beautifully arranged classroom, with even more varied and beautiful materials. I was intrigued at children taking responsibility for their…
Our Experiences Make Us Who We Are
Every choice, event, experience and interaction we have shapes us into who we are and who we will become. Seventy five percent of our brain’s pathways are formed by age five. Thus, our earliest experiences are our most critical. If we experience encouragement, we gain confidence. If we are taught tolerance, we learn patience. If…
