Montessori education

Journey Back to the Classroom

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I spent the last ten years without the title: Montessori Teacher. Those that know me, know that it is rare to have an in depth conversation with me without the subject turning to Montessori Philosophy and the value it has had for me, not only when I was a teacher but in the way I desire to treat others.

My most recent job adventure was a sales position. I went to call on a couple of my friends who had started their own Montessori school. During the visit, I was perplexed by the comment regarding their disbelief that I was no longer teaching.

Then I asked myself, If it wasn’t about how much money you make, then what would I be doing?

Teaching.

Why?

Because I believe what Maria said,”Within the child lies the fate of future.”

About 12 years ago, a young first-grade student was writing in her daily journal and was obviously distressed and upset. She told me that she hated cancer. Cancer killed her dog and hurt other people in her family. I responded what do you want to do about it? This young person organized a school walk around the playground raising money fight cancer. Another student, in the same class, was upset that people didn’t have enough to eat and she organized a food drive for a local homeless shelter. I want to emphasize that they did it, these young people with their passion decided how to make difference. They were not shut down or even coddled, but guided at a young age to create change instead of standing idly by. With this beautiful philosophy, possibility stays open for these young people and they do not have to fall into status-quo because they experience ultimate freedom to choose and act.

I am now starting to see students I had over a decade ago evolve into young adults. Nothing gives me as much joy as watching as they blaze new paths, having had the background of Montessori education. They learn that they can try anything and that they can independently choose to make a difference in the world.

50 Years of Prior Work and Study

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“For ten years I experimented with the ideas and meditated upon the work of these remarkable men, whose heroic lives were passed in relative obscurity. My 10 years of study can thus be added to the 40 years of labor of each Itard and Seguin. 50 years of active preparation during a period of more than a century had, therefore, already transpired…. (P. 37, para. 1)

Thoughts after reading 2. The History of Methods

In order to understand the work of Seguin and Itard, Maria absorbed herself in their writings. She went as far as writing out 600 pages of one of Seguin’s books to internalize his meanings. The more she studied the deeper her passion became to continue the work of transforming schools through using scientific methods to reform education.

Maria also discusses the importance of the teacher’s demeanor. “It is necessary that we know how to awaken the man that lies asleep within the soul of a child. I felt this instinctively, and I believe that it was not the material but my voice which roused the children and encouraged them to use material to teach themselves.” (p. 26, para. 4) Montessori Teachers present lessons  designed to ignite their curiosity and sense of wonder. When I went through my Montessori training I feel as though I underwent a transformation, I developed my own love of learning, an enhanced respect for children and an understanding of the importance of education.

Montessori, M. (1972). On the application of science to the school. In The discovery of the child (pp. 19-40) New York: Ballantine.

Embracing the child inside

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“If physical, mental, and nervous diseases that afflict adults can be traced back to childhood, it is in the life of the child that we notice the first symptoms.” (p.184, para. 1)

My father told to me that as an adult I am the same person that  I was a child. Each day I try to acknowledge this pure part of myself that is free of judgment or expectations.

Life experiences are unavoidable and impact the child, creating obstacles in their natural development. In therapy, the counselor often helps the patient reconnect with their “inner child.” Maria reminds us that as children, many of our issues developed from experiences we endured. Ripples of consequences from events of our youth influence our adult mind today.

As a teacher and a parent we must strive to do our best to cause positive ripples in children’s’ lives. Embracing the child in myself, helps me relate to children because I am making an effort to see their perspective. Taking the time to relate to the plight of the child is worth the results. Showing understanding and partnering with them on their developmental journey is the best gift you can offer.

Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 183-184). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

 

Providing more than the necessities

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 26-28). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 5. The natural instincts

“(O)ver and above the delicate care that is lavished upon the physical welfare of a newborn child, attention should be paid to its psychic needs as well.” (p.29, para. 3)

This chapter reminds the reader, that animals in nature show great care in the protection and welfare of our animals.  Their motives are instinctive.   I have the same desire to care and protect for my children.  Yet there is another important aspect, beyond physical care, that is important: spiritual or psychic needs.  It can be easy to get attached to scheduled feedings and diaper changes, but  as parents we are meant to truly nurture our children, passing on our love and wisdom. Providing just the basics without “love” and can be harmful to a child.

I loved singing to my babies.  Each child I cradled in arms and sang endless lullabies.  I will never forget my daughter, only months old, cooing along with me with the sweetest voice.  I tell her today, when she was young I gave her singing lessons.

I even wrote a special lullaby for each of my daughters.  This was an expression of love that I gave to them. Even though they are approaching their teenage years, they still want me to sing them their song.  I believe that singing to them nurtured their spirit from a very young age and today it connects them to feelings of comfort and safety they felt as babies.