Opening a new Montessori class requires a lot of energy--serious physical and emotional labor. Most of the first graders in my class attended one of the school's Montessori Children's House (ages 3-6) classes last year. With the exception of one second grader who was in my class at my previous school, my second and third graders were not in Montessori classes last year. Without older children to model expected routines and behavior norms in the classroom, I have been working non-stop, every moment of the day, trying to get all of the young people in our classroom nestled into new routines and unfamiliar work. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I found myself without an assistant for most of this first week. My lunch sat warming in the cabinet every day, waiting until after school to be eaten.
Given these challenging circumstances, I take it as a very promising sign that we have had moments of grace.
Older children successfully interviewed and introduced to the class younger children.
The children have brainstormed and developed a class agreement (class rules) and peaceful problem solving strategies. Everyone has selected a class job, and some have begun to do their jobs without being reminded. I managed to present the Universe Story (the first "Great Lesson") on Thursday, even without my lovely assistant of many years (much gratitude to two fourth graders donated to the cause by one of our 9-12 teachers).
Third graders are gracefully and confidently stepping into leadership roles and helping first graders with their work.
On more than one occasion, I have looked around to find everyone engaged in productive independent work--a Montessori miracle! And I got a note from a kind parent who took the time to tell me that her daughter is loving school. For me, there is no better indicator of success than preserving a child's natural love of learning (especially given that we spent a good portion of the fourth and fifth days of school administering district-issued tests!).
Starting from scratch is challenging work, but there is hope that we will find our Montessori groove. I must keep reminding myself that this is only the beginning.
--Catherine McTamaney, The Tao of Montessori
What We're Reading
Wemberly Worried by Kevin HenkesThe Fabulous Flying Fandinis by Ingrid Slyder
Our Peaceful Classroom by Aline Wolf
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Moosekitos: A Moose Family Reunion by Margie Palatini
School-wide Read-aloud: Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
