When Chanel was a few months old, we went to visit schools in our area to get an idea of the varied education near us. At that point, I wasn't quite aware of the benefits and enriching life that a child could acquire with a Montessori education. Initially we thought a school which provides an emphasis on arts, music and science, with a small class group and within a short walking distance, would be the best choice.
Since then I have broadened my knowledge on Montessori philosophy, and we have applied it at home. Since then Chanel has blossomed in independence and natural learning.
Recently, I decided to go further afield and explore Montessori school options. I was amazed and thrilled to see, in real life, in a class room, like what I have tried to achieve modestly at home.
I would like to share my first impressions, and what I found on my first tour :
The school was situated in a city area, and it has facilities for children of 2- 12 years. I hadn't seen a Montessori school environment for the infant and toddler age group before, and loved it. I was amazed by the organisation and interactions of the children. The rooms were beautiful, and light, and everything was set up with natural materials and wooden shelves.
Each shelf had gorgeous materials that taught a purpose in each subject of life. These included shelves for Geography, Arts, maths, science, languages, and practical life, for care of self, care of others and care of environment. The children are the ones who choose what they want to learn. They learn at their own pace and they have the teachers one to one to guide and support them in their learning. Isn't that fantastic!
There was a snack area where children as young as two years served their food, poured their drink and sat together at a table independently. They socialised at their pace, and then cleared up by themselves to return to their activity of interest.
The maths area was set up with materials where children learned mathematical concepts in a concrete way.
In the tour, Chanel immersed herself into the environment right from the start. She was encouraged to follow her interests and passions. The other children in the class chose their work according to what they wanted to do.
I observed a 3 year old toddler engaged with letters in sand, and drawing a letter with her finger, while another child was absorbed with the science materials and pouring water. Another was reading and had a teacher answering questions on the new vocabulary in his book. Each lesson and interaction is tailored to the child.
Chanel was absorbed in the area of food first, observing and eating with other kids. Then she used the pouring materials, and went to the reading area, before we moved to the older classrooms.
The music room was a wonderful space, with a wall mirror, a piano and many musical instruments. Musicians come weekly to delight them with music and dance sessions. Chanel took her shoes off and began to dance.
I was happy to find out that the children in a Montessori classroom aren't called to an office by the director if they made a mistake, or were rewarded with smiley faces. Montessori method understands totally the development of children at each age stage, and respects the child. They are not bribed, or punished, and they are not spoken down to. They are treated with respect and are valued in every way. I absolutely love this.
I also loved the sense of community I felt. Older children are helpers and guide the Youngers. There is a mix of ages in each class so they learn from each other. I thought this is also special. Here children can watch and learn from experience and the older children get to develop patience, and teaching skills. Children work individually and in collaboration with each other.
In a Montessori school in the younger children's materials have a control of error so the child can determine for themselves if the work has been done correctly. There is no testing or marking. There is no competition within the classroom. I dream of a World like this.
The children have learning shelves to develop global thinking and to be global citizens. They are taught to promote peace. The teachers observe the child and present lessons when the child is ready.
Children also have a complete area where they can feed their guinea pigs and work in daily gardening projects. Wow!
We moved to the older classes and Chanel made friends instantly with children who were learning to write with the movable alphabet. There were baskets with beautiful objects of the world. A Mexican blanket, a Peruvian instrument, a set of flags of the world, a table of peace, of nature. What a delight it was to see all of this meaningful learning.
I loved the lights, art work and flowers on the tables made by the children. A peaceful and beautiful environment, rich in purposeful materials, harmony and with accessible child-sized furniture. This is what I want for my child.
The kitchen was immaculate, and the vegetarian menu was full of coloured vegetables, fruit and flowered scents. The chefs were particularly neat, smiley and friendly. There is a table for children's cookery sessions, which I think won my heart.
I did a second tour of the primary class of this school and this is situated at another part of the town where the facilities and the green area is more restricted. From year 8 they assess the children with a mix of exams and research to get used to the conventional curriculum. Still following Montessori principles.
Children also have an entire area to feed their guinea pigs and work daily in gardening projects.
I will be touring next a well known Montessori school in a greener and less urban area, where the curriculum seems to be 'pure' Montessori, meaning they would apply the principles fully in all senses. I am excited to find more goodness.
Montessori schooling made me think of us working together in a sense of community, with the teachers with the children, where principles and values are the core of a child's learning. Now my challenge is to find a great, high quality, genuine Montessori school environment. One that feel like home to us.
I will be sharing our next tour with you in one if my next posts!