Dear Cathie—
I know you have been in the Montessori world for a long time. How did you find the Montessori Method and did your own children go to Montessori schools? If so, did it make a difference in their lives? — A SET OF INTERESTED PARENTS
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your interest in my Montessori journey. I was originally a public school teacher and worked in that system for six years, both in the United States and the military overseas school system for children of soldiers stationed abroad.
When I returned to the United States, married with my first child, there were no public school job openings, so I cast a wider net, looking for employment. Here I found my first position in a Montessori school. My first task at that school was to simply observe the class, and I saw, first hand, the calm, the focus, and the joy that the 3-6-year-old children were experiencing in their learning. From that time on, I was hooked! I had already found many of the pieces of the Montessori Method in my own public school teaching and had even incorporated several of them. But this was different; this was a whole method based on those qualities I had found. I was fascinated and wanted to know more and more. Fortunately, the teacher in that room and the staff of that school were happy to answer my questions and fuel my interest!
As I have always loved making the learning speed and style match each individual child, I found the Montessori Method to be a great fit for my teaching style. Teaching to the middle of a group of children always made me feel guilty for the other children at the top, who were bored, and the children who were not ready for what I was teaching, who were frustrated. In Montessori, we are fortunate to get to teach each child exactly what he is ready to learn. It just feels so right, and no child’s time and energy or morale are ever wasted! I love the consistency of the Method and the opportunity to refine my teaching skills within it. Even when we moved and I changed towns, states, and schools, there was a comfort in teaching the same Method with the same materials and getting the same amazing results! The wonder of the classroom and the accomplishments of the children has never ceased to amaze me! As I began to guide teachers in other schools and classrooms, I became even surer of the Method and its impact on children, teachers, and communities!
Our own children attended Montessori schools. As an active-duty military family, we moved frequently, so their Montessori experience spanned more than one school and teacher. They had the experience of self-directed, self-paced, hands-on learning and that translated into our home, and we tried to truly live the Montessori Method in our lives. Each of our children had many, varied interests when they were young, and we tried to fuel those as best we could. They each attended three years of Primary and my son had a year of Elementary. We believe these experiences have translated into their adult lives. Both of our children are in professions that allow them to be self-starters and pursue their passions in many aspects of their lives. I am confident that the seeds that were planted in Montessori influenced their view of the world as well as their character, the love of work, and their focus on seeing the best in others. ′
Tomorrow’s Child / Nov 2018 / Pg 34
