Welcome to March!

What an interesting winter we have had here in Michigan!  The spring-like temperatures gave us a respite from our winter weather for much of February, and for the first time in many years, we were able to be on our playground for most of the season without snow.  This has been a bit disappointing for those of us who enjoy playing in the snow, and the children want to know when we will sled again… They also want to know when spring is coming, and with the bulbs coming up in our flower beds, it is hard for all of us to tell.

In February, all of the children had decorated valentine bags and were so excited to receive valentines from each other. How proud the older children were to be able to assist the younger ones with passing out their valentines.  Each older child had a younger child with them, the older making sure that the younger ones were placing only one card in each bag, and reading the names on the bags as they moved from area to area.   As I observed the partners walking around the room together, I noted the patience and care of the older child. Independently they expressed such sensitivity to the degree of help that their younger companion needed. 

True beauty of the Montessori environment: children helping each other.

This is one of the most wonderful aspects of the Montessori learning environment for the young child.  In thinking about the community life of our classroom, I realize how the leadership of the older child is such an important component in the development of our community due to the example they set for the younger children.  Maria Montessori writes that children “do not help one another as we do…They respect one another’s efforts, and give help only when necessary…They respect intuitively the essential need of childhood which is not to be helped unnecessarily.”

The older students know what the younger child needs because they have been there, and they teach through the example they provide.  I cannot help but feel proud for these children and what they are experiencing.  Over the course of their 3-year-cycle, they have developed a true sense of ownership toward their environment and a responsibility for their community. 

As we approach the time of year where decisions are made regarding a child’s placement in school, consider this important component of community life and what a role it plays for your own child.  The kindergartener – in his or her third, or maybe fourth year in the environment, – find that they are the true teachers in the community and take such pride in the knowledge that they can pass on to their peers.

Conference time is very quickly approaching and many of you have already signed up to meet with me about your child’s progress and work.  If you haven’t signed up, please do so at Ivolunteer, with a link on the school web site or the monthly school newsletter. It’s always such a pleasure to meet with all of you and spend some time sharing stories about what your child is doing in the classroom.  Conference days are March 13th and 14th.   School is closed that day to students.

As we look past the month of March, we are already starting to plan our biggest event of the year – International Night. Our community will be celebrating and portraying the continent of North America this year. As we get closer, any ideas you might have, any decorations or cultural items that we could borrow, or any time you have to help with preparations for the event will be greatly appreciated!!  International Night is Friday, May 19.

Peace,

Trish