“The mind takes some time to develop interest, to be set in motion, to get warmed up into a subject, to attain a state of profitable work. If at this time there is interruption, not only is a period of profitable work lost, but the interruption, produces an unpleasant sensation which is identical to fatigue.” -Dr. Maria Montessori

A Montessori classroom is a sacred space. Our focus as adults in that space is on what is best for the children and for that reason we treat them with utmost respect. We protect their right to focus and concentrate on their work without interruption from their peers, adults entering the classroom, and even from ourselves. Maria Montessori says, “To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will enable him to develop freely.” The children lead this environment and adults can sometimes distract from this. Each child in a Montessori classroom is working to become independent. To be successful with this independence, the children have to feel empowered to solve their own problems, have a consistent and predictable routine, and have the opportunity to work independently. Our Montessori classroom is a community where we take the growth in independence of each child seriously. We strive to provide a space where the children feel comfortable and confident that they can trust adults to respect their environment. This enables them to become independent and helps to shape them as they grow.

This week the children have been busy working on their research projects in preparation for Research Night next Thursday, February 6th. They are enjoying learning more about the topics they chose and they are looking forward to sharing all of their newly learned information with you! In addition to their research, they have been working hard on their independent and cooperative work. Ms. Beckett and I take turns sitting with the children and observing them as they work each day. By the end of the week we have sat with each and every child in the class. Doing this allows us to see when children are having difficulty with their work or when they are ready to move on to the next lesson. That is the beauty of individualization in a Montessori classroom. Each child gets to move at their own pace and receives the undivided attention of their teacher.