Even with MLK Montessori temporarily closed, our educators have been keeping busy! During their time away from the classroom, they have been participating in a wide variety of professional development activities, including reading about Dr. Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method; exploring ways to better implement Montessori practices in the classroom; and sharing their discoveries and ideas with one another during regular staff Zoom meetings.
Ms. Sheila, the lead teacher in room 103, joined MLK last summer. She has worked in early education for many years, but this is her first time teaching in a Montessori classroom. Ms. Sheila said that she has learned a lot about the Montessori Method over the course of the school year and during her recent professional development. For example, Dr. Montessori believed that children are capable of much more than we give them credit for. However, for children to excel and become more independent, they must first be given the freedom to make mistakes. “Parents are always floored when they learn their child is sewing at school. Or that they can pour their milk and that they push in their chair,” Sheila shared. “Sometimes it’s hard to relinquish control—to sit back and allow the students to make mistakes, but when you let them make a mess or get it wrong, they can grow and learn from the experience and eventually develop a greater understanding.” Talking about the Montessori Method with her co-workers has been very beneficial to Sheila, and she is eager to return to the classroom so that she can implement some of her new ideas.
Ms. Kristine, the lead teacher in room 101, has spent decades working in early education but is also new to MLK Montessori School and to the Montessori Method. Ms. Kristine told us that she has enjoyed learning about Dr. Maria Montessori and developing an understanding of the history behind her method. She said, “I learned the importance of the prepared environment, the reasons we use the materials we do, and how the teacher should not be the authority in the classroom but should work together with the children and the environment to form a community.” Like Ms. Sheila, Ms. Kristine is eager to put her new learning into practice. “I am planning to do more purposeful observations for each child. I want to pay attention to what each child chooses to work on and how they are using the work and noting what I can introduce to them next.”
Clearly, our educators are inspired! Indeed, the entire staff at MLK Montessori is looking forward to seeing the school’s wonderful students again so that they can continue to aid in their academic, social, and emotional growth!
