Following taking these pictures, I took a moment to reflect on this Montessori tradition of “Walking the Red Rods.” I couldn’t help but think of the countless Montessori students through the years that have shared the enjoyment of this activity by first assembling the rods in the correct order then walking the “path” between them from the outside to the inside and back. Secondly, as I looked at the younger students taking part in the activity, I was sure I had never given them a lesson on how to lay out the rods from longest to shortest on the rug. Through another unique aspect of a Montessori classroom, these younger children were taught how to do this activity from the older students in our school, right down to removing their shoes, embracing the Montessori philosophy how younger students learn from the older. And, yes, after snapping the photos, I, too, took off my shoes and joined our students in “Walking the Red Rods!”
Passing by the Toddler classroom, my attention was drawn to their group time. How was it possible for these active youngsters to be so still? The students were attentive and immersed in the lesson as Ms. Stacey used a flannel board along with a song to teach colors, problem solving and positional language. Hiding a felt pumpkin under various leaves, she then took turns asking a student to guess which leaf covered the pumpkin beneath. Using her quiet voice to establish a calm learning environment, Ms. Stacey's additional use of a visual teaching tool added tremendous interest for the children. All learning experiences should be this fun and engaging!
It is so amazing to watch the focus and concentration of even our youngest students when engaged in an activity. As each child can stay with and explore a work as long as wanted, he/she is able to fully experience each learning opportunity.
After watching our students wash their hands numerous times throughout the day, we felt convicted to make a conscious effort to keep our paper towels from eventually ending up in a landfill. Now MCLS uses washcloths to dry hands. Students fold the freshly washed cloths and take pride in cutting off loose strings, stacking by color and placing the cloths in the classroom ready to be used. Taking this skill from the classroom to home, a few parents commented how their children now offer to fold laundry at home.
I recently observed one of our students repeatedly using scotch tape to tape numerous pieces of paper together. Continuing she cut even more pieces of paper apart; only to tape them back together. I was quickly reminded of Marie Montessori's observation of the Sensitive Period in a child. She said, "A sensitive period is a length of time - ranging from days to weeks to months - when a child's brain is urging him to focus like a laser on learning a particular skill, mastering a developmental milestone, or immersing himself in an experience." Observing the child stay with the activity is a perfect example of why Montessori is so unique; it affords a child the opportunity to satisfy this calling. Also, I am grateful that in our school a child has this freedom.
The school has officially been open for two months! What an exciting time! Thanks to our families for coming alongside the staff for a wonderful beginning!
Enjoying the sweetness of Halloween Day with these “Little Cuties” for snack! The kiddos loved them!
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