I have now earned my Montessori diploma from the North American Montessori Center for ages 6-9. I worked on it for 11 months and gained a deep understanding of the Montessori method, the ideas behind it and quite a bit around the “how”. I am always amazed at how little knowledge there actually is about this method, yet how strong some opinions are against it.
If I had to describe as a non-expert what the core of this approach is, I would say: a self-aware coach helps children to develop intellectually, academically, mentally and socially. He/she is helped by knowledge and experience, the Montessori materials and an infinite trust in human nature while also knowing about the weaknesses and ambivalence of the human. It is about the big picture of the universe down to the smallest single-celled organism. It is about the concrete experience to the abstract conclusion. It is about supporting children to be and become upright, self-confident, and independent humans, not bending them, manipulating them, limiting them and never leaving them alone despite everything, but offering thoughts, ideas and inspirations. For me, it’s about building a framework, what holds them, what gives them orientation, to have their own attitude, to be an anchor. It does not mean the absence of rules, but rules that come from the necessity of living together, respecting others and oneself, and knowing that everything is connected. It does not mean control; it means trust and the kindness to embrace the weaknesses of each.
When I follow discussions about schooling in general in the media, it is simply incomprehensible to me why we, as adult humans, allow ourselves not to invest in it. It is a bit like leaving my flowers in unsuitable soil and without water and then wondering why they have died – and then complaining that I now must live in such barren surroundings.
I was curious about the subject and am grateful that I was able to gain this knowledge. And if I didn’t already have it, I now have a deep respect for teachers, especially those in the Montessori classroom. Because for me, one of the most challenging requirements is to find a balance between freedom and rules, between self-determination and collaborative spirit, between individualism and being a team player in a classroom, embracing the humans and believing in the good, and on the other hand, making sure that all children with their strengths and weaknesses reach certain and externally set academic goals.
Maria Montessori was and is an inspiration, what we make of it is up to us and I wish us all success.
Just a thought…
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