Beautiful Sun Montessori School

"The great interest in writing came from ideas that children wanted to express. If they had had no ideas, they would not have written." Maria Montessori

I love it when the idea expressed is one of friendship.

Hiking at Arikok National Park this morning with our amazing group.

Handling the molted skin of a tarantula.

On Saturday we had the orientation session for the parents of the new children who will be joining us next year. One word that stood out to me strongly when we were brainstorming a list of the needs of children and the qualities of Montessori education to meet them was the word "Human". I recently watched the movie "The AI Doc" which educated me on the current state of artificial intelligence and the debate about how it will affect our world in the coming years. It was poignant yesterday to hear that word being mentioned as a need for young children- "a human education." What does that mean in this age of unavoidable screens, algorithms, social media influence, prevalent use of AI, and a technological revolution unfolding? Are the needs of the very young any different now that those tools are available everywhere and inescapable? While I don't have precise answers, it makes me think of the inherent qualities of being human. Qualities which are also perhaps the most beautiful- to feel and sense in an embodied way, to have conscious awareness, to be able to love, to have moral agency, individuality, and to experience a sense of wonder and mystery about life. Perhaps this is the direction in which education for the very young must proceed despite and along with the changing world.

I love the aspects of Montessori education that highlight the value and joy of service.

The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.

Albert Schweitzer

We had a parent observer today who left us this comment on her clipboard: "During my observation I could see confidence in the way each child entered the classroom and chose either independent work, team work, or to quietly wander around for a little. The freedom to "choose" especially at this age, honors each of the children and also shows so much respect to them. It gives them control over their own lives, which is so empowering for them and it's amazing to observe.

Watching the children interact with one another is my favorite part. It's so contrasting to traditional education which individualizes the experience, watching them converse, work together (even younger with older friends) gives a sense of community and team work which will benefit them all so much. Learning to communicate with all kinds of people.

I saw four boys helping a new friend open the olive package. They were all so eager to help and passed it on until one managed to open it. I saw this with multiple materials.

The entire classroom feels peaceful even with the entire class at work.

Children speaking doesn't seem to affect the other children's concentration who are focused on their work. It feel s like they are being prepared for the real world, in the most gentle way."