“The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child's whole personality.” ~Maria Montessori
Dear Caedmon Community,
Our potential dental bills notwithstanding, it has been a joy to watch the Fifth grade throw themselves so wholeheartedly into the annual Fifth grade Bake Sale this week. What is important to understand, though, is that it is an important part of the Fifth Grade curriculum. Maria Montessori was very clear that the children must seek opportunities to take responsibility for their daily activities. Thus, the three- and four-year-olds set up and clean up for their snacks and lunch time, and the Fifth graders raise funds to offset the cost of their three-day overnight trip, which begins next Tuesday morning. This has always been an important (and fun) tradition, paused due to the pandemic. What sets this year apart is that, in addition, two Fifth grade students asked if Caedmon might ALSO collect funds for the war in Ukraine during the Bake Sale. As of Friday morning, over a thousand dollars had been collected for the trip, and over $400 as a donation to help the Ukraine effort.
The empowerment of young children, giving them self-agency and helping them to find their "voice," is a foundational benefit of a Montessori education. In the Beginner and Early Program classes, you see this happen when the teachers step back and allow the children to choose their works. They follow the lead of their students. They might gently redirect, if some variety will benefit the child's growth.
But the focus is that the children, themselves, take charge of their education.
The Montessori teaching approach takes three steps: introduce and entice the child's curiosity with an engaging demonstration, step back and let the child choose to set up, practice, and then put away the activity, leading to ultimately mastering the work and being curious to seek greater challenges. A teacher never "does" for their students; rather they encourage, guide, allow and celebrate mistakes and failure, and therefore secure independent, creative, problem-solving students, and eventually, adults.
It is such a gift to our children. I watch our Fifth grade students relish the chance to share their stories in interviews with ongoing school admissions directors (complete strangers). I hear story after story from these very fine middle schools in New York that it is the Caedmon students, new to their communities, who ask the probing questions and engage the teachers, unafraid to seek greater challenges or further illumination.
I like to remind the Kindergarten applicant families applying for September, 2022, that their children will graduate high school in June of 2035. What will our children need in June, 2035? Will "college" exist? (Will "high school" exist?) Given the way a smartphone has transformed our lives in only the past ten years, what will be required for the job market, college, and simply existing, thirteen years from now? My guess would be an ability to collaborate and problem solve, no fear of making mistakes, an innovative and flexible mind, a good sense of humor, and a nimble excitement for changing course. How fascinating that these are the bedrock of Maria Montessori's educational outcomes, in a philosophy formulated over a hundred years ago.
In the past two weeks, we've had the great good fortune to meet, at school and in-person, for an evening party with the parents of our youngest children, as well as to spend a Saturday brainstorming about the future of this dynamic school. We have one more parent get-together (with adult beverages available) next Monday evening. As we laugh, share stories, and connect, one thing is so clear. We are all, as parents and as educators, so lucky to be guided by this forward-thinking educational philosopher.
The weather is warmer and the sun is shining today. It certainly adds a spring to my step. Stop by on Saturday morning and shop on the final day of the Book Sale. Enjoy your weekend.
Matthew
