Learning Environment Fosters Independent Journeys

When I stepped into a Montessori classroom for the first time, I noticed the quiet and peaceful environment. I saw shelves well organized, filled with interesting materials that provided eye appeal and reflected so much attention and care. The children were scattered around, working alone or with a partner, completely focused and so engaged in their tasks. It seemed they were learning on their own.

The Montessori method is all about helping children reach their potential with self-confidence. Montessori teachers do not simply teach children to read, write and recite maps; they create environments with opportunities that foster independence, curiosity, thinking skills and joyful learning. Children are free to move around and choose activities that appeal to them. The teacher, or director, guides pupils and invites them to work on new lessons or suggests activities based on their interests and observations of the individual child.

A few years ago, Alex came to us “ready for kindergarten” as his father said with a big smile. “He can already sing his ABCs! — sort of.” Alex fit right in and showed great love for learning. By the end of that school year, he was not only singing that tune correctly, but he had mastered the letters of the alphabet and their sounds, and he was already striving to sound out words and compose sentences and short stories.

I can also recall Maddie, who transferred to us in her prekindergarten year, because she was so discouraged that she could not keep up with the sight words and written dictation that were expected of her in her previous preschool. She did not know any phonics to begin with, and once she was introduced to the Sandpaper Letters, she flourished, and her experiences turned into another successful story. 

Each child is unique and has his/her own interests, strengths and weaknesses. They learn at their own pace and will show readiness in their own time. In a multi-age classroom, children will partner with peers who are working at the same level; young children will be curious about the work in which the older ones are engaged, which in turn gives the older children the opportunity to reinforce their own learning, develop leadership skills, and serve as role models and tutors for the younger children.  

In a Montessori classroom, a child will develop the motivation to explore and the foundation for independent learning in an environment that is organized, respectful and effective. 

Montessori has been highly fulfilling and rewarding, and it has helped me build the knowledge and skills to facilitate a foundation of ‘life-long love of learning’ within my students.

Nadia Pryszlak received her bachelor of education from the Universidad del Norte in Columbia, and has been working for the Montessori Group for 19 years. She is Montessori certified and has her early childhood credential.

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