The Montessori Message

The Montessori Message

Monthly Archives: November 2014

“They care.”

29 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Teachers, Wilmington Montessori School

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alumni, connections, foundation, lifelong learning, Wilmington Montessori School

WMS alumna Laurel Brown with Head of School Lisa Lalama in London.

Earlier this month, I enjoyed coffee with WMS alum Laurel Brown in London, where she is studying abroad this semester.

During the past few weeks I have met with several Wilmington Montessori School alumni for a variety of reasons. They are a diverse group in every way possible; their personalities, interests and goals vary, as do their ages. Some graduated as long as 10 years ago, and others in the past year. Yet, in spite of their many differences, they are united by their early childhood and elementary school experiences at WMS. In each case I have been struck by their fond memories and kind words about WMS. It also amazes me that even those who have been away from the school for years remain friends with many of their classmates, stay in touch with teachers and staff, and want to know about WMS and what is happening here.

Each day our staff comes to work, just as most people do, but they do so much more. The teachers—lead, assistant and extended day—think about the children they see each day and what will engage them and create interest, curiosity and wonder. They greet the children with smiles on their faces and form deep relationships with them and their families. They care. The same can be said for all of our staff—whether in the business office, the maintenance department or other administrative roles, they care. They want to be part of this community and do all they can to learn about everyone in the school, whatever their role. They are thrilled when a student says hello to them or learns their name.

Studies have shown that a positive relationship with a teacher can further learning in students. What I know is that each of these alumni remembers the feeling of being a student at WMS, the connection to the school, students and teachers. They loved being here and want to reconnect when they can. What I hope for each of them is that their time at WMS laid the foundation for a love of learning and a curiosity that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Curiosity – Beyond the Facts

13 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Montessori Education

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Montessori education

curiosity - blogCuriosity is a foundation to learning. If humans did not exhibit curiosity, questions would not be asked, societies would not evolve, and learning would not take place.

There is current research demonstrating that when we exhibit curiosity our brain’s chemistry changes, which facilitates learning and helps us retain information. This study confirms what Maria Montessori knew; a child’s curiosity and mind must be engaged in the process of learning. A mere delivery of facts does not ignite a passion for learning. It must be much more.

Questions must be asked to provoke thought and encourage children to ask more questions and dig more deeply into the wonders of their world. These are the reasons that our cultural curriculum of geography, social studies and science are based on questions. How does the world work? Why do time and place matter?

As these questions are asked, as the curiosity of the children is ignited, their brains are making connections to previously learned ideas and deeper learning is happening. The more we learn about the ways that our brain functions, the more it helps us to work with children.

Keeping Curiosity Alive – “Why?”

06 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Wilmington Montessori School

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curiosity, education, Fabien Cousteau, teachers, TED Talks, video, why, Wilmington Montessori

We are all born with questions. Babies make sense of their world initially through sound and tracking objects with their eyes. Quickly they reach and explore their world with their hands and their mouths. As children grow, they begin to ask questions, and anyone who spends even a little time with a 2-year-old has heard that ever-present question, “Why?” Children are wired for curiosity.

In schools, curiosity can be moved to the side for “learning.” Schools are charged with many things. The push to learn all of the academic subjects and be the very best at each of them can displace the curious nature of children. The focus on skills that are on the “test” can get in the way of questions that do not yet have answers. This TED talk by Fabien Cousteau begins with his reflection on his sense of curiosity, which he describes as “…our connection with the world, with the universe. It’s about seeing what’s around that next coral head or what’s around that next tree, and learning more not only about our environment but about ourselves.”

Cousteau talks about his years in school, his propensity to stare out the window and let his mind wander; he didn’t pay attention. One of the toughest things in a classroom is a student who does just what Cousteau describes. One of the most wonderful things is that same student. Children teach us each day to do our best and to try harder. They help us to ask questions, be curious and find solutions to problems we have not thought of previously. They make us all better as a result. All of us will learn and continue to learn if we are given the freedom to explore our curiosities and to wonder. At Wilmington Montessori School, our goal is to keep that curiosity alive and to never stop asking, “Why?”

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