The Montessori Message

The Montessori Message

Monthly Archives: April 2016

Time to Learn

28 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning, Montessori Education, Research, Wilmington Montessori School

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engaged learners, engagement, environment, learning, montessori, Montessori education, time, Wilmington Montessori, Wilmington Montessori School, work model

_DSC6351I just read this article, which shares the wisdom that students perform better when having math class in the morning. The premise is that although many high schools have later start times than they used to because we all know teens need more sleep, it may not be serving them well. The data shows that students who have math in the morning outperform those who have it in the afternoon. The question this article really raises is, “What is the optimal time for learning?” That is an entirely different question.

Our education system is devised to suit a “work” model; children are at school when their parents are at work. If you think about yourself and the people you know, my suspicion is that some of them are “morning people” and others night owls. It’s a way that we categorize ourselves. I, myself, am a morning person. If I want to be sure to have the energy to complete a challenging or demanding task, I do it right away. This applies to everything from exercising to doing chores I don’t enjoy, such as grocery shopping. I can manage later in the day; I’m just not as energetic or fresh. When my son was in high school, he was once scheduled for an afternoon math class. I was appalled. I decided I was going to call the school and request a change in his schedule. He told me, in the way our children do, that he would be quite unhappy if I made that call. “I don’t wake up until noon. It will be better for me to have that class in the afternoon.” This was a learning opportunity for me…a chance to learn what I thought I knew. We are not all ready to learn at the same time in the same ways.

As I read about the difference in test scores, I was reminded once again that the time to learn cannot be determined by us. Teachers, schools or parents can’t decide when children learn. What we can do is provide an enticing, inviting, safe and creative environment that promotes a sense of wonder and engagement. We can offer experiences that engage children in things familiar and new. We can ask them what they want to learn, listen and create lessons that allow them to do just that…learn. They will learn when they are ready to learn. And when they are ready it won’t matter what time it is because for them it will simply be the time to learn.

Are you flexible?

21 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Learning

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21st-century, 21st-century skills, adaptability, flexibility

slinkyLately (and honestly most of my life) I’ve had occasion to consider flexibility… and not that of a gymnast or Cirque du Soleil performer. What I have observed and learned over and over again is that those who are the most flexible and adaptable win. Winning isn’t something high on the list of most Montessorians, so why does winning in this instance matter? In schools, in jobs, in families, in friendships, in most everything a person’s ability to adapt and flex pave the way for a more joyful and productive existence; that’s winning. We know this lesson well from examples in the plant and animal kingdom; those that adapt survive and thrive.

It’s no coincidence that two of the life and career skills listed in the “Framework for the 21st Century” are flexibility and adaptability. Things don’t always go our way. It’s a life lesson. Flexing and adapting to the given circumstances allow room for a positive outcome when it may not seem possible. Children have opportunities to learn this over and over again. It’s our job as adults to help them. Things may not work out as they envision. They may be disappointed. Shifting their perspective, adjusting their expectations, adapting to the new situation and being flexible enough to embrace the shift will lead to feeling of success and, yes, maybe even winning.

Help

14 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Wilmington Montessori School

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environment, help, independence, staff, unexpected, Wilmington Montessori, Wilmington Montessori School

 

DSC_1946comb_cropThis week I was reminded over and over again how much we rely on others. Most of us consider ourselves to be independent people who can take care of ourselves. As our youngest children are overheard saying, “I can do it myself.” Adults work toward that goal as well. Sometimes though, we need some help.

Over the past week, WMS had lots of “unexpected”things occur. The state’s licensing people showed up unannounced to do their yearly inspection – which, in itself isn’t surprising, but the fact that it happened at the same time we had an open house tour, a photographer capturing pictures of students and a child having a bit of a meltdown in the hall was unexpected. Help arrived for each of these situations, and no one had to be asked to help – they just did. The next day I overheard two staff members trying to figure out something on the computer. One helped the other and patiently led her through the steps needed to complete a task and when they moved on to another task the roles reversed. A parent told me of a child helping another child, easing his worries and patiently helping him through a tough situation, lending her empathy and understanding in a time of need. A teacher is working to figure out how to assist a child who needs a bit more understanding and support. Help is on the way.

All of these things are “unexpected” yet part of our daily routine at WMS. We may each begin our day with a plan, only to have it quickly shifted because someone or some situation needed our help. The beauty of this is that we give this help without explanation or justification. We are working together to provide the best learning environment for children. In order to do that, we are compelled to care for one another in the process. Creating a safe and caring environment for children and adults allows us to be willing to take the risks associated with learning new things and daring to make mistakes.

At WMS we know that just as the unexpected is part of the daily routine so is the safety net that allows us to ask for the help we need to learn and to grow.

Do you know how to have fun?

07 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Lisa Lalama in Uncategorized

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easter egg hunt, family, fun, play, spring, tradition

Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.

–  Stuart Brown, MD

easter-egg-hunt

 

Last week, my family celebrated Easter. Although my children are now “grown ups,” it is a holiday we look forward to with great anticipation each year.

Years ago, we began the tradition of having an egg hunt with friends, and we continue that tradition to this very day. Now, however, there is no one under 25 in the hunt, and some of the participants are well into their 30s! Some friends come just for the hunt and egg dyeing. They gather around the kitchen table, create beautifully dyed eggs, and vote on who created the best egg this year. Then it’s outside for the hunt! The hunt ends when they get tired (20-somethings wear out fairly quickly) and someone finds the GOLDEN EGG. Continue reading →

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