Tag Archives: collaboration

How do you do your best work?

01 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Montessori Education, Teachers

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I do my best work in collaboration with others. Yes, some tasks, like writing this blog post, are easier done when working alone in a quiet space. Others require undivided attention or concentration. But, I am happiest, energized and motivated to push my thinking and outcomes further and further when working with others.

I realized this several years ago when working on a teaching team. It was a great team. We had the opportunity to share ideas, reject some, modify others and try new things. That process provided great instructional opportunities for us, but more importantly it served students in the best possible ways. Yes, most classrooms are one teacher’s domain. Not so in Montessori classrooms. Some have a lead teacher and an assistant or two, and others are fortunate enough to have two lead teachers. Teachers working together are bound to have more or better ideas than a person working alone. Everyone needs a sounding board. In the best partnerships that is what happens. Ideas are molded and created in direct response to student needs.

I am quite sure I could not have remained in the field of education if it were not for those who have worked with me in various capacities. I have benefited from the wisdom, humor, honesty, thoughtfulness and imaginations of more people than I could count. How do you do your best work?

Teamwork

04 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in 21st century learning

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Everyone agrees that the rate of change in our world is faster than it has ever been. We notice it in every aspect of our lives. Schools may feel it more than other places. As things are rapidly shifting, one of the things we hear more about is the importance of “soft skills.” These are not quantifiable and typically not part of a school’s evaluation system. However, they are important when setting the stage for a student’s future.

One of those skills is teamwork. How effectively can a student work with one or more others to set a goal, do meaningful work and meet a deadline? We’ve all been in groups where some members participate more fully than others. We know the frustration in doing more than our fair share and we know the wonder when everything clicks and everyone is working together toward a shared goal. Continue reading →

Motivating Learners

13 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by in Learning, Montessori Education, Teachers, Wilmington Montessori School

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scienceisawesome
Many of us never “take a break” from learning. We continue to ask questions, wonder and play with ideas. For others, it can be more challenging to engage in learning. The questions that they ask might be more along the lines of, “How or when will I use this?” or “Why do I need to know this?” or “Will it be on the test?” All of these questions and the questions that every learner asks have to do with motivation. What motivates us to learn and what keeps us engaged in the learning process?

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Montessori Marathoners – Growing and Learning as a Team

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in community service, Montessori Education, Wilmington Montessori School

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marathon group

The 12th annual Delaware Marathon Running Festival was held in Wilmington this past weekend. On Saturday, many of our students kicked off the running festival by participating in the 1.2-mile GYMM (“Get Our Youth Moving Marathon”) Run/Walk. On Sunday, WMS had seven eight-person relay teams comprised of parents, staff, current students, alumni and other friends. By running a little more than 5K each, the teams of eight ran the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles!

Our runners came together to try for their best time, to run alongside children so they could participate, or just to be a part of the group. It was a glorious day. Cheering and encouragement were offered to everyone who ran by our tent. It didn’t matter who they were, how fast they ran, if they were running a leg of a relay, a half marathon or the entire race. What mattered is that they were working toward the goal of making it to the finish line.

It reminded me of what school should be like for each child, no matter who they are. The goal of education is to provide the parameters and lay out the course. There is more than one goal; there are multiple paths toward the goal and each child reaches it in his or her own way. What matters is the willingness to try, the effort given and the support offered along the way.

Visiting a WMS classroom reminds us of this. Children have the structure and predictability of the day laid out for them but each child is on his or her own path. The goal is learning and growing; the joy is in being a part of this team and in an environment that supports each of us as we embrace the discovery and wonder of the process.

jacobruns

Professional Development & Lifelong Learning

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by in Camp Montessori, Extended Day Programs, Learning, Montessori Education, Teachers, Wilmington Montessori School

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During the past week, several of our staff members attended workshops to extend their learning. Professional development is a closely held value at WMS. Our teachers, extended day and camp staff, and administrators all participate in professional development throughout the year. It is an opportunity for them to learn, wonder, connect and consider their practice in a different light.

Our primary goals are to do the best job we can at educating children to be citizens of the world, to develop a passion for learning and creating. Inspiring the adults in the community is key to these goals.  In the past few weeks, staff members have attended workshops about autism spectrum disorders, writing with kindergartners, marketing, communications and admissions at independent schools as well as the American Montessori Society annual conference in Philadelphia this March. Learning is not for children only. It is for each of us, no matter our role at WMS.

Though we have attended these workshops and have many more to come over the summer months, what really matters is that we are on a continual learning path. We meet regularly in cohorts within the school; we belong to associations and connect with people who are doing similar work. We share ideas and learn from others. Lifelong learning is a goal for everyone at WMS.

21st-Century Skills (Part 3)

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by in community service, making a difference, Montessori Education, Wilmington Montessori School

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This post is part of a series on 21st-century skills and how Wilmington Montessori School students are prepared in these areas, starting from an early age. View the introductory post.

Meerkat Theatre15Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, and initiative

Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation

This week, the 21st-century skills of self-direction, planning, leadership and teamwork were in the forefront of my mind as I attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Wilmington Montessori School alumnus Nathaniel Ruhl. This young man has accomplished what few others do in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. What makes it even more remarkable is that he is 15 years old; most young men who have this as a goal hope to accomplish it in their 18th year. Nathaniel worked hard to make this happen well before then.

As you may know, Nathaniel and his team worked to repair the Meerkat Theatre, the stage and seating in our woods, and to mark the trail leading to the stage. He proposed this project to us last winter and spent a great deal of time working behind the scenes to prepare for the workdays that ensued. Nathaniel moved from a “follower to a leader,” which is a stated goal of obtaining the rank of Eagle. He learned how to manage a team, collaborate with his mentors and leaders and make this project happen. Continue reading →