Watching a mixed level classroom full of students all working diligently and quietly, each on a task they have chosen, never seems to stop amazing me. I have been to Bunche Montessori on numerous occasions as this was where my children attended pre-school and kindergarten. But this was a visit where I wasn’t working for the PTA, I wasn’t visiting my child for her VIP day, nor was I volunteering for a special Mother’s Day project. This was the first time in a long time where I actually observed children doing Montessori work – work that they chose, and that they enjoy doing. As I noticed when my first child, who is now 18 and off to college, attended Bunche, the children are happy to be at school and doing works that will make them independent, resourceful learners. My intent on visiting was to see the results of a summer’s worth of work to install air conditioning and lighting. While I must admit the gym looked brand new with only the addition of some paint and lights and the removal of a few eyes soars, and the halls gleamed with brightness, and new carpet gave the place a lift, my eyes drifted towards the students who gleam even brighter because they are loving learning.
My next stop was at Towles Intermediate School where Montessori continues in grades 1-6 and a transition to New Tech happens in grades 7-8. Once again I witnessed students in the 6-9 and 9-12 clusters working at their own pace, perfecting their skills in math and language arts by using manipulatives that enhanced the skills they were working on. But I also observed “passion.” What did that look like? “Passion” is seeing people light up when they talk about their school – both adults and children. Passion is the teacher not even noticing you’re stepping into his classroom because he is so focused on the children and his goals for the day. Passion is when a principal takes the time to talk one on one with children and say something positive about them. Passion is loving what you do and making it show. It definitely showed today at Towles.
My next stop was at Towles Intermediate School where Montessori continues in grades 1-6 and a transition to New Tech happens in grades 7-8. Once again I witnessed students in the 6-9 and 9-12 clusters working at their own pace, perfecting their skills in math and language arts by using manipulatives that enhanced the skills they were working on. But I also observed “passion.” What did that look like? “Passion” is seeing people light up when they talk about their school – both adults and children. Passion is the teacher not even noticing you’re stepping into his classroom because he is so focused on the children and his goals for the day. Passion is when a principal takes the time to talk one on one with children and say something positive about them. Passion is loving what you do and making it show. It definitely showed today at Towles.
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