What is the role of the adult in the classroom? It is our job to link the child with the prepared environment. In order to do that I have to prepare myself as well. When I was in training I learned three ways to prepare myself. Preparing the environment for the children takes time and thought. If I want to give your children the best foundation in which to grow and develop I have to prepare myself physically, intellectually, and spiritually.
Physically, I have to try to take care of myself and be present and available. I get adequate rest and nutrition, and exercising helps me keep focused. As a parent exercising is something that has always come last for me. I’m learning how important it is to my health, mood, and my energy level. When I’m in my classroom I am mindful of my movements. I practice being more graceful. I slow my movements and model for the children. Modeling in the classroom is important because toddlers are absorbing their environment and I’m a part of that environment.
Intellectually, I have to imagine each child’s potential. It isn’t enough for me to know what your child is doing or if he’s excelling. I have to know his potential and prepare my class in order for him to succeed. I do this through AMI training, attending conferences, workshops, reading articles, research, and most of all, observation. For example, I might notice a child who likes to climb. I may put out the balance beam to challenge him or make sure he gets time to climb outside on the climber. Or, for a child who is learning to grip a spoon I will put manipulatives out on the shelf that will build the muscle control in his hand in order to achieve his goal. I have to give the child freedom of movement but give him limits as well. I never tell the child he can’t climb. I find another place for him to climb. I know the child needs help holding his spoon so I give him other ways to use those muscles throughout the day. If a child isn’t growing it is my job to figure out why, find the obstacles, and remove them. Something that it also important is to give myself the freedom to fail and learn from my mistakes. We all learn from our mistakes and we are better for it. Parents feel like they make too many mistakes or they give in too much to their children. Give yourself that freedom to say, “How could I handle that situation better without feeling guilty about it.”
Lastly, I have to prepare myself personally and spiritually. Some of you may know I’m not a morning person. But, when that bell rings I have to be emotionally present. My modeling begins the minute I open the door. So, how do I do that if I’m not a morning person? For me it’s a nice cup of tea before I leave the house or a song I put on in the car to motivate me. Sometimes I reflect on the day before. I ask myself what the children really enjoyed and what can I do better today. I find my focus. The teachers and assistants really create the emotional climate in the classroom. It is our job to normalize the classroom with a positive and accepting attitude.
As I think about all of this I find that parent’s questions about their children come to mind. I get asked a lot about what they can do at home. My questions for you as a parent are what kind of parenting style do you have? And, why did you pick a Montessori school for your child? How can we work together to give your child the best foundation to build his/her best self?
My next blog will be on parenting styles and how you can prepare yourself as a parent. In doing this exercise with me you may find ways that work for you as a parent and ways that don’t. My hope is that you will be enlightened and that we will have many interesting conversations about your child and the Montessori Philosophy. If you have any questions about Montessori, please browse our website.
Sincerely,
Kristy