Why I Chose Montessori

I would like to share with you a little bit about my journey into becoming a Montessori Directress. 

     The very first time I set foot in a Montessori classroom was for an observation I had to do for my psychology class.  I've never heard of Montessori schools then or even knew who Maria Montessori was.  The images I had of children were rowdy, full of energy, and that they don't listen.  I was proven wrong when a child opened the door and greeted me into the classroom.   

     As I sat on the observer's chair for the very first time, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  It was a community of little people.  The two adults were there to help but the children pretty much ran the classroom.  There was harmony, joy, and peace.  I was in awe and thought to myself, how could this be?  A few years later, I had the opportunity and a life-changing experience when I became an assistant at that same Montessori school.   

     I began to learn that what I've observed was normal and that state was achievable when the environment is designed with a purpose.  Of course, the two knowledgeable adults also held the key as they were the custodian of the perfectly set environment.  The guide was the one who connected the children to the materials which then taught the children what they needed to learn and discover.   

     Visitors who came to observe were very impressed especially on how the children were academically progressing yet, for me it was more on how the children are developing as a whole.  Yes, it is pretty impressive how well the children read, write and do math problems, however, what is far more amazing is that how these children reveal themselves and become individuals.   

     There are many things we, as adults, can not simply teach the children such as the sense of independence, empathy, of leadership.  The children must experience these in able for them to truly comprehend what they mean.  And for that, we can only explain and be the example.  For the rest, we need to let them take the wheel.      

     I know you may be thinking I am crazy for trusting a 3-year-old to learn these things by themselves but they do and that is why I chose Montessori.  I honestly believed that only in a Montessori environment the children can achieve and discover these things on their own without being forced by an adult.  I have worked at a traditional preschool once.  And why once?  It is because I can never go back into that system where the main way to discipline children is to yell.   

     On the other hand, I don't blame the teachers for having to yell because the environment is so loud that they do not have a choice but to yell to be heard.  There were so many things on the wall.  Everywhere you look, your eyes were stimulated it became overwhelming for me, as an adult, which made me wonder, how could that be affecting the children.  Furthermore, cleaning up was a terror.  I felt like a vacuum cleaner having to pick up things after the children.  It was awful.  At the end of the day, I was exhausted but most of all heartbroken as I knew those children deserved better than what they had.     

     I worked as an assistant for 5years.  My curiosity and wanting to fully understand the Montessori Theory is what lead me into taking the training and becoming a Montessori Directress.  I found peace working in a Montessori environment.  It is a challenging job but very rewarding.  I learn so much from the children as much as they learn from their environment.   

     What made you choose Montessori?  I am always interested to know how people come across Montessori.  Please feel free to share with me your experience as I would be more than happy to hear about them.

-Miss Vicki, Bumblebee Teacher