The Montessori Method is fundamentally about instilling a “ process” for doing everything. Process precedes content.
If a student is given the proper lesson up front on how a job can be done, they will be able to duplicate the steps and experience the satisfaction of using the materials effectively.
As Montessori students receive lesson after lesson where the emphasis is on process, they begin to feel the underlying message of “when work is done in this order, in this manner, the greatest experience can be drawn from the materials and the lesson at hand.”
Concentration is a natural byproduct of using a learning format in an intentional and repetitive way.
Not only is a technique learned and a greater sense of independence is felt by the student, but an overall sense of peace and well being flows from a mind fully engrossed in their work at hand.
It takes a steady awareness on the part of the teacher (and the parent at home) to keep the course and gently, but firmly redirect the child back to the process and not be swayed by their natural enthusiasm to get to the end results, without doing the vital steps in between.
Once the process is secured in the mind of the student, then the variations or extensions of the work can be introduced.
At that point, the student has a “place” in their mind where to store the new information.
Then when the need arises to recall the steps or retrieve a more abstract fact, the student has a well trodden pathway in their memory upon which to draw upon.
Mastery of process then makes mental storage of facts easier and allows the student to participate more fully in the lessons they are learning.
An engaged student is one who is building upon their abilities to function effectively in the classroom, absorb more and more abstract information and then to eventually be able to synthesize and analyze the data learned.
TAIKO DRUMS
Last week, the multi-purpose room was filled with the rich timbre of large, Japanese drums as the primary classes enjoyed the musical journey of the performers who came to our school today.
Taking up most of the stage, the Taiko drums sent out rhythm and sounds that sounded ancient, and powerful. Like the physical heart, the drum has a rhythm that speaks directly to the ears and to the skin.
It was easy to move with the “voice” of the drum. “Archaeological evidence shows that Taiko drums were used in Japan as early as the 6th century BC and were likely used for communication, festivals, and other rituals.”
International Children’s Day was a huge success thanks to all of your contributions; including your time and the many supplies donated for the activities in our classroom. Thanks for making it easy to do!
Thank you to all the parents who hiked with us at Red Rock Canyon; helping all of us to create a meaningful and safe field trip for our Kindergarten students
REMINDERS:
Thursday, 11/20 is picture re-take day.
Friday, 11/21 is the annual PTO Holiday Bazaar. Don’t miss seeing the wonderful crafts!!
Wednesday, 11/26 is half day with dismissal at 11:15. No School on 11/27 and 11/28. Happy Thanksgiving; we all have so much to be grateful for!
A big thanks to Clare and Addison B. (and their families) for providing delicious snacks and beautiful flowers.
