My first experience with Montessori education was observing a group of young children gathering in a circle as a flute called them to begin their day… peacefully. Each day begins peacefully. The morning begins with song and silence. The circle celebrates life, birthdays, and accomplishments and provides a time for reflection of the world that surrounds all the children.

I am impressed with the approach to educate my “whole” child including values, friendships, responsibility, individuality, and, of course, academics.

Jefferson was introduced to the Montessori System at the age of 3.  I saw a much different approach to education.  This approach has been very successful for Jefferson.

What I observed from the Montessori system is that the child utilizes his personal interest to explore the world and the world of knowledge.  Montessori allows the child to develop at his pace, without holding back those who excel in any given area, or leaving behind those that grasp the concepts more slowly.  Montessori teaches the child to be responsible for his own work, success and actions — teaching the children respect and appreciation for their own abilities as well as those of others (even if they are different from themselves.)

My son truly benefited from the nurturing and self-directed Montessori environment. My children have developed a true sense of themselves and where they fit in the world, along with an enthusiasm for learning and appreciation and exposure to the world of art and music.  Most importantly the Montessori education is instilling the values of their place in society, tolerance and acceptance – in a world and time where these abilities are critical.

“Given soil, water and sun, a plant does not need to be told how to grow.”  I believe the Montessori classroom has provided my children with rich soil in the form of nurturing, well-trained teachers, plentiful water in the form of a well-rounded curriculum and learning materials, and abundant light in the form of spiritual teachings from a variety of faiths and cultures as well as respect for the web of life.  It is a joy to watch them grow and reach their own full potential.

In my view, two of the most meaningful aspects of a Montessori Education are its individualized developmental appropriateness and its global perspective.

A Montessori Education is a genuinely developmentally appropriate education.  It meets my child’s particular needs, not just the needs of the hypothetical average child.  My daughter was interested in numbers, counting, letters, and sounds at an early age

What does Montessori mean to me?  It is the priceless gift I have been able to give to my son of a love of learning and the ability to tackle it in his own way at his own pace.

What does Montessori mean to Lucas?  A solid foundation upon which to build his future, and, after that, the world!

The Montessori approach allows my children to learn at their own pace and in an environment where learning is fun.  Fortunately, unlike my education, my children look forward to going to school and learning new lessons.  They proceed at their own pace and they never feel bored because they know something and someone else needs to “catch up.”  Likewise, they never feel “left behind” when they encounter a lesson that is difficult for them to complete.  In essence, Montessori education allows my children the freedom of growing at their own pace, in an environment that encourages personal freedom.