2017 Montessori Week
MONDAY - Every year, schools all over the world celebrate Montessori Education Week the last week in February. This is our opportunity to join with over 5,000 other Montessori schools and celebrate an educational approach that has stood the test of time.
This week Webster Montessori School will be sharing videos and articles about Montessori. A few minutes of your time each day will enhance your appreciation and understanding of this strong foundation you are providing your children. Actually, just a few minutes of your time each day will remind of you of how exciting it is that your children have the opportunity to experience a Montessori education. Please feel welcome to share with your friends, family, co-workers, etc.
Let us begin with a short video about who Maria Montessori was:
You can also learn more about her extraordinary life here:
http://www.montessori-namta.org/Maria-Montessori
"It is not true that I invented what is called the Montessori Method... I have studied the child; I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method." -- Maria Montessori
TUESDAY - On Tuesday of Montessori Week, we think about what a Montessori education is. This is a short video that summarizes the educational approach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzmvtVAuuyI
"We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." -- Maria Montessori
WEDNESDAY - It is a special year for Webster Montessori School. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary. The school began in 1967. Attached is an article written in the year 2000 by Felicia Chiella one of the school's founders about our school history.
“It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.” -- Maria Montessori
THURSDAY - Today we have another opportunity to learn more about Montessori education. We often tell parents the educational approach is developmental, but what does that really mean? The following article provides a nice summary of how children learn differently as they grow and how Montessori changes to meet their needs.
http://www.mariamontessori.com/2015/09/02/montessori-is-developmental/
"If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man's future. For what is the use of transmitting knowledge if the individual's total development lags behind?" -- Maria Montessori
FRIDAY - Thanks for following along this week as we have considered all things Montessori. From the life of Maria Montessori to the story of our school to what Montessori is all about.
I often reflect on the legacy of Montessori education. Children have experienced Montessori classrooms around the world for over 100 years and here in Webster, NY for 50 years. There has not been an ever changing "theory" about how to educate children.
Today's video briefly reviews why Montessori education has a legacy and a future.
I also encourage you to read this brief article which summarizes the topic so well.
And, this longer article for when you have time is excellent.
http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2015/aug/future-education-is-here-and-has-been-100-years
"If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks."
-- Maria Montessori
I invite you to continue to celebrate Montessori not only this week but throughout our own 50th celebration.
Thanks,
--JJ Griebel, Head of School