Jun 18 2009
Montessori Nurtures a Love of Learning
When I was three years old, my parents were trying to run their furniture store, and I had a new baby sister. I was already reading, so my parents wanted to find something productve for me to do for part of the day. A family friend recommended that my parents check out the local Montessori school. Dad says he walked in, and instantly knew that this was the program for me.
I entered the program in January, at the age of 3 1/2. I stayed as long as the program allowed, which back then was through 6th grade. I have fond memories of independent learning and self-exploration. I remember being strongly encouraged to pursue any of my dreams and desires (e.g. writing). I remember learning how to learn and how to learn independently.
Those skills have stayed with me to this very day. I still love to learn about almost anything, and have almost an insatiable desire to learn more and more. This is often reflected in the variety of articles that I write for my various websites. And I try to implement it in my classroom regularly.
The American Montessori Society has an excellent video about the love of learning that happens in a Montessori classroom. We often show it or recommend it to parents who are considering sending their children to our school.
If you have ever been curious about what goes on in the Montessori classroom for ages 3-6, check out this YouTube video:
