Reflection by Colleen Noll, Founder, Montessori School of Silicon Valley (MSOSV)
When families come to visit the school or are currently enrolled and see tiny glimpses of their child’s community, I often get questions such as “What’s that?”, “How does it work?”, “What is this for?”. I can’t help but chuckle because these questions remind me so much of the children when they enter their communities for the first time.
At all our MSOSV campuses, we offered a special Parent Education event called the Montessori Journey & Discovery Experience. This was an opportunity for the parents to be the child. To allow them to explore, feel, and absorb all around them. Led by each Montessori guide, we traveled through the prepared classroom and experienced the full essence of each area of the environment. A specially developed itinerary of observation supported with observation questions and note paper for parents to write down thoughts, feelings and ideas, engagement and conversation provides a complete and meaningful experience.
First, we start with silence. This is an observation of the materials, environment, and design of layout. Just like the children, parents were in awe of many things from the materials order and sequence methodically set up to furniture such as lowered shelves, tables, and chairs to allow accessibility. After absorbing all their surroundings, they are invited to explore with their hands.
We noticed the parents, just like their children, gravitated to different areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language and Cultural Studies. There was a combination of lessons presented by the guide and instructional cards to allow independence with using the materials. At the end, parents are instructed to reflect on what they have seen in each environment. It was interesting what they pulled from each environment. Dr. Montessori knew that learning happens through all the senses, so starting with the eye’s connection to the brain and then moving to be able to explore the material through touch, hearing, smell and sometimes tasting, immerses an individual to the layers of absorbent learning that set Montessori apart from other educational philosophies. Together, we took our time, we learned, and most importantly…we enjoyed.
Here are what some parents shared while reflecting from the experience:
“I wish I attended a Montessori when I was little! I remember playtime was not this organized and all the kids were given the same job.”
“The materials given are laid out very simple and with no distraction which I feel helps my child learn better.”
“The classroom is very calm and inviting. The jobs are neatly presented and provides an engaging atmosphere for the children.”
“It’s a very open space, with lots of stuff for me to open and interact with.”
“Child friendly, safe, colorful, dynamic, challenging in a good way for kids, warm and personalized.”
“Functional spaces, low, at children’s height chairs, tables, handwashing sink and counter, soft carpeted flooring for safe exploration, and lots of pillows.”
“The room was very quiet; I found the music to be very soothing.”