Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Following The Child...
Well, as the school year ends and summer calls...
I am so excited about my Practicum in the Fall. I get to work with the same kids from this year. I really enjoy the teacher who I work with, she is so laid back and fun to watch. I can't wait to try out lessons with the kids. Im keeping my fingers crossed that there will be an opening at that school. I miss the daily routine of being a teacher and being around kids.
I am so excited about my Practicum in the Fall. I get to work with the same kids from this year. I really enjoy the teacher who I work with, she is so laid back and fun to watch. I can't wait to try out lessons with the kids. Im keeping my fingers crossed that there will be an opening at that school. I miss the daily routine of being a teacher and being around kids.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Spirit of The Child
What exactly is the spirit of a child?
According to MM its about the inner being of the child that gives them the instruction and power to be sometone great!
I can't wait to see how my mind and heart has opened up a year from now.
My Granny was right you never know where you will be in a year from now. It is so TRUE! Last year I was searching for jobs in Charleston and trying to sell my house.. Not a thought about quitting my current job and starting a new path of reeducation and rediscovering my true self.
I feel that I am finally listening to the calling within my soul to let my true self shine through and not worry about what others want me to be or do.
Before we can truely love and understand the child's spirit we have to understand/love our own spirit. Part of the Montessori training is to reflect upon one's true self and look into the mirror...find inner peace and love
Let go and trust nature...
According to MM its about the inner being of the child that gives them the instruction and power to be sometone great!
I can't wait to see how my mind and heart has opened up a year from now.
My Granny was right you never know where you will be in a year from now. It is so TRUE! Last year I was searching for jobs in Charleston and trying to sell my house.. Not a thought about quitting my current job and starting a new path of reeducation and rediscovering my true self.
I feel that I am finally listening to the calling within my soul to let my true self shine through and not worry about what others want me to be or do.
Before we can truely love and understand the child's spirit we have to understand/love our own spirit. Part of the Montessori training is to reflect upon one's true self and look into the mirror...find inner peace and love
Let go and trust nature...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Contemplation: Observing
The Joyful Observer:
"The first step to take...is to shed omnipotence and to become a joyous observer. If the teacher can really enter into the joy of seeing things, being born and growing under his own eyes, and clothe himself in the garment of humility, many delights are reserved for him that are denied to those who assume infallibility and authority in front of a class"---Dr. Maria Montessori To Educate the Human Potential
This quote is what I am working on now in my life long journey. Learning and practicing how to be a Joyful Observer. Observation is a major part of being a Montessori Guide. I am learning to just be in the moment and opening up my soul so that I will be able to connect to the child and see them for who they are and cherish what miracles are waiting that I would normally over look.
I wonder how long it took Dr. Montessori to become a "Joyful Observer"? I know it's not something that you wake up and do. It is a daily practice and you learn from experience.
I am seeing the difference in myself... with each day that comes I open up a little bit more and notice what is around me and enjoy it and the people around me. I spent too many years worried and concerned with things that were out of my hands or would never happen. I finally feel like I am becoming the person I am truely meant to become. It is like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and a new path has been cleared and I am ready to make that journey.
"The first step to take...is to shed omnipotence and to become a joyous observer. If the teacher can really enter into the joy of seeing things, being born and growing under his own eyes, and clothe himself in the garment of humility, many delights are reserved for him that are denied to those who assume infallibility and authority in front of a class"---Dr. Maria Montessori To Educate the Human Potential
This quote is what I am working on now in my life long journey. Learning and practicing how to be a Joyful Observer. Observation is a major part of being a Montessori Guide. I am learning to just be in the moment and opening up my soul so that I will be able to connect to the child and see them for who they are and cherish what miracles are waiting that I would normally over look.
I wonder how long it took Dr. Montessori to become a "Joyful Observer"? I know it's not something that you wake up and do. It is a daily practice and you learn from experience.
I am seeing the difference in myself... with each day that comes I open up a little bit more and notice what is around me and enjoy it and the people around me. I spent too many years worried and concerned with things that were out of my hands or would never happen. I finally feel like I am becoming the person I am truely meant to become. It is like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and a new path has been cleared and I am ready to make that journey.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Normalization ...
The topic of this week is Normalization... The state when a child/person enters into a being of total concentration.
Key points to remember:
1. Normalization is not a goal or an end point it is a process or a journey.
2. It occurs when a child or a person is "in the ZONE" when they are involved in an activity.
3. Children that are in this zone are; enthusiastic, calm, and respectful. The more success a child has with an activity the more empowered they will feel to try new activities!
***Normalization is the result of our work with children***
It is individual and varies from child to child
As teachers/guides in the classroom we have to work on being examples of Normalization/ work on concentration, calm, and respectful.
Note to self...this journey is life changing and with changes there are good and bad days. This weekend I worried about things out of my control and allowed it to take over me. Long story short had a good cry and now I have moved on!
Key points to remember:
1. Normalization is not a goal or an end point it is a process or a journey.
2. It occurs when a child or a person is "in the ZONE" when they are involved in an activity.
3. Children that are in this zone are; enthusiastic, calm, and respectful. The more success a child has with an activity the more empowered they will feel to try new activities!
***Normalization is the result of our work with children***
It is individual and varies from child to child
As teachers/guides in the classroom we have to work on being examples of Normalization/ work on concentration, calm, and respectful.
Note to self...this journey is life changing and with changes there are good and bad days. This weekend I worried about things out of my control and allowed it to take over me. Long story short had a good cry and now I have moved on!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
the journey has begun...
Yesterday I wrote a journal entry about how I find balance in my life and how it will help me be a better guide for my future students. I wrote a majority of the entry in my car while waiting for my tutoring time. It came to me...my life has become more peaceful and I am on the road to becoming who I am ment to be. What I love about this journey is that everyday is a chance to enjoy life and what I have. Everyday I learn something new and I want to encourage this same love for learning in my students.
I create balance in my life by stopping for a few minutes each day and just listen to nature; allow my self to absorb my environment and just be. While on this journey to enlightenment and a more peaceful/meaningful life I am getting to know myself again and see things and people from a different pair of eyes. It is amazing how much I have learned and how Montessori has given me the courage to make needed changes in my spirit and life. I feel like I have gotten my passion back for teaching and being with children! :)
I create balance in my life by stopping for a few minutes each day and just listen to nature; allow my self to absorb my environment and just be. While on this journey to enlightenment and a more peaceful/meaningful life I am getting to know myself again and see things and people from a different pair of eyes. It is amazing how much I have learned and how Montessori has given me the courage to make needed changes in my spirit and life. I feel like I have gotten my passion back for teaching and being with children! :)
Friday, March 18, 2011
The beginning
I started my Montessori journey on Feb 21, 2011. My interest in Maria Montessori started a few years ago when I was a traditional 4th grade teacher. I made this leap into a happier and healthier life on Nov. 9, 2010; when I handed in my resignation letter. It was a heart wrentching choice and for several months I felt guilty and like a failure. I actually went out of my way to avoid seeing people who I knew from work. In my heart I knew I made the right decision... and now I am embracing my choice and I am HAPP:Y! I have found a place where I can be myself and enjoy children and how they learn. Yesterday a neighbor who I haven't seen in months stopped me and asked if I was happy and I smiled and said yes I am. This blog is for me to chart my journey to becoming a full Montessorian. The teacher program is 18 months and ends in Aug of 2012. I am learning so much from this course and my classmates. It feels like I am coming home and it all makes sense. My long term goal is to open up my own Montessori Children's House in Dillon. I want to give something back to the children in my community.
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