I was deeply touched by the graduation ceremony at Montessori Family School (MFS). The school honored those moving up from 3rd year, 6th year and the 8th year middle schoolers who are taking the significant step towards their high school journey. (they don't call them grades; 1, 2 & 3 or Lower Elementary are together; as are 4,5,6,- or Upper Elementary and then middle school is 7 & 8).
After a song by the lower students, each student who was moving up, or moving on, got to share their experience and feelings about being in the school. The lower's read something shorter and the older students had something more prepared.
This is where, at the end of our first year, that I really got what this school is about. Each student that spoke made mention of what they learned; of their friendships which meant so much to their lives and of their teachers who taught them and pushed them beyond what they might have thought impossible for them. When the older students spoke I was deeply touched at the repeated references to the self-confidence they gained. How they felt more capable. These students had to write these speeches on their own. No input from teachers. That is not Montessori style. And that was referenced multiple times as well; how independent the children felt they were; how capable they were. They shared how insecure they felt early on in their MFS years but now, they felt self-reliant, self-assured. Each child had a solid sense about them. A groundedness that could be felt as they talked about both the good and challenging times at MFS.
All of this struck me but what stood out was how the children's relationships (with peers and staff) played a significant role in helping them develop who they are destined to be. The children talked about kindness and support; they shared humor and tears; there were mutual hurdles and cheers when challenges were met. I saw before me a group of young people who would go forth into the world and be kind, supportive, playful and determined. Smart, creative, thoughtful young people who would become adults and walk this earth thinking more in terms of 'us' instead of 'me'.
I can't think of a better way to educate children. I can't think of any greater gift to give a child. And so my prayer for today is that all children somehow get to experience these things in their lives and that in our near future we all reap the benefits of a whole child education.
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| Lower students performing their song. |
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| Amara and her beloved teacher Bharti. |
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