Q - what questions do you have?
U - what are you understanding with more clarity?
O - how do your observations in real life connect with this reading?
T - what treasures do you want to make sure you don't forget and
E - what are some "easy" applications for your very own classroom?
Q- How can we help parents get on board with Montessori ideals? Particularly in regards to fostering independence and providing aesthetic environments. I appreciate how she mentions that the classroom can be a respite from a home life that is lacking in these areas. Maria Montessori believed that children should do everything they are capable of, which would include laundry, cleaning, some cooking, etc.
In many schools it may come across to some, as demeaning and pointless to have children cleaning. And it is often illegal for food prepared by the children in the classroom to be eaten. How can we reconcile such issues?
U- Sometimes as a teacher it is easier in the moment to do something for a student rather than taking the time and energy to teach the child to do it themselves. When students take responsibility for activities such as distribution of snacks, preparation of art materials, classroom organization they learn independence and self reliance.
O- Children are more comfortable in, and naturally gravitate toward environments that speak to them, small chairs and desks, books they can reach, flowers to look at, etc.
T- Provide an organized and cheerful environment for the children I teach.
E- Bring in nature. Assign class jobs which rotate. Remember that a new coat of paint, or a nice couch cover can help with aesthetics while keeping costs down. Provide materials that work well. The materials do not have to be the most expensive and top of the line but they do have to work well.
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