This time of year brings me much joy and excitement as we prepare for the beginning of another school year. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with my readers some thoughts about a little change I'm planning for this year.
In the past, I have taken great lengths to prepare the Practical Life and Art shelves according to the seasons or upcoming holidays. I would typically change out the entire contents of the shelves over the course of a weekend every month or so. While this was always met with much enthusiasm by my students, I often wondered of an opposite approach - What would happen if I didn't change the shelves as often and how would it affect student learning if the changes are made in a more subtle manner?
Well, I've decided to mix things up this year, try something different, and attempt to answer those questions! I still plan to change out the materials, but I'm going to make a conscious effort to do so in small doses. This means that the first day of each month will no longer be the day that "Ms. Sasha puts out new works." Instead, I'll rotate and change materials on a case by case basis, taking more time in considering the interests and needs of the children. While I have always worked hard to provide meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities, I truly feel that this variation will bring a new level of 'authentic Montessori' to the classroom - a subject which I am currently analyzing in my graduate coursework.
And if you want me to be brutally honest, I'm a little bored of setting up "apples" every September!!!! It does make me a little uneasy to think that now I don't know what will be on the shelves in January for example, but I'm ready for the change. So, I am welcoming you to this new school year with a fresh perspective - I'm ready for the change and I hope you are too! :)
In the past, I have taken great lengths to prepare the Practical Life and Art shelves according to the seasons or upcoming holidays. I would typically change out the entire contents of the shelves over the course of a weekend every month or so. While this was always met with much enthusiasm by my students, I often wondered of an opposite approach - What would happen if I didn't change the shelves as often and how would it affect student learning if the changes are made in a more subtle manner?
Well, I've decided to mix things up this year, try something different, and attempt to answer those questions! I still plan to change out the materials, but I'm going to make a conscious effort to do so in small doses. This means that the first day of each month will no longer be the day that "Ms. Sasha puts out new works." Instead, I'll rotate and change materials on a case by case basis, taking more time in considering the interests and needs of the children. While I have always worked hard to provide meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities, I truly feel that this variation will bring a new level of 'authentic Montessori' to the classroom - a subject which I am currently analyzing in my graduate coursework.
And if you want me to be brutally honest, I'm a little bored of setting up "apples" every September!!!! It does make me a little uneasy to think that now I don't know what will be on the shelves in January for example, but I'm ready for the change. So, I am welcoming you to this new school year with a fresh perspective - I'm ready for the change and I hope you are too! :)
I agree, Sasha, changing the environment in response to the children rather than on a schedule will bring more authenticity to your practice. There is still room for seasonal awareness, but it does not need to be forced, or on a schedule. It may take some getting used to, but all changes do. Congratulations on making a change that makes you feel good about what you do!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andy for your input and support! I look forward to where this approach will lead us as a class.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Sasha
I loved seeing your Practical Life set up each month, however, I do agree with you... sometimes little, subtle changes make a bigger impact than we think they will. Even a new box for opening/closing, new sponges (yea, little changes, lol!)-- plus, I'm sure you'll feel less pressured at the end of each month to 'switch it up'! Our teachers go back tomorrow- today I dropped off all the 'goodies' I gathered over the summer.
ReplyDeleteHave a great year Sasha!
Yes, it is all about the little changes! I'm eager and curious to see how the kids respond to "less impact" in the changes...
DeleteThanks for sharing your thinking on this! I'm really looking forward to hearing how this approach works for you (and learning myself along the way!)
ReplyDeleteWhile we just started the school year, I already feel a sense of relief knowing that I don't have to change everything all at once. It is helpful knowing that I'll still have time to really observe the children using the materials and change them only when it is most helpful for their learning.
DeleteSasha,
ReplyDeleteHow did this approach work out in the end?