Dr. Montessori’s Wise Words

by Yesika Wesley, Primary II Parent

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind”

When I look at the world today, it can be a bit disheartening. Because all I see and hear about are rumors of war, political confusion, death and dying and people being downright mean to one another. But with the same eyes I look on the faces of the beautiful children that I encounter on a daily basis, especially the face of my little blessing Jacob, and I am reassured that the human race is not without hope. The child helps us all to experience pure love and innocence in a way that has been a distant memory, a utopian idea even. But with every new birth we have the promise of a new day, a new idea, a new chance at having at least a little piece of heaven here on earth.

“Montessori is an education for independence preparing not just for school, but for life.”

Prior to my own son becoming a student of Montessori School of Huntsville, I never even knew all that the Montessori philosophy entailed. Knowing how Jacob was prior to starting school, to the young man he is developing into today, I see the aforementioned quote in the flesh. Every word of it is true. Jacob has learned to be independent in his studies, which is great, but I’m oftentimes stunned at his independence outside of the classroom. He went from a child that would only speak to adults and not to children too much, to now making friends of all ages. He relishes in being able to brush his own teeth, wash himself during bath time and helping out with various other household chores…Though I’m still waiting for the independence needed to clean his room…baby steps I suppose….baby steps.

“As soon as children find something that interests them they lose their instability and learn to concentrate.”

I’ve viewed this quote first hand with Jacob. Having the ability to watch a human being grow and develop from conception to the present has been very rewarding. Throughout Jacob’s 5 ½ years of life, I’ve seen him have a few different interests, but none like his recent interest in cars and transformers. Prior to this great interest, he wouldn’t have too much to say to adults, besides hello and other small talk. But now, with his great interest and knowledge of cars of all makes and models, he has a new boldness about him. He’s very stable now, because he has the confidence in the knowledge he has in something he’s very interested in. It’s amazing to see.

“Free the child’s potential and you transform him into the world.”

I always wanted to be the kind of mom that encouraged my child to be who they are meant to be and to find what it is they love, flourishing as they do. I’m thankful that Jacob is in a school environment that promotes the same type of lifestyle for every child that comes through Montessori School doors. My sweet baby Jacob is free, which in turn means the sky is the limit for him….Watch Out WORLD!!