You’ve heard that a Montessori education gives children a huge academic advantage and produces 80% of top professionals. What you may not know is one of the biggest advantages a Montessori education provides the child is an incredible socio-emotional foundation; the confidence, resiliency and grace to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Here are eight affirmations instilled in a Montessori education each and every day.
1. I am capable.
A child-led environment allows the child to move freely from shown material to shown material with guidance from the classroom assistants. The idea of freedom within thoughtfully placed limits, helps children build trust in their environment and confidence in their academics. Everything in a Montessori environment is appropriately sized and easily accessible, furthering this sense of independence. Even our youngest students (18 mos) thrive in this independent environment and often vocalize that they are “very capable” while they work on a task. This feeling transfers into greater academic agency and a sense of empowerment as the child continues on their academic journey.
2. I am worthy.
The Montessori classroom is a community; a mixed-age community working together in harmony. Older students act as leaders and mentors, inviting younger students to observe what they’re working on. This supportive community becomes an extension of the home and affirms to every child that they are worthy and they are welcome.
3. I am loved.
Montessori teaches compassion from an early age. In a Montessori environment, they learn to love and respect those around them, despite their differences. Children grow up knowing that they are loved and supported by their school community.
4. I have a choice.
Montessori trained teachers meet the child where they are. There is not one set lesson plan for the class as a whole, each day. Instead, our teachers spend a great deal of time observing each child so they know what that child needs from them that day and when the child is ready to move to the next lesson. In this environment, children have the freedom to choose what they’d like to work on, allowing them to follow what sparks their joy for learning. As they grow they know that they are always able to make choices freely and confidently.
5. I am brave.
The Montessori program extends beyond the classroom, providing children with experiences they may not have had otherwise. There’s an emphasis on connection with the outside community and the world at large. These new, real-world experiences can be daunting but the support a Montessori community provides at the classroom level, affirms to each child that they can do things that are uncomfortable. With each new experience this sense of “I can” grows and children move through life bravely.
6. I have great ideas.
Project work is a big part of the Montessori curriculum, encouraging students to flex their creativity and pursue their interests. Following what brings them joy and turning that into an extensive body of work, only enhances the pride they feel in presenting it. With every project along a child’s educational journey, they grow more confident, knowing that they truly have great ideas worth sharing.
7. I am resilient.
A Montessori classroom is child-led. At every level, children have the space to try, fail and try again. The support they receive from their community helps each child feel safe. They know that, no matter what, they are capable and surrounded by people who believe in them. The Montessori child achieves their goals not all because of academics but because they know that when faced with challenges, they will resiliently pull through.
8. I am making positive changes in the world.
Montessori students understand the importance of global citizenship and the responsibility we all have to leave our community and the world at large in a better way. Our students connect with the Earth through our year-round gardening program, spend time engaging with the elderly, fundraising for local charities, mentoring their younger peers, and much more. Every day in a Montessori program affirms that they are making positive changes in the world.
