The Riverbend School Blog

Montessori breeds independence. Every day.

Working independently, silently and smiling. It is such a joy (moreover, a privilege) for one to walk into a Montessori classroom and look around at the independence at every work mat, lesson, or even snack table.

Bringing Fall into the classroom, our student above is cleaning out a pumpkin. Seems like a normal task, but for her, many things are happening. She is discovering independence through science. As she works, she feels the pumpkin seeds, the mush of fibrous strands, and the feeling of accomplishment when the cavity becomes bare. She is learning. "Why are the seeds slippery? Why is there a stem? Can we grow one of these things? I finished this all by myself!" 

We who work at Montessori schools are constantly honored to watch our students' independence flourish through self-directed accomplishment. 

See below of another Primary Student, she is sweeping.

With a target area to sweep into, our student is thinking as she sweeps. She figures out how to move objects (in this case colorful tissue paper) with something she see's adults use, maneuvering the broom in the direction she wants--she learns that she can accomplish this independently. Building self-confidence and concentration, Practical Life lessons, as with sweeping, helps students focus on caring for themselves and their environment. When this picture was taken, she looked up and grinned, and went back to work. Working independently, silently and smiling.

Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence. -Maria Montessori 

To see a Montessori classroom in real time, please join us on a Walk in Wendesday!