Labour of Love
The LEU Classroom: a Montessori environment fueled by the love of learning.
As the school year draws to a close, we cannot help but be in a reflective mood. Throughout the past weeks, we have found great joy in observing the children work in the classroom, noting the remarkable progress all of the children have made since the beginning of the year.
An older student helps a first-year student working on the checkerboard.
In our older students, we have witnessed the emergence of care and consideration for their younger peers. It has been humbling and heartening to listen to older students in class impart their knowledge unto their friends with clarity, confidence and kindness. We cannot reiterate the value of the sharing of knowledge as the best gauge of mastery. As well, the learning is not limited to academic concepts; in the careful and considerate manner students share their knowledge with their friends, they also show a fundamental respect for each other and for themselves. They motivate and inspire each other not just as students but as human beings.
In all of the children, we have observed the development of independence. From our youngest first-year child to our eldest third-year leader, we have seen greater awareness of the responsibility that comes with freedom. They are now more than capable of not only being conscious of what needs to be done on their own, but also of being able to advise and remind their peers. In class, the students have developed the ability to navigate through the different areas of knowledge, make thoughtful choices, and challenge themselves. Through the careful building of solid work habits throughout the year, we have fostered a classroom culture that encourages students to explore their own ideas and apply and enrich different, unique skills and abilities in the process.
A student carefully sets up his science experiment.
Curiosity has been a primary source of inspiration in class, and it is aptly mirrored by the original science experiments that have been taking place throughout these past two weeks. It has been enjoyable watching the children carry out experiments that attempt to answer such different questions, and it is also quite enlightening to see the children apply their different strengths to their work. While one student might meticulously measure and chart changes in their variables, another student might choose to record his observations and instead focus on intently watching chemical change stake place. The varied ways in which the students have been pursuing their scientific inquiries reflects the variety of learning styles that can flourish in a Montessori environment that respects individuality.
We have had a very special year in LEU, and we are so proud of how much the children have grown as students, as individuals, and as members of society. The class is truly a labour of love, and every year, the children’s personal and academic achievements shine as the fruit of their joyful labour.