After spending the year in careful, purposeful observation, the end of the year naturally lends itself to thoughtful reflection. Montessorians find themselves in serious contemplation. What worked well this year? And, more importantly, what didn’t work? In our continuing journey to follow the child, there seems to be constant room for improvement.

The end of the year brings a flurry of emotion. There is the excitement that the year is over and summer is just around the corner. There is the excitement as new Montessori students are rising to our level. There is the excitement that our “graduates” are moving on to the next plane of their development. And there is sadness at those Montessori students whom may be leaving our Montessori family prematurely.

Reflections on Your Montessori Classroom Year – Celebrate and Improve

Before the seemingly never-ending end of year activities take over, take the time to reflect on your year. I find it helpful to make a list. Start by listing your successes. Then, add your “solutions”. Remember, to keep this positive so you are not starting your holiday on a negative note. My list this year might look something like this:

Successes

• Started a brand new Upper Elementary Montessori classroom.
• The children LOVED the Lego Simple Machines work.
• They loved math this year!
• The timeline of Ancient Egypt lesson was beautiful and the children really got into it.

Solutions

• Research a new spelling program.
• Adopt a pet for the Montessori classroom next year.
• Add more independent work and arrange in an easy to use manner.

Don’t dwell on the negative, but seek solutions to the roadblocks you may have encountered along the way.

Go ahead. Take some time before the summer rush to quietly collect your thoughts. Above all else, congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Michelle Irinyi — NAMC Tutor & Graduate