Earlier this week I attended a lecture and celebration in honor of Dr. John McDermott, philosopher, thinker, professor, author and long time supporter of the Montessori method of education. The event was held at Queen’s College (where he previously taught) in conjunction with the Center for Montessori Teacher Education, where many of our teachers go to learn about Montessori.
Dr. McDermott quoted William James ,
“There are possibilities here not within our sight.”
Exploring and constructing sand
Dr. McDermott reflected on how a Montessori classroom is carefully prepared to allow these possibilities for discovery and learning to take place. He said
“There is no depreciation in Montessori – everything counts.”
Parents and teachers should always consider that every moment is a learning moment in a young child’s life. We should consider education as a fundamental need of man, and one to be nourished. We have so many opportunities to engage young children, to create environments that encourage exploration, to take children out into the world, to sense it, to explore it and to know it.
Learning about the world
