I just finished my first week in a kindergarten classroom at the Montessori school, where I have had no previous experience. It went very well and I am excited about teaching and learning with a new perspective. When I arrived on Monday, my cooperating teacher asked me to spend the first day or so just simply observing. This was new for me since I am used to jumping right in on the first day but it really seemed to help get me oriented with the environment and begin to learn what the Montessori philosophy of education is all about.

I had the chance to interact with just about every student in my class this week. It is so neat to see how enthusiastic the children are about learning and being at school every day. This definitely adds to the joy of teaching them and being around them. Before I left on Monday, my cooperating teacher gave me a few packets that explain the unique elements of the Montessori education as well as the classroom environment. This was very informative and taught me a little more about what was going on every day.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, after I spend an hour or so in my kindergarten classroom, I help out with the after-school program. This is a time where the students are free to do just about whatever they would like, although there is still some structure. This is a fun way for me to interact with some children from the other classes. They enjoy doing art activities, playing games or simply being read to!

It was a wonderful first week and I am looking forward to what lies ahead!

Check this out: The Montessori School of Wooster!