Blog Archive

Children need time - time to explore; time to observe; time to question; time to connect the ideas and information they are being exposed to. They need time to uncover the possibilities and to engage in their learning in ways that were not possible for most of us as elementary students.

Last week, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their commitment in working for the rights of children in the world.

Researchers have found that exposure to mindset research can help you develop a growth mindset. 

This summer, our staff read Carol Dweck’s Mindset. Her work is an inspiration to each of us.

Dweck proposes two mindsets: fixed and growth. You can infer the meaning of each. A fixed mindset is a mind made up. It seeks validation of its thinking by external praise and assurances of inevitable failures. Many of us experience a fixed mindset when we try things that are difficult and have been difficult for a long time. For example, if you can never quite make that shot in basketball or get that soufflé to rise, you could begin to think those things will never happen for you and decide to stop or settle for less.

As Daniel Pink states, what motivates us is a sense of autonomy, mastery and purpose (or meaningfulness). Each of those values are at the core of our school’s philosophy and approach to learning. Maria Montessori encouraged us to do for ourselves what we can and to learn from each other. The goal is to learn through hands-on experiences and develop a sense of mastery so that children may teach others who have yet to learn a certain skill. All work is done with a purpose, to further a student’s goals and gain knowledge and understanding that will serve him or her and she reaches for other goals.

This quote by Robert Ingersoll reminds me why I am working in education and, more specifically, in a Montessori school. One of Maria Montessori’s basic tenets is that of paying homage to those who came before us. None of us would be who we are or where we are without noting those who paved the way.

This week, the New York Times began a series on math and science education. In this week's article, Who Says Math Has to Be Boring?, the NYT editorial board discusses the rapid increase in jobs related to science, technology, engineering and math (known collectively as STEM) while the number of college students who choose to pursue STEM-related careers is decreasing.

The story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teenager who was shot and nearly killed by Taliban fighters, shows us what a gift it truly is to be able to learn in a safe and inclusive environment.

In exclusive interviews, NBA superstar Stephen Curry and his remarkable family tell us how a Montessori education has helped shape their outlook on life.