Kindergarten Leaders

The child's development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit, an art which can be practised to perfection only when working among children.

~ Dr. Maria Montessori (The Absorbent Mind)

Each time I have the honor of spending time in one of the classrooms I am reminded of just what a special time in developing these little people live. They are living in a time of discovery, kindness, pure curiosity, growth, and just plain pureness.

One of the most special interactions to observe is the one pictured here. That moment when a child that started in the classroom as one of the youngest has grown into a leader full of confidence and pride shares a special moment reading a book to a friend. 

It is such a special progression from the first year primary child just entering the classroom itching to be as independent as possible, eager and ready for so many lessons, curious about what everyone is doing to the elder third year or Kindergarten child who is now one of the leaders and experts in the classroom. It is the culmination of years of working in an environment that allows for a healthy relationship with the trial and error, spontaneous discovery, and the guidance of elders including both the adults and the older children in the classroom. That last year is the year where all the pieces come together and moments like this one happen.