Dear friends,
I'm excited to invite you into my world and share a journey that's close to my heart – my transformative experience with the Montessori method. This story isn't just mine; it's a testament to the power of belief and dedication in parenting.
As you read on, I hope my experiences resonate with you, reinforcing your confidence as a parent and solidifying your commitment to offering your child the finest education possible.
The Struggle with Traditional Education
They say, you teach as you were taught. But life has a funny way of surprising us.
My past school experience was an unhappy one. The prestigious private school run by nuns in a one-size-fit-all curriculum did not suit my adventurous personality. The prescribed rote method, coupled with a regurgitation of facts upon asked, killed my enthusiasm to learn. Though some well-meaning teachers did their best to instill the fear of God in me, I feared them most.
A Turning Point in Fourth Grade
I tried to be a diligent student, but it took one teacher to leave a sour taste in my mouth.
In the fourth grade, I had an encounter with one who mocked me and named me after a famous actress. She seemed to take pleasure in humiliating me, swiftly changing questions to rattle me into delivering the wrong answers.
To please her, I emulated her favorite student who answered questions perfectly and recited, word-by-word, the texts of our history book. That night, I meticulously memorized the entire chapter, parroting the answers exactly as they appeared.
The next day, armed with newfound knowledge, I eagerly raised my hand to answer her questions. To my dismay, she ignored me, choosing to call on other students. Undeterred, I continued to raise my hand, but it was as though I was invisible.
Finally, in frustration, I gazed out the window. She called me out for daydreaming, then posed a different question. With confidence, I stood up and recited the textbook's answer flawlessly. Instead of acknowledging my correct answers, she labeled me a "copycat" and scoffed at my efforts.
That day, I vowed never to do my homework again. My attempts to please her had backfired, and I had reached my limit. My self-esteem was crushed. I became a rebel and an underachiever.
The Path to Montessori
But then, a life-altering adventure led me to an epiphany.
When I turned 19, I found myself seeking employment to appease my father who was furious at my decision to bypass my undergraduate studies. I turned to my godmother, the dean of education at a respected institution. She directed me to a Montessori school.
But I hesitated.
Teaching? Me? I loved kids, but I never envisioned myself as a teacher.
Recalling my childhood, I couldn’t picture myself standing in front of trembling students, squelching their rumbling rebellions. I didn’t relish the use of sarcasm, ridicule, and humiliation to bend their will. Disciplining kids while holding a meter stick didn’t appeal to me.
Desperate, I took my godmother’s advice. Despite lacking a degree, the principal trained me in the Montessori Method of Education and hired me as a teacher. It felt like a divine intervention, a chance to make amends for lost opportunities.
Discovering the Montessori Method
The Montessori philosophy changed me profoundly.
Diving into Maria Montessori's ideas, I stepped into a space where kids were seen as future builders. Learning turned into an adventure filled with joy. Children, given the choice to decide for themselves, grew more confident and smart about their decisions.
The classroom was a wonderland of real things to touch and see, which made learning come alive. Kids didn't just memorize math; they used colorful beads to understand it. They felt the shape of letters with sandpaper, linking the feel with the sounds.
Montessori's lessons were full of real-world things, like plants growing or pets to care for. Unlike regular schools where kids had to sit quietly all day, here they were moving around. They put together puzzles on the floor, snuggled in corners with books, or teamed up to see what happens in exciting science experiments.
A New Direction and Purpose
The contrast between my own education and the Montessori method was staggering. It inspired me to change my ways, shedding my rebellious persona and adopting a more graceful demeanor. Montessori demanded every teacher undergo a “spiritual” transformation, a challenge I welcomed.
My father, unconvinced, insisted I gain a solid education in a prestigious university. This led me to complete degrees in Psychology and Education, this time with enthusiasm and feverish dedication. With his support, I continued my Montessori training in the UK and Canada. Later, I founded the Mission Montessori Centre of the Philippines, a school funded by privileged families which provided education and meals for indigenous youngsters.
Reflecting on a Life Transformed
For 46 years, I dedicated myself to teaching children and mentoring teachers. My love for learning remains undiminished, and I continue to nourish it through ongoing education.
The Montessori philosophy didn't just change me; it set me on a lifelong journey of transformation and self-discovery.
Yours truly,
Susie