“Who can be still until their mud settles and the water is cleared by itself? Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?” 

Catherine McTamaney, Tao of Montessori: Reflections on Compassionate Teaching

This quote applies to this year in Primary ADM both literally and figuratively. We have had to strike a balance between action and stillness in the wake of the flood following Hurricane Ida. We have had to draw upon a well of patience and acceptance in the face of this challenging year. This well is fed by our strong conviction and belief in what we know as Montessori teachers- that children are innately able to adapt and become in accordance with their particular place and time. 

As the mud has settled and the water cleared, we have begun to see the inspiring ways that the children are adapting to our situation. In the first few weeks of school, it felt as if we might not be able to create an environment here at GTMS North that could even compare to our former home at the West building. We often joked about how you truly never know what you have until it’s gone. And yet, somehow, when we stop to observe the children, we see that they are flourishing here. It is a testament to the true power of the child’s ability to construct themselves and adapt to their environment. Montessori taught us that children have an incredible capacity and innate drive to become and belong. She called this the child’s absorbent mind. The absorbent mind is that unique quality each child possesses that allows them to soak in their environment and adapt accordingly. We have borne witness to this incredible innate power as we have watched the children adapt and develop in our new space.

For instance, in the past, ADM has never gone on whole class field trips. The children would go in two small groups once a week to destinations around town. We didn’t think it could be safe or feasible to take the whole class on neighborhood walks. At the beginning of this year, when we tried to go all together, it was certainly a challenge to say the least! And now, everyday, we take walks to area parks with our whole class safely and successfully. The children have continually amazed us with their resilience and tractability. 

And even with all the hard work of both children and adults alike, we still know that this is not our home. We are looking to the future when we have a space that does not ask so much adaptability and flexibility from all of us.

In these photo collages you can see all the amazing things the children have been doing this month.

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