Sarah Shares: Steps in a Larger Process

We spend the majority of our time here at Greene Towne in support of process—recognizing the importance of each step in a large arc of each child’s development and growth. It’s an intentional organizing principle of our Montessori approach, and our mission as a community. 

Consequently, each day has so many small and inspiring moments—the careful and persistent work of a toddler to fit her scooter into just the right space between two others; the growing ability to manage their belongings as they hold onto the railing to safely climb the stairs; the progress in being able to name their feelings as they let their friends know they don’t like something that’s happening, and have their feelings be heard and respected. 

All of these tiny moments (and countless more) add up to helping to support the growth and development of empathetic, confident people who are attuned to and active contributors to the world around them. That’s what we do. 

And yet, today, I find that I am feeling anxious. I am on edge. I know that in large part it is related to this week’s guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, which initially brought me a sense of relief. Though I also can’t keep up with the new news stories, nearly every day, of Black people and people of color, some children themselves, who are shot and killed, and too often as part of a police interaction. I am aware today that each of us is holding anxiety and many other strong feelings that are unique to our own specific identity and experiences. 

Billy Penn shared this article last night that I found to be useful, in terms of processing as parents ourselves, again, as part of a larger conversation and context in our families.

Today I will refocus, reroot into our daily work and reboot our attention to each part of a larger process. We are doing work with children that takes years to come to fruition, raising peacemakers, who care deeply about the world and people in it. There is more work to do.

We will keep doing that work here at Greene Towne, along with continuing our own growth as educators to support each of our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We will continue to work to bring about the change we are seeking, recognizing that it too is part of a larger process, that takes time and intention. 

Thank you for being a part of this work with us at Greene Towne Montessori School.