In 2008, my only child, Jacquie started a three year Montessori Casa programme in England. A year later, I started studying at the Montessori Centre International in London. We finished our Casa programmes simultaneously.
This is a personal reflection on those three years. I hope it gives you a flavour of what we both experienced.
Year 1
This is…
School
Peak through the window,
It’s new,
A new place,
New people,
Tears at the threshold.
Look for the familiar,
A welcoming smile,
A calming hand,
Begin,
With something known,
Sweep the floor,
Glance at a book
Prepare some food.
Concentration flits
I succeed
I smile
My time
To explore
To extrapolate
To experience
I am myself.
Year 2
I return…
To my class,
My friends,
My space,
Concentration extends,
Confidence grows,
I look for challenges
Deeper connections,
New knowledge.
Savour repetition,
Relax.
This is my time,
To discover,
To bond,
To belong
I am with friends.
Year 3
I am ready…
To take the lead
Hold a hand
Challenge myself.
Awareness grows,
Who needs help?
What can I share?
Where’s this taking me?
The enquiring mind,
Thirsty for knowledge
Hungry for facts
Moving, exploring, growing.
Concentration deepens,
Pride grows
Achievements build
Horizons expand.
I am a citizen.
I am home.