Montessori In Times Of Pandemic: How A Montessori Education Prepares You For Life
By Ana Lidia De Haro Botello *
I started my journey in Montessori 45 years ago when I attended a Children’s House classroom at the age of three. I continued through Lower and Upper Elementary. Over the years I became interested in teaching, so I became a Guide for Infants, Young Children’s Community, Children’s House, and eventually Lower Elementary.
Later on I was fortunate to have the opportunity to become a Teacher-Trainer and wrote essays on the repercussions of excessive screen time on children’s development. I clearly remember the name of one of the parenting books, at that time it was a best seller in Mexico: “My child no longer plays, he only watches TV.” This greatly affected my perception of technology and developmental education, I grew to become a passionate advocate for a Screen Free childhood.
As years passed and my involvement deepened with some wonderful students and classes, my perception of screen time evolved and matured. Although I was not born in the technology era, I never carried a fear of new innovation and adapted to the new changes, globalization, and related educational trends.
During these years as a Guide, Teacher, Academic Coordinator, Director and — most important — mother of four, I learned to set aside judgment and preconceived perceptions on the use — or abuse — of screens at the core of family life. I respect the people who decide to ban them as well as those who set limited schedules or even those who let the children decide, because I am aware of the context in which these decisions are made at the core of each family.
In all imaginable scenarios, I would never have thought possible I would live through a pandemic of this magnitude. The reach, consequences, and potential devastation of COVID-19 shakes families, threatens communities, and economic giants tremble at potential losses and financial contraction: we are home-quarantined, schools are closed, and educational institutions are adjusting by the day.
Nobody was prepared to face a pandemic of this enormity. In the midst of chaos and change, children stand as the most vulnerable: not having developed emotion and control tools or even enough language to express what they think and feel at this moment. How can they understand a reality where adults all-around are still mentally processing? How can they cope with such uncertainty? What occupies their minds in times of crisis?
Yes, children have the unique capacity to adapt and live in the moment. However, this is not a crutch to lean-on; stability, comfort, and a steadfast environment are needed during the storm.
Stephen Hawking observed that intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. Once again, we all find ourselves adapting to a reformatted society with new rules, social norms, menacing threats. Through all this, my mind is singularly-focused on helping children attending my Montessori classes.
It stands as a tested truth, reinforced over many years and experiences: Montessori prepares you for life. As a Montessori teacher who designs curriculum for my students at La Tribu Austin, I see firsthand how our new online program — based on the Montessori method and something developed from scratch — serves as an effective learning tool. La Tribu Administrators and teachers work together offering continued learning that is time-efficient, respectful for all family members, and further provides a quality Montessori education. But the greatest thing of all: it allows more than ever for parents to work directly with Guides to help their students, we work together as a team for the benefit of these wonderful children.
Educators and parents working as teams is idyllic. But this new normal has allowed us Guides to share our knowledge, resources and techniques — and even our lesson plans — so parents can perform a key role. On the other side of the screen are mothers and fathers observing, participating, and helping their children. They are learning new information about what works for their kids and become more engaged with every lesson. This new alliance delivers an unexpected benefit of parent/teacher collaboration, while dark clouds gather, this presents a magnificent silver lining.
Social media is not evil, used in moderation with a heavy dose of common sense it has the opportunity to serve as a vital societal tool. Once castigated as an excess with potential for negative repercussions, screens are now the ONLY link allowing us to create the connections, interactions, and experiences for modern-day classrooms.
Uncertainties are all around us and we must accept our vulnerabilities. We are in a sensitive time and must make decisions regarding our mental health while continuing routines and schedules, not just a normal, minute-by-minute regimen, but moments that make our hearts beat stronger, holding loved-ones close, and connecting with magnificent people with warm smiles staring at us on our laptops mean so much.
Growing up as a Montessori child has been a blessing, I owe so much to the lessons that shaped who I am today. At this hour, and based on my own experiences, I am committed to using this knowledge, my time, and all energies directly and behind-the-scenes, to offer a program that allows for healthy interactions, connections, cognitive development, and so much more.
Being part of a tribe helps develop a sense of self, a worth, and a place in the world. So much of who I am, how I face challenges, my work ethic, and how I express a love for others all flows from my years as a Montessori student and teacher.
When COVID-19 forced me to adapt, adjust, and overcome, it was the lessons from my Montesori education that served as a foundation for achievement, sharing success, and lifting others.
This is how Montessori prepares us for life.
*Ana Lidia De Haro - Montessori Guide - Master in Middle School Education - PhD in Education Graduate Student