There’s nothing quite like coming back to school after a break.  This morning I mentioned to one of the Children’s House teachers how calm and peaceful the classroom was as I passed through.  We both reflected for a moment about how much we appreciate the transition back.  Children are so happy to reconnect with their community, their learning.

Today we had some new community members join the classrooms.  In the elementary I watched children rejoice at the opportunity to teach their new classmates.  One of the youngest students kindly reminded a new older student to push in her chair.  Other children were delighted to teach about atoms and show materials for understanding multiplication.

The peer-to-peer teaching that happens in Montessori is so magnificent to witness.  I remember how stunned I was when I left Montessori and transitioned into traditional education during my middle school years.  One of the most distinct moments during this transition was during an English class when I was reprimanded for trying to discuss vocabulary words with a classmate.  I suppose the teacher thought I was trying to cheat, when instead I was just trying to understand.  

Research now shows the benefits of collaborative learning: increased self-esteem and accomplishment, enhanced student satisfaction with learning, and positive attitudes toward the subject matter, to name a few (http://tep.uoregon.edu/resources/librarylinks/articles/benefits.html).  I see these benefits all the time.  Our students don’t try to compete for knowledge.  Instead they celebrate everyone’s achievements.  They feel great about what they do and embrace new challenges.  And they demonstrate their mastery as they help others encountering struggles.

Today was a perfect example of all of this.  And I look forward to tomorrow.