About the Assistant

Thoughts & Reflections

Sarah Skaff is a treasure at Baan Dek. Quiet, reflective, passionate, she always thinks before she speaks, and when she speaks, we all listen.

We asked her to share a few thoughts on a subject she was passionate about, and, in her truest fashion, her response was, “Let me think about it.” What we received is this thoughtful essay, with direction, purpose, compassion. As an assistant and as a teacher, Ms. Skaff welcomes self-reflection, pushing herself and those around her to see answers within, to constantly challenge ourselves to seek new heights.

We are so pleased to share her words here.

Thoughts of an Assistant’s Role in the Montessori Classroom

As an assistant in the Primary Environment, there are many new ideas that you are introduced to such as a new philosophy of teaching, new materials, and a new classroom setting. With all these foreign, yet intriguing, concepts you are overwhelmed and unsure of how this “way” of teaching is possible or how you could make it “suitable” by your standards (especially if you’re coming from the traditional school system).

In all reality, you come to find that this philosophy of teaching does not conform to you–you conform to it.

Looking back at my two years of being an assistant, the most significant idea that helped me grow in my role was being able to internalize all that was happening in the environment. When the assistant and I were just starting out together, I commended this practice to her. It was the most valuable asset to helping me fulfill my role in the classroom both as a classroom assistant and now as a lead teacher.

I recently came across a quote from Dr. Montessori’s book, “The Secret of Childhood” that resonates well with how an adult in the Montessori classroom should conduct oneself. Maria expresses that adults should try to understand there are reasons behind children’s motives.

She goes on to say, “It is easy to say that every childish reaction is a whim, but a whim is something more. It is a problem to be solved, a riddle to be answered. It may at times, be difficult to find the answer, but the search can be extremely interesting. And if an adult would find the answer to these riddles, he must adopt a new attitude toward the child and deepen his sense of responsibility toward him. He must become a student rather than a thoughtless ruler or tyrannical judge as he only too often is with respect to a child” (p. 68).

As an assistant, are you willing to become a student of children? Have you taken the time to observe the children and the way the environment flows and is maintained? Are you focusing your efforts on how to assist as well as protect each child? Have you realized that you are essentially a material–a piece of the environment? Finding your place in this environment can be very tricky if you do not reflect on these questions, internalize them, and then follow through on your role as the assistant.

I encourage you to embrace your role. Remind yourself to be ever-present. Be steady. Be sensible in your thoughts and actions. Allow the children and the environment to show you what is needed.

“In all reality, you come to find that this philosophy of teaching does not conform to you–you conform to it.”

Read more about Ms. Skaff here.