Only Two Years Old

Once a child enters the Montessori environment, we completely forget how old they are, and focus entirely on their capabilities.

We come to learn what they struggle with and what we know in our hearts, they can overcome. We also know where their limitations start to manifest, and try enthusiastically, to help support, guide and excite the students beyond them. It’s important for them to know that we’re always here to embrace them, but that there are no limits to what they are capable.

Sometimes, seeing the children in terms of their capabilities, instead of their age, can be problematic. Sometimes we can lose our point of reference. Sometimes, for instance, we forget that “they’re only two years old” and not expected to be able to sew a button or tie their shoelaces or have a conversation with a peer over a glass of water. Sometimes, however, must never become always.

These expectations that we impart, we make every possible effort to show the children that they are not of our construction, but of their imaginations. We remember, only a few decades ago, it was taught in schools throughout the world, and understood virtually everywhere, that such a feat of putting a human on the moon was impossible. Well, in our estimations, impossibilities are meant to be questioned.

When our students leave the Montessori environment, we know, in many respects, they return to being “just two years old”. We also know that they leave feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride, having developed their confidence and self-esteem, and their desire to constantly improve and explore their capabilities and…yes, find happiness.