Reflections from a
New Montessori Assistant

Thoughts & Reflections

We’ve loved getting to know Sarah McCann over the last few months, and she has brought such light to her role as the classroom assistant in the Lotus Room. We asked her a few questions, and loved her answers so much. We thought you would, too.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your role as the classroom assistant in the Lotus Room?

My primary responsibility in the Lotus Room is to be a facilitator of the natural, inherent development of each child through active receptivity. It is not my responsibility to teach, but to be present. In most classrooms, the teacher is the primary focus. Not so in the Montessori classroom.

If I am to be successful, I must be observant first and foremost. The importance of being fully aware of each aspect of the classroom dynamics, be it the social interactions taking place, the physical logistics of the environment, or anything else. From this position, I am then able to actively engage in whatever way I am needed to help the classroom function more successfully and efficiently.

Q: Now that you’ve been in the classroom for a bit, can you tell us a bit about your experience? Moving from a traditional setting to the Montessori philosophy?

Rather than always giving instructions, I have the ability to foster the discipline and desire that allows for the child to lead themselves. It took a while to understand that I wasn’t the glue that had to hold everything together! When each person is responsible for his or her self, we all feel less stress, more freedom, know we are capable! Seeing even the youngest students in the primary room understand this basic principle is amazing and inspiring!

Q: Was there anything that surprised you about Montessori?

False Fatigue. It was the point in the day that I found most stressful when I first started. Coming from a traditional classroom, your immediate thought is how can I get these kids under control and back on task?

Not anymore! Understanding the natural flow of the work cycle and being able to relate it to my own experience when working at a task for a period of time, it makes sense. Not to mention, the ability to self-regulate becomes second-nature, so the students return to their work on their own and with their own determination! Now that is impressive.

Q: Do you have any tips for assistants that are just starting out?

Be a sponge. Seriously. An assistant is unable to fulfill his/her role without first assessing the state of the environment, atmosphere, and individuals within the community. From the periphery, the assistant is able to freely move in and out of the action taking place as a means of mediation without disrupting the natural flow of events taking place.

Q: Any tips for people who are interested in Montessori?

Ask questions! Seriously. I never would have stumbled upon this remarkable philosophy without asking questions of my own.

– What is the purpose of education?
– How do I learn and grow best?
– How can this help shape my worldview, my presence in a situation?

Q: Did you have a “Montessori Moment?”

In the beginning, I was unsure of what I had gotten myself into, but over time there has become an internal knowing and understanding of the growth and development taking place in the classroom.

“It is not my responsibility to teach, but to be present.”

There have been so many moments, but one that sticks most prominently right now is when I forgot my napkin at lunch one day. I had spilled food on my pants, and a student who is not yet three noticed I didn’t have my napkin. She delightfully offered to go get it for me, placed it in my lap upon returning, and reassured me we all forget sometimes. Seeing her transformation from entering the Primary room this fall to now just shows the potential and desire even the youngest children have to be compassionate and sucessful!

Q: What continues to inspire you about Montessori?

How much sense it makes! I learn more about myself each day through encountering the wisdom of Montessori, and it helps me lead a more self-disciplined life. :)

Q: Do you have a favorite Montessori Material?

Color Box #3 is my absolute favorite!

Q: We’re coming up on your birthday! What do you hope to learn or to gain from this coming year?

I want to keep growing in being open to the possibilities that life has to offer. Each day is another opportunity to learn and grow. What could be more exciting?!

You can read more about Sarah McCann here!