Remembering the Dream

Today is Monday--the start of a new week. Yet instead of going to school to take notes and give lessons, I got to spend the entire day at home. Today is a national holiday. Today I reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am filled with admiration for Dr. King because he spread a message of peace and love. He spent many years fighting for equal rights, but he chose to fight through means of nonviolence. He was a courageous man who stood up for what was right and let his voice be heard even against great opposition. I am grateful for his leadership in the American Civil Right's Movement.

As a Montessorian, of course I think about the children I will have the privilege to teach in the coming years of my career. During the teacher training, we have learned so much about the characteristics of the Elementary child. One thing is for sure: they love their heroes. Of course this isn't a Montessori secret. We've all seen the 7-year-old who wears his favorite Spiderman t-shirt to school at least three times a week.

As a guide, it will be my role to bring into the classroom stories of leaders who can be respected and held in high regard. So many life lessons and discoveries about the world can be made through a child's research of one historical figure. If a child chooses to learn more about Dr. King, perhaps he or she will consider his passion, his courage, and his disdain for injustice. Perhaps they will latch on to these attributes, for these are the kind of characteristics that will make the world a better place.

I'll say goodnight with a few inspiring words:

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

"I have decided to stick to love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 

-Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Montessori Impressionistic Charts

This is what I've been up to lately--lots of coloring and painting (and album work, of course). These charts accompany the lessons given in Elementary Montessori classrooms. They are meant to inspire the children and to spark creativity and further work. 

And yes, due to lack of desk space, I paint my charts in the kitchen floor!

I've worked with art mediums that I never knew existed: wax pastels, watercolor pastels, water resistant markers, high-quality colored pencils (not Crayola?!), and the list goes on.

Thus far, I've knocked out somewhere around 35 charts, and I must have around 100 left to go. 

In Maria Montessori's day, she actually drew these pictures as she was giving a lesson. That's a pretty amazing feat, but I can say without hesitation that I'll be happy to have them all completed ahead of time. 

People who have already received their Elementary Montessori teacher certification speak of these charts as a right of passage. Once you complete the entire set, you really feel like you've accomplished something. I believe it!