NAEYC Back to School Tips and Montessori Education

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has regular publications, both in print and online. One of their articles, pertaining to back to school topics, is entitled "Welcome Children and Families to Your Classroom." Most of their tips will do well in a Montessori classroom, as well as a "typical" classroom. Here is their list of tips, with a Montessori twist.

1. "Start with a clean, well-organized room."

Montessori educators strive to maintain a clean, well-organized room at all times. One of the teacher's most important jobs is to prepare the environment for the children. Young children are in their sensitive period for order and it is imperative that we facilitate this. Everything has its place. Materials are simple and ready to be used. Clutter is never allowed. There should be an air of peace and comfort upon entering the room.

2. "Decorate the walls."

A Montessori classroom will have few decorations on the walls. Soft artwork is permissible, and should be hung at the child's eye level. Avoid bright flashy colors and displays. Attention should be drawn to the materials on the shelves, not the decorations on the walls.

3. "Have cubbies, labels, class lists, and name tags ready."

Each child has his own area in the classroom for his own belongings. It is imperative that he be able to locate these immediately upon entering the classroom, so that he can feel like he already belongs there. Show him how to care for his belongings, as this will be a regular part of his arrival and dismissal routines. Use a small sticker on all of his cards, to help him identify his name, if necessary.

4. "Create a new year bulletin board."

You won't often find bulletin boards in a Montessori classroom. However, some displays could work out in the hallway or near the entrance. There could be pictures of the staff, to introduce them to parents. Include photos from previous years of children busy working, or different school events. Emphasize the community of the school.

5. "Display photos of the children and their families."

This goes along with #4, including pictures of families at functions over the years. Take pictures of students with their parents as they visit at open house, and rotate pictures during the school year after every event. Ask parents to share some of their favorite photographs from years past.

6. "Learn families' names before the first day."

You should already be familiar with the families' names before they arrive, as you have had to prepare each child's cubby, nametags, etc. Try to associate their parents' names ahead of time. It may help to have filled out role books and information cards with everyone's names, prior to school starting. If you are having an open house or special visitation before school starts, have everyone wear a nametag that includes both parent and child names. Then, as you meet people, jot down notes about them to help you remember their names.

7. "Set up learning centers and tables with a few engaging toys and materials."

Ideally the Montessori materials on the shelves should already be engaging and inviting. Some may wish to display classroom pets in a more prominent location for an open house or meet and greet session, to draw children in. Some Montessori classrooms put out large manipulative activities, such as blocks, to keep children occupied until they are received proper lessons on Montessori materials.

8. "Create a welcome area."

The NAEYC recommends having a welcome sign or whiteboard where parents can write messages to each other. A small bulletin board or white board would work in the hallway, so that the messages do not interfere with what is happening in the classroom. Messages from the teacher or administration can also go on this board. Establish a place for parents to leave messages for the teacher. Consider using a small end table, with a decorative plant and a basket.

9. "Identify volunteer family ambassadors."

Montessori children typically stay in the same classroom for three years in a row. This means there are parents who have already had at least one year with you and can help new parents learn the ropes of the classroom. Call on your veteran parents to share their stories of success and tips with the newer parents. Invite them to speak at a parent night, or to send out testimonials in a newsletter. Have parents volunteer to be room parents.

10. "Offer warm greetings."

Montessori teachers are often mistakenly considered to be cold, because they are not loud, high-pitched, and gushy. They don't rush up to children to give them big hugs, nor fawn all over them. But, they will greet parents and children with a warm smile, handshake, and hug if the child wants one. The Montessori teacher will also get down to the child's level when greeting her, instead of standing up and looking down. This establishes more of a relationship, right from the start.

11. "Follow each child's individual schedule for feeling comfortable."

Montessorians always follow the individual needs of a child. The directress is adept at observing the child and meeting him at his level. She will give him his space to explore his environment and only interfere if necessary. She will communicate regularly with the parents to establish mutual trust and to facilitate the well-being of the child in her care.

These simple tips, based upon recommendations by the NAEYC, will help the transition to a new school year, within the Montessori classroom.

Works Cited:

"Welcome Children and Families to Your Classroom". NAEYC. Retrieved 8-11-10 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/11X_%20Welcome%20Children%20and%20Families.pdf