A Child-Led Approach to Learning
One characteristic of a Montessori classroom is that it is child-led. Children develop and expand upon their interests, and through those interests, they deepen their knowledge, language, understanding of the world, sense of community, and number sense.
While we as guides have plans and ideas to present, it is the children’s enthusiasm that drives the expansion of our work and subject matter. This approach allows students to engage with topics that inspire them, creating a meaningful and personalized learning experience.
The Nutcracker: A Classroom-Driven Interest
Children in a Montessori classroom watch as a classmate leads a Nutcracker-themed storytelling activity with puppets.
Children in a Montessori classroom watch as a classmate leads a Nutcracker-themed storytelling activity with puppets.
Recently, our students became captivated by The Nutcracker. It began with a book in our classroom that combined Tchaikovsky’s classical music, beautiful illustrations, and a narration of the ballet. This introduction sparked excitement and curiosity among the children, and our classroom came alive with interest.
As guides, we knew this was a special moment to follow their lead. Other planned lessons took a backseat as we embraced The Nutcracker as a driving focus for the next few weeks.
Hands-On Learning Inspired by The Nutcracker
The children’s interest in The Nutcracker opened the door to a variety of hands-on learning activities:
- Language Development: Many children have learned rhymes and retell stories from The Nutcracker.
- Math Skills: Students enthusiastically participate in counting work using nutcracker figures.
- Practical Exploration: The children carefully passed and examined a real wooden nutcracker, connecting physical objects to the story.
- Storytelling and Performance: With a small stage and figures on sticks, children love to play the role of storyteller or audience in their own classroom ballet performances.
A Window to the World
It has been a delight to see this interest take root and blossom in our classroom. The Nutcracker has not only fostered creativity and collaboration but has also opened doors to learning about different places and experiences around the world.
At Wesley Kids Montessori School, we celebrate the curiosity and imagination that guide our students’ learning journeys, creating opportunities for growth, exploration, and discovery.
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