INSTILLING and encouraging the qualities of a well-rounded global citizen is much like planting and nurturing a garden.
At Northstar Montessori School, the seeds sown are independence, empathy, and respect. In order to have a flourishing garden one must provide the right components, the most important of which is a prepared environment that will nurture and support growth. At Northstar, the roots of the program are grounded in the classroom environments themselves, which are designed to entice and invite the child to choose work from a myriad of esthetically pleasing and purposeful materials.
From a young age, children are encouraged to make independent choices. The approach is based on the developmental characteristics and needs of the students, who are offered the opportunity for social growth as they pursue enjoyable activities. With the freedom to move around the classroom and to speak with fellow classmates, children are encouraged to forge positive and supportive relationships with their peers. As students grow older these friendships become more meaningful and they develop into productive working relationships. Co-operation and collaboration inspire children to succeed at reaching a common goal.
In the elementary years, a child's curiosity grows beyond the classroom walls inspired by the world around them. Supporting children in the quest to satisfy their appetite for knowledge is achieved by accompanying children out into the greater community beyond. Awareness progresses over time and eventually expands to include views and ideas of a universal body.
In the spring, Northstar's eldest students, will be heading to the United Nations in New York to attend the annual Montessori Model U.N. program. By transforming into international delegates, the students will discuss, debate and collaboratively work to resolve issues that affect the international community. They will know that they can make a difference.
Just as the teachers have sowed seeds of independence, empathy and respect in the students when they first arrived at Northstar, the students now prepare to plant their own. Their seeds are awareness, gratitude and hope.
Northstar Montessori School's garden is growing in abundance with diversity from a soil that is rich in love and respect.
