Dr. Maria Montessori said, "Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core."
This accompanies into my Nursery classroom of 1-2.5 year olds each morning. Dr. Montessori was from an earlier time and perhaps some of her expressions are not so politically correct now. She likened our perspective of a child, to that of the Madonna holding the Christ-child. However, unacceptable that may be to hear, the truth still remains that there is more potential in each child than we can imagine. It must be protected, nourished and given space to grow.
I am single and live in Beijing. I have been in China for 11 years, the last 6 here. One of my assistants took this picture today by our class window.
I am from New Brunswick, Canada and did not come to China until I was 45 year. My Dad died when I was quite young and for whatever reason, I took it on my myself to look after my Mother and the estate. So when I finally came here to live my dream, a shock wave went through my community. I have not regretted a moment.
Now comes my favourite part of this assignment, books. Watching my students interact with books is one of the best parts of my job. The one I would single out is, 'Hug' by Jez Alborough published by Candlewick. There are only few words but it is packed with feelings allowing the words to clearly stand out. It is about a 'monkey' as my students quickly and happily point out, who cannot find his Mother. There is great jubilation when he does the book ends with group hugs all around. This is the book more than any other that the students will take from me and reread themselves, putting the words and emotions correctly. I know they are not reading, but they are practicing sequencing and noticing the words that go with the pictures.
Well, we are in our second week. I am happy to have met you even briefly and I look forward to rewarding days ahead.
Bobbie
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