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An Extraordinary Day by Rene Jantzi Rene is a Toddler/Infant teacher with over 20 years experience in this "little" environment. The other day as I was observing the children, the word "ownership" came to mind. Not the kind of selfish "mine, mine, mine" mentality with which society often views the typical two-year old, but a kind of confident possessiveness born out of the absorbent mind. These children "own" their community. They are steadily acquiring all the problem-solving skills they need to successfully handle the variety of situations that arise on a daily basis whether it is taking care of a spill or resolving a conflict. They move independently and freely about the physical space with purpose. As they step across the threshold into Room 109 we, the adults have the great privilege of participating in the unfolding of the human potential. A child will be at the door in the morning, eagerly waiting to open the gate and greet each arrival. Every child knows where their cubby is and where their outerwear is hung and their clean clothes go. They all know the toileting routine and what to do when wet clothes need to be changed and the floor needs to be dried. The community dining table resounds with grace and courtesy comments as we feast together on foods prepared and tasted by many willing hands. During the work cycle periods of concentration can be observed from even the youngest ones that defy belief unless you observe it. As the children gather in the nap area on their mattresses, one child carefully covers up the child on the mattress next to her before lying down on her own. They announce the arrival of each one’s parent at the end of day and then wave good-bye, saying, "See you next time." Absent children are asked about before the adult makes mention. There is care and concern for everyone and everything. Conversations are genuine and often time humorous. Every moment is dedicated to the integration of the young child’s developing language, movement and will. One of Maria Montessori’s books is entitled The Secret of Childhood. I like to think our ordinary days are extraordinary because of that – the unfolding of the secrets of childhood. |
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