“Children are so responsive that if you treat your child with kindness and consideration he too will be kind. If you let him pursue his own little affairs and interests undisturbed, you will find that he will be less inclined to disturb yours. Try to interfere with him as little as possible, there is no need to worry about him growing up ignorant or ill-mannered. Instead he will be observant and intelligent, independent and persevering, and these qualities lie at the root of personality." - Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents

We can all agree that kindness is an essential value in life. When children practice kindness from an early age, it helps strengthen their emotional intelligence, build self-confidence, and develop problem solving skills. Kindness also supports healthy relationships and helps children become more resilient as they grow. These early experiences lay the foundation for how they connect with others and navigate life’s challenges.

In Montessori education, kindness is nurtured within a mixed-age community where children learn to contribute to their environment, resolve conflicts collaboratively, and support one another. Adults model respectful communication and care for others, including animals and plants, helping to foster a culture of peace and empathy. We teach children to look beyond themselves, beyond the boundaries of our country and culture to respect and value people of all races and religions. Children are guided to use positive language, learning that if they do not have something kind to say, it is best to pause and keep those thoughts to themselves.

Respect is a key component of our Montessori classroom. We regularly discuss respect for adults, classmates, classroom materials, and for oneself. Guides and assistants support children in developing these skills through clear communication, the use of “I” messages, positive modeling, and empathy. Consistent classroom management is essential in a Montessori environment. Children are taught not to shout across the room, but instead to walk over and speak quietly to one another. During work time, respect also means using materials as they have been shown and allowing each child the uninterrupted time they need to focus, concentrate, and complete their chosen work.

Our Annual Kindness Week is January 26 - 30. Children and guides are planning for activities with their classmates, other classroom communities, their own families and larger community outside of CMS. The guides will share more information with you in the Friday email.

The Town Hall with our permanent Executive Director, Nicole Scofield, is on January 21 at 6pm at the Georgetown Library. Nikki's first day at CMS is January 14. We hope to see you there!

Staff Highlights 

This year we will be introducing you to a different staff member each week. We look forward to sharing things like why they love CMS, how they were introduced to the Montessori philosophy, and what they enjoy doing when they are not at school.

Q) How long have you worked at CMS?
A)   This is my third year working at CMS; I joined the community in August 2023. My primary role has been as an Upper Elementary Guide, and I also worked for two years teaching Spanish in our secondary program. Throughout this time, I have enjoyed collaborating across different levels while focusing on supporting both the academic and personal growth of students.

Q) How did you come to discover Montessori and how has it impacted your life?
A)  I was first introduced to the Montessori method during my academic training as a psychologist, particularly through a course on learning and memory. Later, in my professional life, I had the opportunity to work in a variety of educational settings, such as indigenous boarding schools and upper secondary schools, where my work focused on collaborating with caregivers and educators to create more supportive and meaningful learning environments for children. 

My interest in Montessori deepened while I was working as a karate instructor. In that context, two children especially caught my attention. A three-year-old child showed genuine enthusiasm for the activities I presented, repeating them spontaneously and with great joy. An eleven-year-old child constantly asked questions, demonstrating a true desire to understand not only the activity itself but also what was expected of him, positioning himself as someone actively engaged in his own self-development.

When I spoke with the parents of these children, who belonged to different families, I learned that both were attending Montessori schools. This discovery was pivotal for me. As I learned more about Montessori education, I had no doubt that I wanted my own children to be educated within this approach. More than that, I felt called to train as a Montessori guide myself, with the purpose of fostering a love of learning, encouraging children to make decisions from an early age, and supporting their growth within thoughtfully prepared environments.

Q) What is something you would recommend for parents?
A) I would first encourage parents to observe their children with curiosity and without rushing. Rather than seeking extraordinary activities, it is often most meaningful to offer opportunities for independence at home, where children can make small decisions, participate in everyday tasks, and feel capable and valued.

As a resource, I recommend the book “The Child: The Secret of Childhood” by Maria Montessori, as it offers deep insight into child development. I also suggest creating daily moments without screens, dedicated to conversation, shared reading, or simple practical activities that strengthen family connections.

Q) What do you do for fun outside of work? 
A) Outside of work, I enjoy activities that connect me with both movement and reflection. I exercise regularly, enjoy reading and writing, and value spending quality time with my children. I also enjoy music and meaningful conversations, which for me are an important source of ongoing learning and personal balance.

CMS CALENDAR REMINDERS

• January 19 - School Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21 - Town Hall 
• January 26 - 30 Kindness Week Challenge
• February 1 - All Ages Playdate 10 - 12

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