Two week ago we explored the work of the adult in our Montessori classroom, and last week we reviewed the work of the child. This week we want to present the third part of the learning triangle: The Montessori Environment.
These three key elements, The Child, The Adult, and The Environment, work in harmony. In the Montessori classroom, the child is always at the center. The teacher’s role is to carefully observe, plan, and guide each child’s learning journey, while the environment itself is thoughtfully prepared to foster independence, exploration, and discovery.
Montessori classrooms are designed to feel inviting, enticing, and beautiful. Materials are arranged in an orderly way, scaled to the child’s size and level of independence, and crafted from natural, realistic elements such as wood, glass, and ceramic. Each material is scientifically designed to support development, beginning as early as the Casita level. Through practical life and sensorial work, children build the foundation for math, language, and science. Because the materials are self-correcting, children learn by experiencing and adjusting to mistakes naturally, without being graded, compared, or corrected.
Freedom and responsibility in the classroom complement one another with clear, respectful limits: only one of each material is available, children learn to care for and handle the materials responsibly, and readiness is respected before introducing new work. Children respect their environment by speaking softly indoors, walking carefully around others’ work, waiting for an invitation before touching another’s activity, and always returning materials to their proper place. This balance of freedom, responsibility, and respect is what allows the Montessori environment to nurture both independence and community.
All Ages Playdate
Join us for our first All-Ages Playdate of the school year! The CMS playground will be open on Sunday, October 5th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet families from other classes. The event is hosted by parent volunteers, and the office will be open for bathroom access.
Parent Support Group
for Diverse Learners
Parents of diverse learners will be gathering at the Georgetown Library on October 20th for an informal support group to connect, share resources, and build community. All are welcome!
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.
Jessica Clark
Lower Elementary Guide
(at CMS since 2023)
Q) How long have you worked at CMS?
A) This is my second year at CMS as the Guide in the Magnolia Lower Elementary Community, but I have worked in education for 17 years. I first trained at the Houston Montessori Center to become an AMS certified Montessori teacher. I was a Montessori elementary guide at School of the Woods in Houston for 9 years, and Waco Montessori for 3 years. When I joined CMS, I went back to school again and completed the AMI elementary training through the Montessori Northwest training center in Portland, OR. I have always worked with the 6-9 year olds, they are my favorite. =)
Q) How did you discover Montessori and how has it impacted your life?
A) My mother is an educator and worked in public school and then transitioned to become a Montessori teacher. She worked with Children's House aged children. She is the reason I fell in love with education and Montessori. And I truly love working in a Montessori environment; it is challenging and rewarding. My three beautiful boys attend CMS and are receiving a Montessori education. And so, Montessori has been and continues to be a huge part of my life.
Q) What is something you would recommend for parents?
A) My biggest recommendation for parents is to read to your children. Expose your children to a variety of books and enjoy the conversations that come with them. It is a wonderful bonding experience and it is so beneficial for your child's reading and writing abilities. One of my favorite authors is Kate DiCamillo, I would recommend any of her books for elementary children.
Q) What do you do for fun outside of work?
A) Outside of work I enjoy embroidery and reading. I also love building with Lego bricks, playing superheroes, card games, and watching baseball practices and games with my boys.
CMS CALENDAR REMINDERS
- October 5th - All Ages Playdate (CMS Playground), 10am-noon
- October 13th - No School
- October 20th - Parent Support Group for Diverse Learners (Georgetown Library), 8:30-9:30am
- October 22-31st - Parent-Teacher Conferences
- November 8th - International Festival
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The mission of Community Montessori School is to provide authentic Montessori education
in a nature-rich environment that cultivates collaboration, curiosity,
love of learning, and respect for oneself, others, and the world.
