It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing their dreams and passions, and helping them discover their unique talents and interests.
Published: September 30, 2023
By: Cheryl Olsten
Edwina VanDuyne, educator and owner of a Pennsylvania Montessori School believes that teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of the young minds entrusted to their care. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing their dreams and passions, and helping them discover their unique talents and interests. In this article, she shares her insight on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment for children, where the focus is on encouraging them to pursue their dreams in school.
Setting the Stage
In child-centered classrooms, teachers embark on a quest to know their students, to understand what makes them tick. It all starts with open-ended questions about their favorite things and the activities they wish to explore. We create an environment that fosters independence and self-motivation, a place where curiosity can flourish. With access to an array of resources like books, art materials, musical instruments, and more, children are given the freedom to explore, to uncover their hidden talents and interests.
The Path to Passion
It’s truly remarkable to witness children as they narrow down their areas of interest. Take music, for instance. We teach them the notes, help them stay on key, and guide them in learning the melody of a song. Some of these young talents eventually step up to sing solos at recitals, continuing their musical journey well into high school. Others discover their love for drawing and painting, seeking solace in the calming embrace of art, free from external distractions.
Celebrating Accomplishments
What follows the creative process is a profound sense of accomplishment. Each masterpiece, whether it’s a song or a painting, is framed and proudly displayed on the gallery walls for everyone to see. This is where the magic happens. The artist becomes the storyteller, and the observer the audience. Conversations bloom, and a profound sense of pride and belonging is fostered as children share their accomplishments with classmates and families.
Dreaming Without Limits
But how can we encourage children to dream big? The answer lies in the realm of play. When children play, they immerse themselves in a world of endless possibilities. They can be astronauts, chefs, architects, paleontologists, or rock stars. The key is to provide them with ample unstructured playtime, preferably outdoors. It’s not about fancy toys; it’s about nurturing their fertile imaginations and letting them dream without limitations.
Empowering Through Choice
Freedom of choice is a cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy. When children are empowered to make choices in a prepared environment, they gain a sense of control and agency. This, in turn, boosts their confidence and encourages them to take risks, persevere, and, most importantly, dream big. In our classrooms, children are free to choose from a myriad of activities, and this freedom ignites their passion for learning.
The Power of Imagination
Reading, above all else, is the ultimate gateway to nurturing imagination. When children read, they transport themselves to different worlds, conjuring up images of distant lands and intriguing characters. Stories resonate with real-life situations, expanding their horizons and building background knowledge. Reading empowers children to connect these stories with their own experiences, other books they’ve read, and current events, fostering a richer, more vivid imagination.
As we empower our children to pursue their dreams, we sow the seeds of a brighter future. Each day, we witness the transformation of young minds into confident, imaginative individuals unafraid to chase their dreams. It’s a journey that begins with questions and curiosity, blossoms through creativity and choice, and flourishes with the power of imagination. And as we guide our children on this path, we can rest assured that the future holds limitless possibilities, waiting to be explored by these young dreamers.
About
Cheryl Olsten is the former publisher of two New Jersey magazines, New Jersey Life and New Jersey Health and Beauty. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband. Her role as a children’s author marks the culmination of her background in visual arts and communication. This path has led her to a fulfilling place: creating cherished stories for children, particularly through picture books. Her passion for storytelling and collaboration with skilled illustrators breathe life into her narratives. Mimi and the Gold Baton, her second book, exemplifies her commitment to themes of resilience, unwavering determination and heartwarming conclusions.
