We have done everything for children, will bear fruit, not only affect his life, also decided his life.
——Maria Montessori

I. MSS Cultivates Children’s “Spontaneous Enthusiasm” for Life

Siblings Katie and Kevin are both senior alumni of MSS. Currently, they are in 11th and 10th grade, respectively, at Harvard Westlake High School in California, USA.

They joined the MSS family in the first year of its establishment at Xuhui Campus when Katie was only 18 months old and Kevin was 19 months old.

According to their mom, Helen, they attended an open day event at MSS out of curiosity, but to their surprise, the children immediately fell in love with it. “The MSS environment made Katie feel comfortable, and she naturally started playing with other children on the playground,” Helen said. The children’s natural behavior convinced Helen to choose MSS, and thus began their bond with MSS.

Speaking of MSS’s influence on her children’s characteristics and moral development, Helen believes that the Montessori environment teaches children about love and acceptance, and the mixed-age environment helps them learn to care for younger ones. Even now, Katie and Kevin show sincere love and care for others, especially for young children and those in need.

Both Katie and Kevin have been learning to play the piano since they were young. Recently, they started volunteering at a nursing home, playing piano music for the elderly as a way of community service, which they believe is meaningful and valuable.

In addition, both children have always had a spontaneous enthusiasm for Montessori work.

“I remember when they were young, they were eager to go to MSS, literally every day. Even during summer vacation, they would cry and insist on going back to school because they were so happy with their daily lives,” Helen said.

This influence has continued to the present. “Now, when it comes to their own matters, whether daily trifles or academic work, they are more than willing to complete them independently because they consider them their own responsibilities.”

Helen basically has nothing to about her children’s lives and studies. “They have strong self-management and self-discipline, and we as parents don’t need to push them. They naturally complete their tasks and take responsibility for themselves. I think MSS education has been very helpful in internalizing these characteristics in them.”

Although Montessori work may sometimes seem quiet, Katie and Kevin have experienced its infinite charm. Life at MSS is an osmosis process. MSS strives to provide everything children interested in, and the teachers quietly observe the children without disturbing or being overly permissive. When a child is engaged in an “important” activity, they will reamin quiet and content. This sense of self-satisfaction becomes an asset for the children.

II. MSS Provides Children with Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities

Many parents worry that their children may have difficulty developing good study habits when transitioning from kindergarten to primary school or even higher grades. Helen on the other hand, believes that her children adapted very quickly and did not face any difficulties in this regard. She attributes their outstanding abilities in learning to Montessori education.

“They find it relatively easy to absorb new things or knowledge, and these will not make them stressed or resistant. They will try best to learn and adapt to new changes and challenges,” Helen mentioned.

“They can quickly understand the underlying principles of new things. For example, although MSS does not have specific subjects like science, once they entered higher grades, they naturally grasped and understood science-related knowledge. We have never arranged any additional tutoring for them.”

Currently, Katie and Kevin both have a strong interest in subjects like mathematics and chemistry. They approach their studies with enthusiasm, demonstrating flexible and open-minded thinking. They exhibit a keen interest in various subjects, maintain focus, and possess the ability to apply knowledge and understand new principles effectively. This natural absorption and integration of knowledge are the result of their learning experiences.

Take the cultural area in MSS as an example. The Montessori classroom encompasses a vast world of subjects such as astronomy, geography, history, science, animals, plants, music, art, and more. MSS does not rely on textbooks or rote learning because Montessori education goes beyond the boundaries of individual subjects. By incorporating interdisciplinary knowledge inputs and outputs, MSS stimulates children’s passion for learning and fosters an exploratory spirit. Such a learning approach has a profound and lasting impact on children’s lives.

III. Valuable Characteristics of Confidence and Resilience

Since the age of five, Kevin has been playing soccer, both as a member of the school team and in extracurricular club competitions. Recently, his school team won the championship, a monument achievement for the school after 25 years.

Katie, on the other hand, has been practicing ballet for dozen hours a week since she was five. Besides, she proactively participates in the work of her school club. The yearbook, for example, is the group work she has never missed, which involves cooperation, coordination, collecting of materials and ultimately the completion of yearbook. These pursuits challenge her but also bring excitement and joy. From our conversations with them, it is evident that both children demonstrate dedication, perseverance and strong confidence in their interests.

In the eyes of Helen, MSS has shaped her children into individuals characterized by confidence and resilience.

She believes that they are equipped with determination in their actions and demonstrate resilience in their approach to learning.

And Helen has no concerns on her children when they encounter difficulties.

“They persist in finding solutions. They will take time to explore and remain patient. Of course, they will not hesitate seeking guidance from teachers and parents when necessary. Most of the time, they can handle situations calmly and not prone to giving up.”

IV. Inner Fulfillment Springs from the Loving Environment of MSS

Children are always the priority of MSS. The Montessori philosophy aims to provide children with a nurturing, inclusive, open, and respectful environment, helping them become more confident and internally fulfilled.

When talking about philosophies that she appreciates the most, Helen emphasizes “respecting and believing in children”:

“From an early age, MSS views children as independent individuals, showing them respect and treating them accordingly. Teachers give them ample space for growth and believe in their own potential. Such education principles foster increased self-confidence. Whether it’s teamwork or interaction with others, they can demonstrate respect and inclusiveness, and understand others by putting themselves in their shoes. They comprehend the meaning of independence and better know the value of helping others.”

“The most remarkable thing is,” Helen added,

“The children understand the importance of appreciating others. As each person is unique and individual, they can grasp and appreciate the differences between others and themselves, while also being able to appreciate and encourage themselves. In new environments and future encounters, we will come across a variety of people. So, it is crucial to know how to perceive others and themselves.”

A Few Words at Last

Through conversations with the two children and Helen, we can perceive the sibling’s serenity and spiritual fulfillment, as well as Helen’s calm and trust as a parent. By conveying equality, respect, acceptance, and appreciation to children and helping them grow incrementally, this attitude truly embodies the Montessori philosophy.