Minaret Academy, Anaheim

The dynamics of a Montessori Classroom lies in the co-existence of harmony and peace. Love is universal. At Minaret Academy, this love for a child is unconditional yet its functions have conditions. The teachers in a Montessori Program understand the child’s inner need for success. As adults, we respect the child who has the need to develop and those who need solace. Most of all, we respect the child who cries out to us in rebellion. These are examples of a child’s developmental stages. Just as a butterfly evolves from a mere caterpillar, the child is not only forming his intelligence and physique but building his character as well. By Montessori standards this process is referred to as “the will: to do or not to do. To comply or not to comply.” The butterfly goes through a metamorphosis completing its term. When the butterfly first emerges from the cocoon, it cannot fly immediately. Why? Because its wings are wet therefore it must be protected until they dry and fly away. What would happen to the butterfly if the insect was “helped” with too much human interaction? The weakened wings may become injured and adhere their ability to fly. This is exactly what happens to a child’s psyche when it is stressed out with pressure from adults or peers. A Montessori teacher must ensure an organized, spacious and stimulating learning environment so they can observe the child’s flight into endless discoveries.