Unique Learners!
Teachers, we have much to learn from the students…
Over the years I have had the privilege of working with many types of learners and students. One size does not fit all. That is why I enjoy working at Escuela Tlatelolco. I am given the freedom and opportunity to nurture students from my heart. Montessori Education is the perfect vehicle in which to work with unique learners.
Children must grow not only in the body but in the spirit, and the mother longs to follow the mysterious spiritual journey of the beloved; one who to-morrow will be the intelligent, divine creation, man. – Maria Montessori
Guest Speakers
Recently I had the great fortune of having one of my previous students revisit as a guest speaker to a parent meeting. When this student was in my class as a 1st grader, I was merely in my second year of teaching. He is now about to graduate from high school… Staggering!
Unique Opportunty
One thing that really stood out about this student was his ability to focus on the same task for hours, as long as he liked what he was doing. Here in lies the opportunity for learning. As teachers we often times fixate on what we think the student should be learning or force them to do it our way. As a Montessori teacher I was trained to view the student more as a teacher. Javier was one such student. He quickly became my teacher on many levels. His math skills were 2 years beyond grade level, he had a hard time staying in his seat, and his curiosity was insatiable. With the help of his parents, we were able to tailor a learning plan to fit his needs.
Challenges
Unique learners aren’t always understood-in fact in the vast majority, unique learners are misunderstood and go through many hardships during their school years. In this video Javier describes some of the challenges he faced during school years…
(upload video here)
Ways to Be a Better Teacher
As Javier says, learn from your students. Learn from your and their mistakes. If you need a hand, ask. We just have to make sure that we are not projecting our own reality or perceptions on to our students. Our guidance is what they will remember for a lifetime.
Coaching
It is my passion to help students and teachers create the best learning experience possible. Please let me know if you would like to talk to me about how I can serve you.
I can be reached at 720-314-0616, or neenaexpressions@gmail.com