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Seated: Mitch Rolewicz. Left to right: Lillian Escobedo, Ella
May Burton, James Rolewicz, Diane Tomczak. [click on
picture for larger image]
 The Montessori Children's House located at 406 Keokuk St., across
from the Lincoln College campus, is far from a traditional preschool
educational facility. Here, students ages 3 through 6 are given
opportunities for learning that have made the Montessori method of
education renown throughout the United States, and the world.
The school day for the students starts out with the Pledge of
Allegiance, which is then followed by a patriotic song. The class
then discusses what they want to accomplish that day, and they move
on to their projects.
Bethany Vickers is a 30-year Montessori teacher and the founder
of the Lincoln location. As she explained the philosophy of the
program, the students quietly went about their separate tasks. There
is learning as a group, but then there is always ample time left for
the children to work on their own projects by themselves, she said.
The classroom, as it were, is far from conventional. Carpeted,
with large picture windows showcasing the college campus outside,
the work area is more like an expansive living room than a classic
preschool room. The children work at various locations while subtle
music plays in the background. A gas-lit fireplace warming the room
also told an observer this isn't what one would consider a
conventional learning environment.
Students seemed engrossed in their work, rarely looking up to see
who was here today talking to their teacher. They were too busy to
be distracted, only breaking their concentration when they had their
project's answers written down for their teacher to check and to
receive encouragement for their efforts. Often, after the solution
had been checked by Ms. Vickers, a student would then say they
wished to now work on their geography project or math or something
else that intrigued them. And always, Ms. Vickers would tell them
that would be fine.
"It's important to let a child use their own curiosity to learn,"
she said. "I don't hover over them. I am here to help and give them
encouragement. What a child really is saying is, ‘Help me do this by
myself.' That is what I am here for -- to help them gain their
self-esteem by learning how to learn for themselves. The Montessori
method is based on allowing a child to use their natural enthusiasm
and inquisitiveness to create an interesting and enjoyable learning
environment."
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 This philosophy was initiated by the Montessori founder, Maria
Montessori. A noted Italian physician and educator, Montessori
developed this method of teaching a full century ago and explained
her understanding of education when she said, "I studied my
children, and they taught me how to teach them." It is this same
basic principle that is an active element of every Montessori
location. Of course there is always plenty of support from their
teacher, but she is there more as a mentor and a guide than as a
lecturer.
The curriculum is also not something most early age children
would be introduced to. Cursive writing, foreign languages, the
ability to read and write, geography, basic math, as well as an
appreciation for the arts and music are all part of a student's day
at the Montessori location. Hands-on learning materials give a child
a more visual understanding of lessons.
There are also lessons given on "practical life," such as how to
peel an apple and sew.
Vickers, a former Miami, Fla., resident, operated a large
Montessori House in that area until her recent retirement, turning
the school over to her twin daughters. When asked why she came to
Lincoln to establish a new Montessori Children's House, her answer
was quite simple. "As I child I would come to Lincoln to spend
summers with my grandparents on my mother's side. I recall never
wanting to go home." It is this passion for her vocation as well as
a distinct fondness for our area that caused Vickers to open the
Lincoln Montessori Children's House last year.
Although there are currently seven children enrolled in the
program for 3- to 6-year-olds, Vickers plans to expand the school to
include first through third grade in the near future.
[By MIKE FAK]
Readers can find more of Mike Fak's writing at
www.searchwarp.com
and www.problogs.com.
Note:
The Montessori Children's House at 406 Keokuk St. in Lincoln,
established by 30-year Montessori educator Bethany Vickers, will
celebrate its first anniversary on Monday. An internationally
renowned Montessori educator, Dr. Feland Meadows, will be on hand
for an open house at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and
learn more about the Montessori method of learning.
Parents wishing more information about this event as well as
those having other questions about the Montessori education method
can contact Bethany Vickers at 217-737-1463.
Additional information can also be found at
www.lincolnilmontessori.org. |
