The parental role is at the heart of a child’s development in Montessori education. Wholesome parenting includes traits of being an advocate, providing a safe and secure environment, being a nurturer as well as a disciplinarian, a provider, a friend, a cheer leader, being spiritually attuned, being a mentor and a role model. Wholesome parenting works hand in hand with the Montessori educational approach such that the school is an extension of the home. The symbiotic relationship between the home and the school must be underscored as one informs the other and together they forge the development of the child.
Little Lea encourages parents to become a collaborative partner in the learning community. Parents participate in school community meetings, school-wide events, birthday celebrations, holiday observances, mom’s and dad’s days celebrations, etc. Such partnership helps parents gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of their child’s progress and their prensence contributes to the socialization dynamics of the community.
The family is a unique world for children. Parents are the primary educators not only in the early formative years, but throughout their lives. It goes without saying that parents live to rear, support and guide their children, and to be a buffer against any ups and downs. They lay the foundation for the child’s environment, social well-being and learning. Hence, the parent/teacher partnership helps the child mature holistically and become fully self-reliant.
Little Lea Montessori School facilities gatherings and events in which parents are involved with their child. Recently, we organized a Thanksgiving celebration event for parents. Parents were invited to join in the children’s observance of the holiday and participate in the meaning of the event. The children had the opportunity to show case their work and share their daily learning experiences with parents. The children enjoyed special snacks and performed a brief program for their parents. We feel that such collaboration lays important building blocks for the development of the child.
Little Lea Montessori School 