When I first observed in a Montessori toddler classroom, I was in awe.
Children, as young as two years old, were handling glass plates and cups by themselves, they were engaged in solo activities, unaided by an adult, and were able to meet many of their basic human needs.
The adults were either working with individuals or observing in the corner of the room.
My jaw was on the floor because this reality was in contrast to our cultural view of a toddler who is characterized by the phrase, “the terrible twos.”
My podcast guest, Beven Barnhart, had the same sense of awe when he observed a toddler classroom as a floater in a Montessori school. It was at that moment that he saw something special about an environment that affords young people such trust, independence, and responsibility.
Beven and I have been friends and colleagues for many years. In fact, our conversations on the playground many years ago were part of the inspiration to start this podcast, because I wished I could go back and listen to our collective insights over again!
Beven is not only a Montessori elementary guide, but perhaps one of the best currently teaching. When observing his class, it’s nearly impossible to find him, yet his environment is buzzing with self-directed, meaningful activity by all of his students.
In this episode, we dig into the importance of spiritual preparation for adults working with young people in order to combat the societal norms that prevent us from allowing students the independence they deserve.
We also dig into the topic of standardized testing in Montessori schools, with a controversial conclusion. We are hoping to make folks uncomfortable so as to invite them to examine their own practices.
When education is based on human development, and when adult guides get out of the way and allow students to own their learning, incredible outcomes are possible, both for the school community and our broader society.
My conversation with Beven is one not to be missed!
Happy New Year!
I have a lot of great podcasts lined up for 2025, so stay tuned for an exciting lineup! As we come into a new year, and if this work resonated with you during 2024, I invite you to consider becoming a paid or free subscriber. It is a great way to support this work so I can continue to bring thoughtful interviews and blogs to you all in the new year!
Breaking the Paradigm is a division of Developing Education, which is on a mission to transform education globally to foster human development and flourishing for all people.
First Intention: Curriculum and pedagogy support for Montessori adolescent practitioners, specifically with math and language across the prepared environment.
The Enlightened Educator Project: Supporting educators with mindfulness and resiliency through professional development and downloadable resources.
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