I have been asked a lot recently 'what is Montessori, what does it actually mean in the classroom?' I have a lot of different answers and I sometimes struggle to put it all into focus. If I could express Montessori in just one way, what would it be?
This can to a head after a frustrating day of trying to enable others to see my vision of Montessori; I found myself unable to truly explain it, and I was feeling exhausted. I sat down and instead of switching on the TV or picking up a book, I picked up a pen instead. Something I had not done in far, far too long. Inspiration arrived and I quickly scribbled out this poem which for me truly encompasses the true message of Montessori: Follow the Child.

Let's follow the child today, in every single way

Let's follow the child today, that’s what Maria would say.

Let’s stop looking up on the shelves

Making curriculum and planning it for ourselves

Let’s stop looking up, at diplomas on the wall

Dreaming of big awards and standing tall

Let’s look down instead, let our feet guide

Look for the child, and the fragile heart inside

What does this child need from me today?

How can I serve, and guide them the right way?

Not what lessons or knowledge to impart

That’s not why I’m here; instead, I’ll follow their heart

I'll follow their lead but stay one step ahead

Ready to catch them if they fall or set them free to fly instead

I’m here for them, not leading tall

But stooping down to follow one so small

I’m following the child; I will find their new trail

I will see where they lead and trust they won’t fail

Trust that it will be the best, as they know what they need

I’m following the child; it’s the only way I’ll succeed.

Michelle Kemp

30-July-2018

For me, this was truly an inspirational moment as I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I realized that not only did I need to write more, purely for myself and to relax, but I also need to have faith that my vision of Montessori is possible and that I can achieve it if I just stay true to my beliefs.