Hello there, everyone! I'm Cynthia, and I'm pleased to share a glimpse into my world and what truly resonates with me.
I wear the hat of a Montessori Guide with a sense of pride, but before that, I was a Year 1 teacher. I had a wonderful classroom, delightful students, and incredibly supportive parents. However, there were some aspects that left me pondering.
It became evident that some of my young learners were firmly situated in what experts like Piaget term the 'pre-operational' stage of cognitive development. Meanwhile, others seemed to be navigating the transition between stages. All was well until we encountered abstract concepts, which highlighted a significant gap in their learning journey.
Now, I've been acquainted with Montessori since childhood, even attempting to delve into 'The Secret of Childhood' at the tender age of 12, although I must admit, it didn't quite capture my interest back then.
As my teaching career progressed, I gained a solid understanding of Dr. Montessori's planes of development – the first plane, the second plane, and so on. Recognising the need to create a classroom that aligned with children's development, I made the decision to pursue Montessori training. Initially, I was prepared for the 3-6 age group, but life led me to a 0-3 training due to travel commitments and other professional responsibilities.
My Assistant-to-Infancy training proved to be a perfect match, particularly given my background in developmental psychology. Picture a group of contented toddlers, supported by their parents, within the nurturing environment of a charming school. Year after year, I had the privilege of witnessing these young explorers flourish, engaging wholeheartedly and evolving beautifully. My time in the classroom was indeed successful, with only a few minor hiccups.
Yet, there remained a pressing concern – well-being. I soon realised that I wasn't alone in grappling with this issue, as fellow guides, teachers, and parents around the world faced similar challenges. Through research and conversations with educators from various backgrounds, I embarked on a well-being journey.
And now, dear friends, I have embarked on a new chapter. I've recently undertaken training in educational psychotherapy with the hope of supporting children who face emotional barriers to learning. It's a new and exciting path that I'm eager to explore, and I look forward to sharing more stories from this part of my journey with you.
So, here's to holistic development, well-being, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child to thrive in their own unique way. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and stay tuned for what's to come!
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