Montessori Magic

On March 7, 2014, I was able to visit the Cowles Montessori School in Windsor Heights, Iowa.  I specifically came to observe the classroom of Heather Anderson, the 2014 ISEA Excellence in Education Award recipient.  Heather is a passionate instructor of grades 1-3 whose love of learning is evident in all corners of her room.  While there, I also visited a kindergarten classroom, another primary classroom, and a middle school classroom.


The minute you walk into Cowles, you sense that this is a very special place.  A portrait of Maria Montessori welcomes you to the office area.  You will find the vision of this school posted: "Cowles Kids...respect each other, respect this place, and expect the best."  The feeling of that vision  permeates the hallways and is found nestled in the rooms of this wonderful building.  "The child is both a hope and promise for mankind" is the phrase that greets those who enter Cowles.  This belief is evident by the peacefulness and respect generated by both students and staff.


As a middle school teacher in a more traditional setting, it was a wonderful experience to watch the student engagement and their ownership for their learning.  The primary classrooms are center-based with many manipulatives for learning in all academic areas.  I observed both math and grammar work as students used hands-on materials to solidify their learning of concepts.  Students were self-directed in every classroom, and it was evident that each person who is part of this school - students, staff, and parents - find Cowles to be a very special place to grow and learn.

Montessori education is an educational approach founded by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator.  The American Montessori Society emphasizes several principles of learning including:

• Mixed age classrooms
• Student choice of activities among prescribed options
• A discovery or "constructivist" model where students learn from discovery rather than direct instruction
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time
• Freedom of movement within the classroom

I enjoyed my first visit to a Montessori school and hope it won't be my last!  Many thanks to the staff and students of Cowles who graciously welcomed me into their world of learning.